Vauxhall Unveils All-New Astra

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Thu, 14 May 2009

Vauxhall has released first details of its all-new sixth generation Astra, set to debut at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

The latest version of the popular car has been designed by Mark Adams, the British designer responsible for last year's Vauxhall Insignia .

Similarities between the two are evident in the design, with the Astra featuring similar front-end styling and heavily sculpted sides.

"We're continuing with the same premium design cues as the Insignia, inside and out of the car," said Mark Adams, vice president of GM Europe Design.

The new Astra will be available from launch with the choice of four petrol and four diesel engines, including an all-new low emission 1.4, 153bhp turbocharged petrol unit. The other petrol engines range between 99bhp and 178bhp, while the diesel units offer between 94bhp and 158bhp.

Vauxhall's FlexRide suspension system will be offered as an option for the hatchback . The adaptive ride system works by adjusting the suspension and throttle to suit a choice of Normal, Comfort and Sport settings.

The car also gets an all-new chassis and Vauxhall has promised big improvements in packaging, seat design and cabin storage to its predecessor.

Vauxhall is yet to confirm pricing for the all-new Astra, but insiders expect entry-level models to be priced at around £13,000 when they hit UK showrooms in December.

The five-door model will be the first of a new generation of Astras to go on sale, followed by an estate next year and a three-door model at a later date.