HANDING To handle the heavier axle loads the Astramax has
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single-leaf springs at the rear and polyurethane helper springs (on a tubular beam axle) in place of the Astra Van's normal cornpound torsion bar configuration. Despite these changes the heavier Astramax has a ride equal in comfort to the Astra Van, while around wet twisting country roads is surefooted with little body roll.
Steering on the Astramax is precise if
a little heavy at Slow speeds, and over badly rutted surfaces a fair amount of road shock is transmitted up the
column.
rrhroughout our test the Astramax's braking system behaved perfectly and on the roller tester produced excellent efficiency levels.
The extensive use of plastic in the bumpers, front grille and spoilers and the wheel-arch liners will help keep corrosion to a minimum. The fulllength plastic rubbing strips and plastic coated brake pipes are also a nice touch.