New Vauxhall Astra Details | Release Date

Published Date: 8th Oct 2019

The latest 2019 Vauxhall Astra model boasts improved exterior styling, a classier interior,  ergonomically designed seats for improved lumbar support and a new engine line-up offering lower CO2 emissions and improved fuel economy. The Astra is a good all-rounder available as a small family hatchback or an estate and the latest models make running costs even lower than before.

The Astra is a big seller in the UK, especially the hatchback model which is a direct competitor to other popular hatchbacks like the Ford Focus and VW Golf. To date there have been over three million Astras sold in the UK.

The all-new Astra is available to order now with first deliveries to customers expected as soon as November 2019.

Highlights:

• Interior gets an upgrade and is classier than the outgoing model
• New Astra boasts improved levels of tech and safety/driver aids
• Very good levels of standard equipment across the range
• New engine line-up offers lower CO2 emissions and improved fuel economy

 

Astra’s New Interior Is Classier Than Before with New Ergonomically Improved Seats

Inside the cabin Vauxhall have upgrade materials and the new model feels classier than the outgoing model.

That are still some hard plastics and it won’t match up to the VW Golf’s interior but there again its cheaper and it stacks up very well when compared with similarly priced cars.

One of the key new features are newly designed ‘Comfort’ front seats with improved ergonomics and lumbar support, there’s also an optional power operated/adjustable driver’s seat.

The boot is generous, and although not a class leader, it does still trump some rivals like the Ford Focus for example with 370 litres of space. The boot opening is wide too, making loading luggage into it convenient.
 

New Astra Boasts Improved Tech and Driver/Safety Aids

The new Astra boasts a long list of new and improved tech. The front and rear cameras have both been improved and are more powerful than before.

The front camera now includes pedestrian recognition and forward collision alert too and the improved camera resolution means it can recognise a much larger number of traffic signs than ever before.

The rear camera (available as an option) or as standard on higher-grade models offers a much clearer rear-view than ever before and night view imaging is also much better. The rear camera works in conjunction with the upgraded infotainment system named ‘Navi Pro’ which comes with a larger 8-inch touchscreen and features live traffic/map updates and voice control.

Smartphone integration is also available with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on both the standard Multimedia Navi and the Navi Pro infotainment systems.

There’s also the option of Vauxhall’s E-Call system. The system can be used to call the emergency service manually or in the event of crash and driver/passengers being incapacitated (detected via deployment of airbags and seat belt tensioners), it can automatically call the emergency services for you.

Other new features included on higher-grade models are wireless smartphone charging, a heated front windscreen and premium Bose sound system.
 

Astra Offers Excellent Levels of Standard Equipment

Across the range you’ll find good levels of standard equipment, the entry-level new Astra Design models comes with the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth for handsfree calls and music streaming, there’s no native sat nav but Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support is standard so you can use your favourite smartphone sat nav app via the infotainment system.  

If you want native sat nav then look at the next grade up the Astra Tech Line Nav model.

The entry-level Design and the Tech Line Nav models are great options for an affordable family car, go for one of the frugal diesel or petrol engine options and running costs will be very low too.

Phone and audio controls and mounted on the steering wheel and a lot of functions can also be controlled via the touchscreen.

Inside there’s also air con, front and rear electric windows and other driver aids include tyre pressure monitoring and cruise control with speed limiter.

If you looking for sportier styling and nippier engine options look at the SRi/ VX-Line models, as you move up the range to  the top-grade Elite and Ultimate models and you get extra luxuries like leather interior and heated front seats and a lot of the driver assistance features come as standard.
 

New Vauxhall Astra Engine Line-up Offers Lower Running Costs

The Astra has always offered some frugal models to keep running costs down, and the latest range of powertrains offer even more-improved efficiency delivering lower CO2 emission and improved fuel economy. The improvements are largely thanks to lighter materials and a new, more aerodynamic design promoting air flow improvements around the wheels/wheel arches and underbody, thus reducing drag.

The diesels have seen CO2 emissions drop even further. The 1.5 D with manual transmission (105PS) for example has CO2 emissions as low as 90g/km (based on hatchback model), a drop of 5g/km on the older engine dropping it a complete emissions band, combined fuel economy is up to 62mpg. The more powerful 1.5D (122PS) with manual transmission sees CO2 emission drop by 3g/km to 92g/km, combined fuel economy is up to 62mpg.

The automatic diesel has benefitted the most thanks to a new/improved 9-speed box. The 1.5D (122PS) with the 9-speed automatic diesel sees emissions drop from 120g/km to 109g/km, fuel economy takes a bit of a hit with the 9-speed auto gearbox; you can get up to 54mpg (combined).

The petrol line-up also offers some frugal options, the 1.2 (110PS) turbo with the 6-speed manual gearbox offers CO2 emissions as low as 99g/km and a combined fuel economy of up to 54mpg. The more powerful 130PS and 145PS petrol turbo engines offers the exact same economy figures and are a great choice, especially if you are frequently travelling fully loaded.

Automatic transmission is available with a 1.4-litre (145PS) petrol unit and economy figures do take hit; CO2 emissions are 112g/km and combined fuel economy is up to 48mpg.

If you’re looking at the new Astra Sport Tourer (Estate) model them economy figures will take a bit of a hit due to the extra size/weight.

For high mileage and lots of motorway driving you’ll want to look at the diesels, whilst the petrol models are a great choice for around town driving and lower mileage users.

The Astra is a great all-rounder, its practical, the price-tag won’t break the bank and the improved/lower running costs making it an even more appealing prospect than ever before. If you are in the market for a small family hatchback or small estate car, then it should be on your shortlist.

Compare the latest new Vauxhall Astra models and deals here.