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Astra vans revamped

2nd February 1989
Page 27
Page 27, 2nd February 1989 — Astra vans revamped
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• Bedford's Astramax and Astra vans have been revised in line with a number of changes to Vauxhall's passenger car range. There is a new 1.7-Litre diesel engine to replace the 1.6-litre diesel, revised trim for the inside and outside of the vehicles, and all petrol models can now run on unleaded fuel.

The new diesel unit is part of the family-two range of engines. The increased capacity has been gained by increasing the bore of the original unit. Other changes include a different cold starting system, and claimed lower emission levels. There is 1.5kW more power (up to 43kW/58hp), produced at 4,200rpm instead of 4,600rpm. Torque has also been increased, to 105Nm (77lbft), and Bedford claims that the torque curve is now much flatter, to give better pulling power.

A Bosch cold-starting, fuelenrichment device has been fit ted, and the cylinder head has been strengthened to reduce valve leakage. Bedford also claims that the new engine will meet US standards.

The 1.3-litre and 1.6-litre petrol engines can now be specified to run on unleaded fuel. Owners of older units can have their vehicles converted free by Bedford dealers.

On the outside of the vehicles are restyled grilles and hadging. The interiors have revised trim, new instruments, and a redesigned steering wheel and fascia. Because of weak demand the lowcompression 1.3-litre petrol model has been deleted, so the 1989 range of Bedford Astramax vans will comprise 11 models. The Astra van range comprises five models.

Vauxhall has flowed with the rising environmental tide by making all 1989 Bedford vans "dual-fuel" — ready to run on leaded or unleaded fuel, or any mixture of the two. In addition. free ignition timing adjustment on all Bedfords built since August 1985 has been extended to the end of this year to allow them to use the cleaner fuel.

"Vauxhall leads in unleaded and intends to maintain that lead in 1989," says executive director, sales and marketing, Peter Batchelor. It claims it is unique in that its vehicles built since August 1985 can run continuously on unleaded, while other makes need one tank of leaded in every four to prevent engine damage.

The renewed freeadjustment campaign aims to explain that unleaded has little effect on performance and fuel economy, and that any loss is offset by a cheaper pump price, Vauxhall believes that confusion over the conversion process led to a poor response to the offer in 1988.

Roads and Traffic Minister Peter Bottomley has allowed Vauxhall to trace owners through the DVLC.


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