Vauxhall Astra facelift
Evergreen family car gets a mid-life nip and tuck
THE Vauxhall Astra has been given a mid-life makeover, with new engines, technology and a subtle update to its looks.
In fact you’ll struggle to spot the revisions on the latest model. The interior remains unchanged, while the only real difference outside is at the front, where tweaked upper and lower grille designs contribute towards a slightly more aerodynamic profile.
As a product born during Vauxhall’s time with General Motors, the updates under the skin aren’t straight carryovers from owner Peugeot-Citroen Group (PSA).
Petrol power comes from three-cylinder turbo units in 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre sizes. The 1.2, despite being the same capacity as PSA’s PureTech engine, is a Vauxhall/Opel development. It’s offered in three states of tune, all with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. The base version develops 108bhp and 195Nm of torque, with 128bhp and 143bhp options available, too.
Fuel figures for the top and bottom units have yet to be announced, but Vauxhall claims that the 128bhp version is capable of 51.4mpg, with CO2 emissions of 127g/km under the latest WLTP tests. Its maximum torque is delivered low down the rev band, between 2,000 and 3,500rpm.
As with the most powerful 1.2-litre petrol, the 1.4-litre motor develops 143bhp, but torque creeps up to 236Nm and a CVT transmission with seven ‘false ratios’ is fitted as standard. Maximum torque is available from 1,500rpm.
Diesel power comes from a new 1.5-litre unit that features electronic turbocharging and develops 104bhp and 260Nm in its most basic state of tune. A more powerful, 120bhp and 300Nm version of the engine is also available; Vauxhall claims that it is capable of 60.1mpg and it emits 124g/km of CO2 under WLTP. Both engines come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, while a nine-speed auto is available with the more powerful motor.
Tech updates on board the Vauxhall include updated infotainment, digital dials, wireless smartphone charging and updated front and rear cameras. A heated windscreen is now available, too.
The facelifted Astra will go on sale in the UK in August, with first customer deliveries scheduled for November.