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The sky's the lim
Page 31
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Vauxhall is reaching for the stars with its all-new Astravan.
Colin Barnett finds out if ifs succeeded.
The current model may have slowed down in the sales charts of late. but the all-new Astravan is here with a vengeance. What's more, it is designed and built in Britain.
While the temporary shift of production to Poland effectively resulted in a single-model line-up, the fifth generation features a full range of three diesel engines, manual or automatic six-speed transmissions, two trim levels and a broad range of options. There is also a fivespeed. 89hp 1.4-litre petrol driveline suitable for gas conversions.
The newcomer is based on the Astra estate car. Vauxhall's engineers at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire have re-engineered some of the existing pressings, and developed new ones where required, to create a unique variant. It makes fewer compromises than its predecessor. which was a lightly modified. three-door estate. Its replacement is slightly larger due to its longer wheelbase and wider track, which also give it a more planted stance.
The floor area has increased significantly. although the tapered roof reduces the theoretical load volume by 0.02m3.Net payload across the range is between 645 and 650kg. We have yet to establish if the old model's bugbear of an easily overloaded rear axle is cured by the longer wheelbase.
The CDTi common-rail diesel engine options comprise: a 1.3, giving 89hp and 200Nrn; a 1.7 with 99hp and 240Nrn; and the range-topping 118hp/280Nlm 1.9. All three come with a standard six-speed manual gearbox, with the option of a six-speed auto on the 1.9 coming later in the year.
Impressive spec
Prices start at 19,995 for the petrol, with the diesels ranging from £11.370 for the entry-level Club 1.3 CDTi to £13,470 for the Sportive 1.9 CDTi; the auto adds another £1,100. Standard spec is high, with speed-sensitive power steering. powered windows, remote central locking, radio/CD and height-adjustable seat among the features of the Club trim. Sportive adds air-con. sports seats. powered mirrors and posher interior trim.
Vauxhall claims that an outstanding 49% of Astravan owners buy another, and it hopes to sell at least 10,000 a year in the UK — by far the Astravan's biggest market. mi