2016 Astra makes Frankfurt debut ahead of October introduction, priced from £15k
Vauxhall has revealed the new Astra at the Frankfurt Motor Show ahead of the popular hatchback’s arrival in the UK in October.
Sporting a £15,295 starting price, the new model is £150 cheaper than its predecessor, but that’s expected to have little effect on lease rates, which should still average about £175 a month for business customers and £205 a month for personal deals.
Set to debut at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show (September 17-27), the seventh-generation hatchback not only features a fresh exterior in line with the new Corsa, but also a new lightweight vehicle architecture, new engines and new technology.
Up front is a range of petrol and diesel engines with between 99 and 197bhp. According to Vauxhall, a particular highlight is the 1.4-litre Ecotec petrol, which is effectively a four-cylinder version of the three-pot 1.0-litre found in the new Corsa. Boasting 143bhp, the turbocharged engine delivers 250Nm of torque but weighs 10kg less than the incumbent 1.4 turbo.
Other engines on offer will include the 1.0-litre Ecotec engine, which has 104bhp, and the 1.6-litre ‘Whisper Diesel’ range, which comes in various guises with between 109bhp and 158bhp.
The less powerful diesel is expected to dip under the magic 99g/km CO2 emission figure with the help of Vauxhall’s quest for lightness. The car, which will be built at Ellesmere Port in Cheshire, will be 130kg lighter (on average) than its predecessor, with a 20% drop in bodyshell weight and a 50kg loss in chassis weight.
Trim levels and prices
The entry-level Astra is the Design, which comes as standard with 16in alloys, LED daytime running lights, the R4.0 Intellilink infotainment system with DAB radio and a 7in touchscreen.
Further up the range is the £15,995 Tech Line model, which gets an 8in touchscreen and satellite navigation, as well as a leather steering wheel.
Above that sits the Energy model (from £17,295), which foregoes satellite navigation in favour of 17in wheels, heated seats and a heated steering wheel.
Placed almost in the middle of the range is the sporty SRi model (£17,895). Offered with a 1.6-litre petrol engine producing 197bhp, the SRi also features 17in alloys, but adds sports seats and a sport button, along with front fog lights and various safety convenience packs. The Driving Assistance Package provides a front-facing camera to allow autonomous emergency braking, while the Sight and Light Pack provides automatic lights and wipers. Satellite navigation, however, remains an optional extra.
Moving up to the top of the range, we find the £19,315 Elite model with climate control, electrically adjustable leather seats and heated seats front and rear.