Prices for the all-new Vauxhall Astra have been confirmed, with entry-level models starting at £15,295.
The all-new car is smaller in size, cheaper but better equipped than the model it replaces, according to Vauxhall, which has put particular emphasis on making the Astra better to drive and a more attractive fleet proposition.
Read our review of the diesel Vauxhall Astra
The new car is built on parent company GM's D2 platform and is 49mm shorter, 26mm lower and has a 23mm shorter wheelbase than the car it replaces. Despite this, cabin space and comfort are improved. Benefitting from new materials and construction methods, the new Astra offers weight savings of between 120kg and 200kg over the current car.
Inside, the new Astra features a large touchscreen infotainment system, a multi-function steering wheel, and the same instrument cluster display already seen on the new Corsa. This infotainment system is the latest IntelliLink R 4.0, which Vauxhall says is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity systems. It is also the first all-new Vauxhall to feature the Onstar system, which offers features such as 24-hour emergency assistance, an in-car wi-fi hotspot and access to vehicle data through a smartphone app. It will also alert the emergency services if an airbag is deployed.
Vauxhall wants the new Astra to have more appeal to the fleet market, which has led to the push for more efficient engines and lower list prices, which both help reduce company car tax.
The high-level of kit should make it an attractive prospect but Vauxhall feels there is a lot more to getting fleet managers on board than piling up the standard kit.
Vauxhall's emphasis on quality rather than pushing huge numbers of cars into the market. This in turn will allow the company to protect residual values and in turn, offer more favourable lease and finance deals.
The first clues to the look of the new Astra came with the Monza concept, unveiled at the Frankfurt show in September 2013. The shaped aluminium strip running from the roof and into each tail-light cluster is echoed in the final car, whose dark C-pillar trim is designed to give the car the look of having a floating roof panel.
There will be seven trim levels at launch in September, but even the most basic Design cars come with 16in alloy wheels, air-con, DAB radio, Bluetooth and cruise control as standard.
Fleet-focused Tech Line models add a larger touchscreen with sat-nav and a leather steering wheel for a £775 premium. Energy models are geared more towards consumers and get heated seats and steering wheel and 17in alloys, but no sat-nav. Prices start at £17,295.
SRi models are £970 cheaper than the previous generation equivalent, starting at £17,895. It is the cheapest model to get the OnStar 24hr emergency assistance system, wi-fi hotspot capabilities and smartphone app. It also gets a front camera system, sports seating, leather steering wheel and front foglights. A SRi Nav version adds the 8.0in touchscreen navigation system.
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I spy some similarities to
Yet another Vauxhall masterpiece
It's as if their whole design philosophy has been to set the benchmark for dullness and inconspicuousness. All Vauxhalls are a hotchpotch of design cues taken from all the other marques, repackaged into the Average Joe, dare i say Plebian looks only they (with perhaps the exception of Ford and Toyota) seem capable of.
They have tainted the automotive landscape for fat too long with their sub-par white-goods styling. Time to give them the boot I say.
Not bad