TURBO SPEED CAR

The estate will use the same engine line-up as the five-door hatch, which means a petrol range stretching from a 1.4-liter naturally aspirated four-pot up to a 180 horsepower 1.6-liter turbo, and a comprehensive diesel range that tops out with a 160HP 2.0-liter CDTi.

The Opel (Vauxhall in Britain) should arrive in European showrooms towards the end of summer.

he Electronic Stability Control (ESC) including Traction Control (TC) is also fitted as standard across the range offering a high level of active safety. The ESC yaw sensor in the centre of the car detects movement around the vertical axis, and a sensor on the steering column measures the steering angle being applied. Inputs from these sources are then correlated with the speed of the car. The system is programmed to execute whatever actions will most effectively prevent the onset of a loss of control. Depending upon the driving situation, it is possible for braking to be applied via the ESC system to one, two or three wheels at once, or, if necessary, the electronic throttle opening is also reduced.

Other braking functions under ESC direction are:

* Cornering Brake Control (CBC) is activated when the car is braking while cornering. Brake pressure is individually varied between all four wheels in order to keep the car perfectly stable.
* Cornering Torque Control (CTC) prevents the inner wheel from slipping when cornering under acceleration. If wheel speed sensors detect the onset of any slippage, the inner wheel is slowed by applying brake pressure, thereby minimising any understeer tendency. As soon as grip is restored, the braking pressure is released.
* Electronic Drag Torque Control (EDC) prevents loss of grip if the driver steps off the throttle or downshifts too quickly.
* Brake Assist System (BAS) is designed to provide the driver with additional braking assistance in an emergency situation.
* Hydraulic Brake Fade Assist (HBFA) automatically raises braking pressure to compensate for brake fade under repeated applications of heavy braking.
* Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) is active when a Vauxhall-approved towing hitch is fitted. TSC counters any vehicle instability that may occur when towing a trailer or caravan by reducing the engine torque and applying brake pressure to selected wheels. ESC engages TSC when any oscillation from the attached trailer is transferred over the hitch point to the vehicle and detected as sufficient to cause instability.

SAFETY, INNOVATION & EQUIPMENT

Vauxhall has played a pioneering role in automotive lighting technology in recent years and its Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL+) is now in its third generation. However, the new Vauxhall Astra will be the first compact class Vauxhall to adopt this (optional) feature, illustrating the premium nature of the car, albeit at Vauxhall’s traditional value price point.

With multi-xenon headlamps, AFL+ can be specified on all new Astras, except S and Exclusiv models, as part of a Premium Forward Lighting Pack. This also includes High Beam Assist, automatic headlight-beam switching, LED daytime running lights and headlamp washers.

AFL+ includes two new functions – Town Light and Adverse Weather Light – and two improved functions – Highway Light and Country Road Light. There are a total of nine functions, each automatically engaged to suit prevailing road profiles and driving conditions:

* Dynamic Curve Light – Illuminates surface around bends; linked with Sport switch in FlexRide
* Country Road Light – Provides brighter and wider illumination of both sides of the roa
* Static Cornering Light – Illuminates area up to 90 degrees to the left and right of car to aid low speed manoeuvres
* Highway Light – Automatically engages at over 60mph to provide a more intense and higher-level main beam
* Town Light – Operates between 20 and 35mph to provide a broader, less intense beam to help drivers see pedestrians at either side of the road
* Pedestrian Area Light – Activated at speeds up to 20mph in areas where drivers must exercise extreme caution, such as pedestrian areas
* Adverse Weather Light – Activated during rain or snow, the left headlamp increases in intensity to pick out lane markers, while the right beam intensity reduces from 35 to 32 Watt’s to avoid blinding oncoming drivers
* High Beam Light – Provides maximum headlight beam and range, with output increasing from 35 to 38 Watt’s
* Automatic headlight beam switching – senses the headlights from oncoming cars and activates dipped/full beam accordingly

Occupant safety

Occupant safety has played a major role in the new Vauxhall Astra’s development, and a comprehensive set of active and passive safety systems are standard an all models.

