Vauxhall Astra is here! First Official Pictures and Data Released
2015 Vauxhall Astra is unleashed! The company has finally released the first official photos of the car and detailed data revealing a lot ahead of its official premiere in Frankfurt this September. There are a lot of exiting facts about it. First, the new Astra is about 200kg lighter than outgoing model. Although it is smaller on the outside, Vauxhall says that it is bigger on the inside.
In addition, the engine range now features the 145PS 1.4-liter petrol unit. Another interesting fact is that this is the first Vauxhall ever to feature OnStar technology. There is also an IntelliLink R 4.0 that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Lightweight Design
This is actually the seventh generation of the Astra model which is scheduled for production later this year. Depending on the trim level, the new car sheds an average of 130kg and up to 200kg, when compared with its predecessor. Major role for this plays the new architecture of the car.
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Every component of it was made of lightweight materials like the high- and ultra-high-strength low-weight steels. The compact subframes and the weight reductions to the front and rear axle also play crucial role.
Drivetrains
The powertrain portfolio of the model features petrol and diesel units with power output ranging from 100PS to 200PS. The star here is the new petrol 1.4-litre ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo unit, which not only generates more than 145 PS but also 250Nm, available between 1,800rpm and 4,000rpm.
The base level engine is the 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo petrol with 105 PS, and the diesels are based on the 1.6 CDTi ‘Whisper Diesel' with output range from 110PS up to 160PS.
Exterior Design
The design of the 2015 Vauxhall Astra is based on the Monza Concept. The car actually looks better than ever with its athletic and imposing stance. At the front we see how the front IntelliLux LED Matrix Light headlamps flow into the radiator grille, but the most significant design cue can be seen on the sides where the divided C-pillar creates the impression of a floating roof.
As mentioned, the seventh generation Astra is smaller on the outside, but bigger inside. It has a total length of 4.37m making it 5cm shorter than its predecessor. The height is 1.46m, which is also 2.6cm lower.
Interior Design
Although the wheelbase has been reduced by 2cm, the amount of space inside was increased. This is due to the implementation of the newly-designed seats, which allow the rear passengers the experience of additional 35mm legroom.
The instrument panel features clean look and includes large colour touchscreen in the centre stack and a reduced amount of control switches and buttons.
At last, the OnStar is going to be featured for the first time in a Vauxhall, while the IntelliLink – in an Astra. The latter is an infotainment system which is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
