Vauxhall Astra
When's it coming and what is it?
Vauxhall unveiled the new Astra at last September's Frankfurt show, and will launch the five-door and estate versions next May. A three-door with coupe-like styling is a further twelve months away, as is the new Zafira MPV.
Why should I care?
One of the biggest criticisms levelled at the current Astra is the bland, anonymous styling - the new Astra is a big step-up in styling appeal and interior quality. In fact, the interior looks to be easier on the eye than the cabin in the new VW Golf, and that's one of the best there is. Vauxhall is also offering a number of suspension innovations to challenge the strong driving dynamics of the new Golf and the class-leading Ford Focus. Amongst these are computer-controlled adaptive dampers, hitherto an option on luxury cars, with an optional sport setting and a more responsive steering rack. So the new car should be really great to drive.
What makes it really special?
A new family hatchback that brings more features and better engineering at highly affordable prices. Look past the workaday Vauxhall image and the new Astra is shaping up to be a really desirable family hatch. And even the most basically equipped model looks set to get airconditioning, anti-lock brakes a CD player and up to eight airbags.
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