New star rises in Bedford's firmament
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BEDFORD'S restyled Astra van range announced this week has sleeker lines than its predecessor. R also offers increased body capacity and a more attractive driving compartment, writes BRYAN JARVIS.
The new model has been launched earlier than scheduled. This, says marketing director Des Savage, is because of the manufacturer's confidence in its appeal. The van becomes available from mid-October, when prices will be announced.
Mr Savage believes that the Astra will help take Bedford's share of the car-derived van market to around 35 per cent by early 1986.
The new style is claimed by Bedford to have the lowest drag factor — 0.35Cd — in its class, which it says contributes to improved fuel economy.
Roof edges are smooth to reduce drag although there are rain channels near the edge which also have anchor points for roof rails.
Load volume has been increased by around four per cent by extending the roof line by 127mm(5in). This has also brought the tail gate closer to vertical.
Although the wheelbase re mains unchanged, the load platform length is increased by 30mm(1.2in), interior height by 40mm(1.6in) and interior width by 50mm(2.0in), giving an improved load capacity of 1.86cum(66.3cuft).
The front compartment layout has a new individual looking energy absorbing instrument panel which curves to the left on the passenger side.
Seating comfort is improved with the use of thicker foam padding and specially-tuned support springs. Seethrough head restaints are now fitted as standard.
Existing engine and transmission options are unchanged, but there are detail alterations aimed at improving fuel consumption and exhaust emissions across the range. A Pierburg 2E carburettor with automatic cold start device, electric and coolant heating — is fitted on the 1.3-litre engine, together with a new manifold.
The 1.6-litre petrol engine has a manual choke, but retains the automatic version when an automatic transmission is specified. All petrol engines are suitable for liquefied petroleum gas conversion, while special valve inserts enables them to run on lead-free petrol.
A larger sump means that engine oil capacity on the 1.6 litre diesel unit has been increased to 5 litres (1.1gal). Oil change intervals have been extended to 7,200km (4.500 miles).
Changes to the Astra van's suspension and steering are said to give improved ride, handling and reduce noise levels.
At the front, the MacPherson struts have improved bushing, strut mountings and better spring seatings. At the rear, the variable-rate minibloc coil springs have been retuned, larger bushes have been fitted to the trailing arms and thicker pads used for the top spring mounting.
Adjustments to the steering geometry have not only changed the castor angle and toe-in settings, but have resulted in a smaller kerb-to-kerb turning circle, says Bedford.
Brake pedal pressures are reduced through a larger, 203mm(8in)-diameter servo now mounted on the right, while asbestos-free pads are now fitted. The same asbestosfree material is also used in the clutch.
Externally, the sturdy wraparound bumpers fitted front and rear are of polypropylene. The front has an air dam, valance panel and a shaped air intake moulded in.
Other features include plastic wheelarch liners at the front, bolt-on front wings and an improved 10-stage anti-corrosion treatment. Instead of welds, an adhesive sealant is used to bond door panels.