Vauxhall celebrates three world premieres at IAA Frankfurt
All-new Corsa debuts with Vauxhall’s firstever all-electric version: Corsa-e 300hp and AWD: new Grandland X Hybrid4 tops Vauxhall’s SUV range Most fuel-efficient Astra ever also makes its first public appearance
Vauxhall will debut three new models at the 2019 IAA Frankfurt International Motor Show (press days: 10th and 11th September; public days: 12th to 22nd September) including Corsa, Grandland X Hybrid4 and Astra. The Lutonbuilt Vivaro Life will also feature on stand D31 in Hall 11.0.
Corsa-e
The Vauxhall Corsa, one of Britain’s best known and most popular cars, is going electric, and is making its first public appearance at the IAA.
Known as the Corsa-e, the fullyelectric car is the flag-bearer for a completely new Corsa range, based on Vauxhall’s advanced, CMP Multi-Energy Platform. With 136PS from its 50kWh battery and acceleration from 062mph in just 8.1 seconds, the Corsa-e’s punchy performance will appeal to a broad range of drivers who may not have previously considered an electric car.
And with a generous range, using the new, more stringent WLTP test, of 205 miles, the Corsa-e will aim to normalise electric car ownership, as you’d expect from a car wearing such a familiar badge. That range is easily accessible, too: using a public fast-charger, the Corsa-e can be charged to 80 per cent of its capacity in just 30 minutes.
Vauxhall is also making ownership easily accessible. A £500 reservation fee (fully refundable on purchase) is all that’s needed to secure an order on a Corsa-e. And to celebrate the new model’s launch in the UK, the first 500 customers to place a reservation will receive a free home charging kit when they take delivery of their Corsa-e.
Corsa
Vauxhall’s all-new fifth generation Corsa is also available with a range of high efficiency petrol and diesel powertrains.
Arriving in Vauxhall showrooms in January, the new Corsa has undergone a complete overhaul, with every engine variant of the new model emitting less CO2 than even the most efficient versions in the current Corsa. All powertrain options offer reduced fuel consumption, flexibility and refinement, while maintaining the same lively performance and fun driving experience.
Vauxhall’s all-new Corsa has achieved a significant weight loss, with the new model weighing in from just 980kg. Thanks to its lightweight design, the new Corsa weighs up to 108kg less than the outgoing model. This means that every new Corsa benefits from improved performance and handling, and increased efficiency, whether it’s powered by an electric motor or conventional engine. Despite losing around ten per cent of its weight, the Corsa retains similar dimensions to the outgoing model at 4.06m with five doors as standard.
The all-new Corsa offers numerous assistance systems, such as front collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, intelligent speed control and limiter, lane keep assist and traffic sign recognition. A range of new infotainment systems made up of Multimedia Radio, Multimedia Navi with 7.0-inch colour touchscreen and the top-of-the-line Multimedia Navi Pro with 10.0inch colour touch screen. The new telematics service, Vauxhall Connect, is available in the allnew Corsa range.
Grandland X Hybrid4
Arriving in showrooms in January, the second world premiere is the new Grandland X Hybrid4, Vauxhall’s first-ever plug-in hybrid.
Featuring state-of-the-art plugin hybrid technology, the powertrain comprises an electric drive system with two electric motors, all-wheel drive, a 13.2kWh lithium-ion battery and a 1.6T four-cylinder petrol engine (combined 300hp) that has been specially engineered for the hybrid application.
Together, the Euro 6d-TEMP-compliant petrol engine and electric motors produce up to 300hp, and offer a combined fuel consumption (WLTP) of 166mpg, emitting just 36g/km CO2. The Grandland X Hybrid4 achieves 062 mph in just 6.1 seconds.
The front electric motor is coupled to an electrified eight-speed automatic transmission, while the second motor and differential are integrated into the electrically-powered rear axle, providing allwheel traction on demand.
The Grandland X Hybrid4 offers four driving modes – electric, hybrid, AWD and Sport. In pure electric mode, the car has a range of 32 miles (according to WLTP). In hybrid mode, the car automatically selects the most efficient method of propulsion. When
travelling at low speeds within cities, for example, the system switches to electric mode for zero-emission driving.
Astra
Completing the hat trick of world debuts is the new Astra. Available in hatchback and sports tourer body styles, it features a refreshed exterior design, a brand-new range of fuel-efficient powertrains and the latest technology. With over three million Astras already sold in the UK over the last 40 years, the new Astra follows the long legacy of one of the country’s top-selling and best-loved cars.
Building on the strengths of the outgoing Astra, the design of the new Astra remains thoroughly modern and attractive. Vauxhall has also refined details such as the front grille and front bumper design, and added LED headlamps on higher trim levels to provide a fresher appearance and lower CO2.
An impressive drag coefficient of 0.26 makes the Astra hatchback the most aerodynamic car in its class, while reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions even further. Thanks to innovative engineering, airflow has been improved and turbulence reduced.
The new Astra features an impressive range of all-new powertrains, comprised of three-cylinder, turbocharged petrol and diesel engines with start/stop systems. Setting the standard for fuel economy and low emissions, these engines offer CO2 reductions of up to 21 per cent versus the outgoing model. All of the new engines are compliant with Euro 6d (6.3) and RDE 2.
Astra customers are presented with a whole suite of top-of-therange technology, including the smarter, faster and more intuitive Multimedia Radio, Multimedia Navi and Multimedia Navi Pro systems. The systems offer optimum levels of comfort and connectivity, and are compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Vivaro Life
Last but by no means least, the British-built Vivaro Life will also feature on stand at Frankfurt. The Vivaro Life is available to order now in two trims: the stylish and well-appointed Elite and the multi-purpose Edition version.
With space for up to eight occupants, the Vivaro Life Elite has plenty of load space for luggage and a raft of innovative technology. Initially offered as a diesel but with a pure electric version announced for 2020, this is another milestone on the journey to electrifying the Vauxhall brand.
The exterior design perfectly encapsulates Vauxhall’s new design language. It cleverly blends purity and boldness but is a practical people carrier, too. The interior design is opulent, wellappointed, and focused on comfort and enjoyment.
The driver enjoys a commanding position and features like ergonomic, electrically-operated heated front seats with massage facility and panoramic roof, making it the ultimate luxury lounge on wheels. Vivaro Life Elite also has an array of smart technology such as an intuitive 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and smart navigation system. Vauxhall Connect and panoramic rear-view camera are also included.
Vivaro Life Elite is a versatile yet sophisticated people carrier, with enough space for the whole family and more. It is engineered to be totally flexible. A fiveseater configuration is standard but the customer can option the third row to make it an eightseater. There is also a second row option of two individual seats which then enables a seven-seater layout. The two individual seats swivel and can either face forward or be rotated for face-to-face conference seating. There is also an optional centre table.
New Vivaro Life Elite features practical innovation and affordable advanced technology.
Elite features a range of state-ofthe-art driver assistance and safety features. Standard specification on Elite includes keyless open and start, xenon headlights, head-up display, blind spot alert and 180° rear parking camera. Additional safety features are grouped together and are available in options packs, making it easier to add the level of security needed.
Located above the second row of seats, Elite features a stunning panoramic roof to let the light in, and transform the atmosphere of the cabin. When day turns to night, there are sliding blinds so passengers can recline and relax. Elite also has dual electric sliding doors for getting in and out of the rear cabin, with intelligent sensors that give hands-free access. There is also a split tailgate with a handy opening rear window for quick and easy access to luggage space.
Elite also features Vauxhall Connect. Initially this enables ecall with automatic emergency response but more connectivity is to follow.