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Vauxhall has launched its first Astra
ecoFLEX with a 1.7 turbo-diesel engine producing CO2
emissions of just 119g/km and fuel consumption of 62.8mpg on the
combined cycle.
The new model, which will be available
in Hatch, Sport Hatch and estate guises, falls into the lowest BIK tax
band for company car drivers, while private buyers will only pay £35 per
year in Vehicle Excise Duty thanks to its band B credentials.
But the Astra 1.7 CDTi ecoFLEX has not
sacrificed driver involvement to go green. Its engine produces 110PS, an
increase of 10PS over the existing Astra 1.7 CDTi, and 260Nm of torque
at 2000rpm, enough to power the ecoFLEX to a top speed of 117mph.
Vauxhall’s engineers have achieved
extra efficiency from the Astra’s 1.7 CDTi drivetrain by fitting a
taller axle ratio, optimising the engine management system and reducing
the engine’s idle speed.
In addition, ecoFLEX’s kerbweight has
been reduced by 30kgs, while aerodynamics have been improved by lowering
the suspension, modifying the front air intakes and fitting a
drag-reducing lower engine compartment panel. Engineers also reduced
the power steering pump’s idle speed and fitted low rolling-resistance tyres.
Five door Hatch versions of the Astra
ecoFLEX are on sale now at a starting price for the Life (a/c) model of
£16,340. Prices and availability of the Sport Hatch and estate models
are still to be announced.
In 2009, Vauxhall will introduce two
further ecoFLEX models: a 109g/km Corsa 1.3 CDTi with combined mpg of
nearly 69mpg, and a low-emissions version of the Insignia which is set
to make a stir in the mid-size sector.
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