Ford Focus rival has been brought into line with Vauxhall’s latest models with overhauled engines and new features
Vauxhall has revealed prices and specification details for its revised Astra, which will be available to order from £18,885 on 1 August.
Launched in 2015, the current Astra is one of the older models in Vauxhall’s line-up, meaning it was designed and engineered under General Motors ownership before the brand was taken over by the PSA Group. It’s not possible to install the French firm’s engines in the car’s platform, so separate units bespoke to the Astra have been brought in.
The overhauled range kicks off with a three-cylinder 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine in 108bhp, 128bhp and 143bhp forms. The first variant makes 143lb ft of torque, while the latter two put out 166lb ft. All are mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and achieve between 51.4mpg and 54.3mpg on the WLTP test cycle.
Also available – and not from the usual PSA stable – is a 1.4-litre three-cylinder also putting out 143bhp, but with torque up to 174lb ft, mated exclusively to a seven-step CVT automatic transmission. The diesels are 1.5-litre units making 103bhp and 119bhp. They come mated to a six-speed manual or new nine-speed automatic gearbox, with the most frugal variant officially getting up to 64.2mpg.
The range opens at £18,885 for SE trim, with a choice of all three engines and transmissions. SE prices rise to £21,985 for a car equipped with a 1.5-litre diesel engine and the nine-speed automatic gearbox.
The Astra hatchback can be specified in six further trim levels, with prices ranging from £19,585 for Business Edition Nav to £29,310 for range-topping Ultimate Nav trim with a 1.5-litre diesel engine and automatic gearbox.
The Astra Sports Tourer estate is available from £20,355 for SE trim with the 1.2-litre petrol engine, rising to £26,920 for a 1.5-litre diesel in SRi Nav trim.
Entry-level trim comes equipped as standard with 16in alloy wheels, a 7.0in infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth, air conditioning, cruise control and tinted windows as standard. Business Edition Nav trim adds an adjustable armrest, while SRi gains a front camera system and 17in wheels.
The list of standard equipment is much longer on pricier models, with sports front seats, LED headlights and an alarm fitted from mid-range SRi Nav upwards. Top-spec Ultimate Nav gains leather seats, a Bose sound system, a heated windscreen, wireless smartphone charging and a parking assist package.
Across the range, there are mild exterior upgrades aimed at improving aerodynamic performance, including a new engine cover, a grille with automatic shutters and “underbody optimisation”.
The interior upgrades are focused on improving available kit rather than visual changes. The three new infotainment systems, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, are said to be smarter, faster and more intuitive.
Safety kit has improved, too, with a new digital front camera allowing greater recognition of hazards and pedestrian detection for the automatic emergency braking system, while the traffic sign recognition system is enhanced.
Deliveries of the revised Ford Focus rival are set to begin in November.
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Source: Autocar
