04/09/2012 17:03
The new Vauxhall Astra BiTurbo has gone on sale, with the car packing a new diesel engine and proving a joy to behold.
Reviewers at MSN Cars have acknowledged that the updated Astra "is a great all round effort from Vauxhall and is certainly moving the brand and the model range in the right direction".
Here is an in-depth look at the Astra BiTurbo.
The exterior
One thing that fans of the original Astra will notice about the BiTurbo is that its chassis has taken the muscular jawline of the GTC Coupe and made it look even more enticing.
Then there are the smooth lines which give a streamlined feel to the entire exterior of the Astra BiTurbo, while the car's deep-set chunky bumper and tightened-up rear gives off the impression of a smart-looking vehicle.
All in all, it is a vehicle bound to turn many heads.
The interior
MSN Cars has gone as far as to state that "the new Astra's cabin feels classier and more solid than a Ford Focus", which isn't bad seeing as though the latter car is one of the most popular vehicles of this generation.
Step inside the Astra BiTurbo though and drivers will quickly be dividing their attention between the stylish coloured stitching that runs throughout the car's seats and the sleek light chrome touches provided to its dashboard.
On top of this, the front seats of the Astra BiTurbo are designed with spine-friendly ergonomics, to assure unparalleled driver and passenger comfort on just about any road trip.
The performance
A good-looking vehicle would do for little if its performance was not up to scratch. With the Astra BiTurbo though, this is not a concern.
The numbers speak for themselves. A 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine under the bonnet allows the car to boast a maximum of 195hp and up to 295lb ft of torque.
Furthermore, the Astra BiTurbo can reach 60mph from rest in just eight seconds and top 141mph on the speedometer.
Green motorists are in for a treat too, as the vehicle can achieve 55.4mpg if handled well and lets off just 134g/km of CO2 emissions.
The Vauxhall Astra BiTurbo can be ordered now, with first deliveries expected early next year.
Posted by Sebastian Turkenburg