Opel has been producing the Astra since 1979; in the UK it is sold under the Vauxhall brand. Around the world the Astra is and has been sold under various brands within the General Motors group, including Holden and Satum. The Astra is a small family car available in 3 or 5 door hatchback, estate and convertible form " in some countries there are saloon derivatives too.
The current model of the Astra is the 6th generation and has been on sale in the UK since 2009. Like its predecessor it is available as a 3 or 5 door hatchback, an estate and a 3 door coupe (GTC). The 2009 model has taken a lot of its design cues from its bigger brother the Insignia. As is the trend these days the Astra features a lot of gadgets and options normally only fitted to larger cars.
The Vauxhall Astra in Cheltenham comes with a choice of 9 engine variants, 5 petrols and 4 diesels. There are two 1.4 litre petrol units with either 86 or 99 bhp, the 1.4 litre turbo unit has 138 bhp. There is a 1.6 litre with 113 bhp and a turbo charged version with 178 bhp. The diesel range starts with a small 1.3 litre followed by two 1.7 litre models with 108 and 123 bhp. The top of the range diesel unit is a 2.0 litre power house with 158 bhp.
Later on this year a new soft top Astra will be joining the current line-up, it will be replacing the hard top retractable convertible. The new convertible will be lighter and cheaper to produce; the soft top has also allowed the designers to keep key design elements of the hatchback. the Astra convertible appears to have the same wheelbase and underpinnings as the hatchback, but has an extended rear overhang, making space both for a bin to contain the retracted roof and a good-sized boot.
Author Resource:-
Joanna Small - Automotive Journalist and Enthusiast
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