Vans, Cars and Leasing

The Vauxhall Astra is deserving of attention with its new, 1.6-litre turbocharged slightly de-tuned engine which can be found in the Corsa as well.

The Astra has bulked up over the years, much like most mid-size hatchbacks. Don’t think for one minute though, that this 1.6 turbo will feel sluggish on the go. Surprisingly, despite being 400cc smaller than its 2-litre ancestor, the new 1598cc ECOTEC unit packs more power in a smaller package.

The Astra produces 178bhp compared to its previous 168, without gulping more fuel. This newly vamped unit actually uses some 13 percent less petrol than before. The timing couldn’t be any better since vehicle emissions are scrutinized more than ever. Vauxhall has managed to give us the power we all want, while meeting the necessary challenge of engine downsizing.

Sure the power and fuel efficiency are great perks, but how does this car feel on the road? Don’t let its diminutive stature fool you. The Astra is a Hercules on the pavement. Clever engineering has kept turbo lag to a minimum, and due to smart mapping, the throttle delivers, in response to the slightest demand.

Vauxhall’s pocket-sized powerhouse provides170lb ft of torque, starting at 1980rpm and going all the way up to 5500rpm. The stand-out feature of the Astra is its clever overboost function, programmed to sense the need for maximum power for overtaking. This unique capability shortens overtaking distance, with pulling power of 196lb ft for a maximum of five seconds.

According to Vauxhall, the Astra goes from 0-60mph in 7.7sec reaching a top speed of 139mph. This is impressive in a 1.6. Not only do the numbers say so, but the Astra feels fast to drive. This is due in part, to the overboost, but also to the smartly designed gear ratios for the six-speed manual transmission.

This hot hatch exhibits control and manoeuvrability despite its abundance of torque. The novelty “Sport” button allows for stronger steering and tighter throttle response due to the trigger of switch able dampers.

The engine isn’t the only thing new to the Astra. The nose of the car received a small face lift, and now sports sleek dark headlamp housings, and a more modern honeycomb patterned grille. The option for a panoramic windscreen is also available, which extends the glass into the roof, giving the illusion of open air driving, while preserving the protection of cover. The preponderance of extra glass doesn’t become a chip magnet because it’s a laminated, 5.5mm thick. The integrity of the shell is kept intact, maintaining the Astra’s 5-star rating for crash protection from Euro NCAP.

The Astra’s sporty handling and power-combined-with economy more than make it worth the extra investment. Vauxhall is now offering the Astra TwinTop; a convertible designed with more than the style-savvy driver in mind. New features include: black leather trim, eleven spoke 18” alloy wheels, cruise control, and ultra-comfortable heated seats, all while keeping the original Design trim level.

The Exclusive Black edition did not lose any of its abundant standard equipment from the Design model. The three-piece, electro hydraulic, remote-control roof remains, as well as the pop-up automatic rollover bars, automatic headlamps, ESP, rain sensitive wipers, wind break and distinguished piano black facia trim.

Written on behalf of Total Fleet Services Ltd
Vauxhall Contract Hire - Vauxhall Astra Leasing

The Government is stepping up its campaign to encourage more people to car share, with the publication of a new survey confirming that uptake is increasing.

Transport minister Rosie Winterton said the survey, the first of its kind to be undertaken by the Department for Transport, showed that 61% of those surveyed had taken part in some form of car sharing in the past month and that 25% of those said the last journey was work/business related.

However, just 1% said they were a member of a formal lift-sharing scheme run by their employer or another organisation.

It is these formal lift-sharing schemes that the Government is keen to see established.

“Car sharing helps reduce congestion, tackle pollution and carbon emissions and importantly, cut the costs of travelling.

“While this research shows that informal car sharing is popular, it highlights that formal schemes run by employers are still in a small minority,” Ms Winterton said.

“I encourage employers to consider whether introducing a car sharing scheme for their organisation could help them reduce their carbon footprint and provide quicker, more convenient journeys for staff.”

The DfT runs the National Business Travel Network to promote the take-up of workplace travel plans among businesses, which can include car sharing.

The department has also published guidance for employers considering implementing car sharing schemes.

Two new versions of Renault’s Twingo are set to hit the market.

The Twingo Extreme 1.2 60 prides itself on price and green credentials.

Costing £7,500 - £400 less than the entry-level Fiat 500 – it emits 132g/km of CO2 and makes 50.4mpg.

Standard equipment includes remote central locking, front fog lights and electric front windows.

Customers can also customise their new car through a range of decals, from Union Jack door handle designs to racing stripes.

At the other end of the scale is the new Renaultsport Twingo.

Available in the autumn, the 133bhp hatchback is driver focused and features wider wings, sideskirts and a spoiler.

It will be officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

Renault has also launched a 100,000 miles/three-year warranty for the New Espace, which is on sale now priced from £19,545.