Inside story on new Astra

Friday, August 22, 2003

New Astra goes on sale next spring

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Vauxhall has opened the door on the interior of its new Astra hatchback, which goes on sale next May.

Although we haven’t yet taken exact measurements, the cabin feels roomy and features an adaptable 40/20/40 split/fold rear seat.

The most striking feature of the cabin is a dramatic ‘crease’ which runs from the front of the car along the bonnet and into the interior, dividing the centre console in two.

A 6.5-inch screen shows details such as time, date and radio station and houses the sat-nav display on higher-spec variants. The interior shown here features the optional Easytronic transmission which can operate as an automatic, but allows manual gear selection by nudging the lever forward or back.

The five-door version of the new Astra should cost from around £11,500 when it arrives next spring. Estate models arrive by the end of 2004 and will ride on a stretched version of the hatch platform.

Initially there should be a choice of eight engines, including five petrol and three diesel units. Capacities vary from 1.4- to 2.0-litres, and power outputs from 80bhp up to a storming 200bhp.

Vauxhall is still deciding whether this most powerful engine should be reserved for the three-door model. Arriving in the spring of 2005, this version is set to closely follow the lines of the GTC concept which was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year.