Vauxhall has revealed the first pictures of its updated Astra, which features a new range of petrol and diesel powertrains. Customers will benefit from reduced CO₂ and fuel consumption, as well as new technology and equipment.

Development in the wind tunnel also made a contribution to the reductions in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. At 0.26 Cd, the Astra is the most aerodynamic car in its five-door hatch back class. And at 0.25 Cd, the Astra Sports Tourer is among the best-in-class.

The aero-benchmarks have been achieved through numerous measures, including an engine compartment cover, deflector-shaped rear axle control arms and a full-face shutter. The upper and lower portions of the new Astra’s radiator grille automatically open and close independently of one another, further improving the frontal airflow. The underbody optimisation improves the drag coefficient by reducing turbulence.

The Astra’s chassis has been further developed with new shock absorbers increasing comfort.

Engines
New turbocharged petrol and diesel engines are paired with six-speed manual gearboxes, the seven-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT) or – for the first time at Vauxhall – a new nine-speed automatic.

The compact, three-cylinder, turbo petrol units are available with 1.2 and 1.4-litre displacements.

The Astra’s 1.5-litre, three-cylinder diesel engines offer 104 bhp and 120 bhp, as well as 260 to 300Nm of torque. The common rail fuel injection system operates at up to 2,000 bar.

Instead of the precise, six-speed manual gearbox, the most powerful diesel is optionally available with the seamless shifting of a new nine-speed automatic transmission, which is making its debut at Vauxhall in the Astra.

The new diesel engines feature an electrically-activated turbocharger with variable geometry turbine vanes (VGT) and, similar to their petrol counterparts, a balance shaft in the block for additional refinement. Likewise, the exhaust manifold is also integrated in the cylinder head.

Optimum exhaust after-treatment of the Astra 1.5 diesel is delivered by the emissions reduction system consisting of a passive oxidation catalyst, AdBlue injector, SCR catalyst and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).