New Astra Police car
The next generation Vauxhall Astra isn't even in the showroom yet, but Vauxhall has already showed it off in a specification that only a handful of buyers can have. The Police Astra is a 'turnkey' conversion from Vauxhall, equipped with all the necessary hardware for the UK's police force to go about the business of stopping crime.
Usually such conversions take around six months from when the vehicle is officially launched, but GM Millbrook has had an early chance to develop the new car to Police specification thanks to the fact that the Astra is being built here in the UK at Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port in Cheshire.
GM UK Special Vehicles manager Dick Ellam said: "The Astra is the backbone of many UK police fleets and has proven itself fit for purpose time and time again. With the introduction of the new Astra and the innovations this model brings we can offer even more to the police and emergency services."
With 900 sales of Police Astras last year it's hardly surprising that Vauxhall has rushed through the development and production of the new car. Three visibility options are available as well as a choice of lightbars - these featuring LED lighting technology. All the communication equipment can be ordered pre-installed, Vauxhall fitting all the 999 and 'at-scene' functions into the steering wheel to maximise safety.
The rest of us will have to wait until the Frankfurt Show for our first glimpse of the new Astra.