All Vauxhall Astra variants are fitted with dual-front seat belt pre-tensioners, which provide over the shoulder and across the occupant’s lap. They are pyrotechnically activated to restrain forward body movement in the event of a severe impact.

Other standard safety equipment includes two front airbags, two side airbags and a pair of roof rail-mounted airbags that cover the entire glass area between the A- and C-pillars. Three, three-point seatbelts are provided for rear seat passengers, and the front passenger-side airbag can be de-activated if the seat is occupied by a rear-facing child seat.

Whenever the airbags and pre-tensioners are deployed, a series of additional safety features is activated: the hazard warning lights come on; all doors unlock; the interior lights illuminate; and the heating/ventilation fan and fuel pump are both switched off.

The latest generation active head restraints, developed from those on the Insignia, are fitted as standard to all models, and provide enhanced protection from whiplash injuries if the car suffers a rear-end impact.

Other occupant safety features include:

* Seatbelt reminder – with audible warning. Operates on all five seating positionFront seat frames – with ramps to restrict occupant movement in a frontal impact
* Enhanced Pedal Release System (PRS) – in heavy frontal impacts, clutch and brake pedals are de-coupled to prevent foot and lower leg injuries
* ISOFIX child seat mounts for the outer rear seats, plus seatback-mounted top tether brackets for all rear seating positions
* Height-adjustable rear head restraints (optional for centre position)
* Adaptive brake lights – warn drivers behind by pulsing five times per second if the ABS is engaged above 20mph.

Seat Technology

Vauxhall’s target was to produce best-in-class seating for the new Astra, with special attention paid to comfort, position, range and protection during an accident.

The front seats offer the industry’s best range of adjustment, with fore and aft movement extending to 280mm. The driver’s seat is also adjustable for height by up to 65mm and the steering wheel can also be adjusted for reach and rake, ensuring that drivers of virtually all shapes and sizes will feel comfortable and in control.

Apart from excellent comfort and support, the new Vauxhall Astra’s seats also provide a high level of safety, featuring the latest generation of active head restraints which offer protection against whiplash injuries. High strength steel in the seat frames increases rigidity, but reduces weight, saving up to three kilograms per car.

Shields in the front backrests provide protection against objects from the luggage compartment flying through the cabin, especially if the rear seat is folded down during a rear impact.

The Ergonomic Sports Seats are offered as an option across all trim levels, with either manual or powered lumbar support. The driver’s seat features a six-way adjustment, a four-way adjustment of the lumbar support and an extendable seat cushion.

On SE and SRi models, the Ergonomic Sports Seats are available in leather, together with heating for the front seats. On Elite models, both these features are standard.

Flex-Fix integrated bike carrier

A unique feature in the sector is Vauxhall’s innovative Flex-Fix bike carrier, which will be available as an option across the new Astra range in the near future.

The system, which is integrated with the car’s rear bumper, makes transporting bikes easy and convenient, while eliminating the need to fit a rack on the car’s tow hitch, or lift bikes on to a roof rack.

The FlexFix carrier can accommodate up to two bikes and slides out from the rear bumper like a drawer when a release lever near the boot’s lip is pulled. Maximum weight capacity is 40kgs, and it can accept bikes with wheel sizes up to 28 inches. No fixing tools or special parts are required and, when not in use, FlexFix is pushed back to stow almost invisibly behind the bumper.

FlexFloor – the moveable boot floor

Vauxhall’s FlexFloor, available as an option on S and Exclusiv Astras and standard on all other models, is an adaptable stowage system for a wide range of cargo, from shopping bags to large boxes.

The boot floor is moveable and can be positioned at three levels by engaging ergonomically designed fixing channels near each corner of the boot.

In its highest position, FlexFloor brings the height of the boot floor up to bumper level, making it easy to load and slide in heavy items with minimal effort. In this mode, the system provides a hidden storage compartment beneath the temporary floor.

With FlexFloor in its middle position, the boot floor aligns with the height of the folded rear seat backs, providing a flat-bed cargo area. Underneath, a smaller stowage area is still available for slimmer items, such as clothing and shoes.

In its lowest position, FlexFloor is positioned directly above the boot floor.