New Vauxhall Astra makes Frankfurt debut

It’s less than a week since Vauxhall’s new owners were officially announced, and already they have a potential winner on their hands with the all-new Vauxhall Astra.

The British-built Astra looks fantastic in the flesh, blending the suave looks of the Vauxhall Insignia, with the angular line of the current Astra.

It certainly suits big wheels – all the show cars were shod with 17 or 18-inch alloys, but it’s unclear if the 16-inch-clad entry-level model will look as tasty.

Gallery: click below to view images of the new Vauxhall Astra

While the contemporary looks please, it’s the cabin that really impresses. Its design borrows heavily from the Insignia, with a similar centre console, steering wheel and instrument cluster. But there’s no comparison over the dated cabin of the current model.

Vauxhall bosses were quick to describe the cabin as something that “radiates quality”. It’s easy to think of this as PR spin, but they’re really on to something. Buyers thinking the Focus’ interior is a bit dull should definitely check out the Astra.

It’ll be available as a five-door when it goes on sale in December, but an estate and Sport Hatch three-door will follow later.

The Astra has a longer wheelbase and a wider track than the outgoing car, something which Vauxhall claims will give the car class-leading ride and handling qualities.

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There’s no news on a VXR hot hatch, but there will be a 109g/km eco version that’ll return 67mpg, and Vauxhall are working on even greener models, which will take emissions to 99g/km. There’ll be a 98g/km Corsa too.

It will come with a host of techy bits, including the Flexride electronic damper control which allows the driver to optimise the ride/handling balance, and adaptive headlights which can move in nine different ways, depending on speed and angle of steer. The seats were singled out for a mention as being given the “backing” (no pun intended) of Germany’s leading back-pain experts.

We sat behind the wheel, and it’s certainly spacious, with good visibility, bags of space for the driver and a very comfortable seating position. We’re driving it next month, so stay tuned for the full verdict.

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Its good news for Britain too – the car will be built at Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, guaranteeing the future of jobs in the area. The Astra is vital for Vauxhall and Opel in Europe – almost 100,000 were sold in the UK alone, a market which makes up 30 per cent of sales across the continent.

Vauxhall has also announced the prices at Frankfurt. The new Astra will start at £15,675, just £270 more than the current model and will offer air-con, ESP, alloy wheels and an MP3-compatible stereo as standard.

Engine choices include: 1.4, 1.4 turbo, 1.6 and 1.6 turbo petrol engines and 1.7 and 2-litre diesels, while trim levels comprise of Exclusiv, S, SRi, SE and Elite.

Elsewhere on the stand, Vauxhall announced the Ampera electric car. It looks wonderful, and will travel up to 36 miles on electricity alone, when a small engine will kick in, giving the car a range of 300 miles. It’s another car that’ll be built at Ellesmere and it promises to be quite unlike any other car currently on sale.

Video: the new Vauxhall Astra