More space but less weight in estate version of the latest Astra
Vauxhall is promising more interior space but improved efficiency and reduced weight with its new Astra Sports Tourer, which has been revealed ahead of its debut at the Frankfurt motor show.
The estate version of the five-door Astra has the same basic dimensions as the model it replaces, with an overall length of 4702mm and a width of 1871mm. But Vauxhall claims that tweaks to the interior packaging have freed up an additional 26mm of front headroom, 28mm more rear headroom and an extra 80 litres of luggage space. With the rear seats folded down, the Sports Tourer now has a capacity of 1630 litres.
The Astra wagon’s load bay gets a 40/20/40 split rear seat as standard and it can be enhanced further by optional products from the FlexOrganiser range, including side rails, fasteners and cargo nets. The rear hatch can also be electrically operated and, as an option, opened and closed by waving a foot below the rear bumper.
As with the conventional Astra hatchback, the Sports Tourer makes significant weight gains - up to 200kg, in the case of the estate - thanks to a switch to General Motors' latest D2 platform.
Engine power outputs will start at 99bhp and go up to the 198bhp 1.6-litre petrol that’s also making its world debut at Frankfurt. Other notable units will be a new 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol motor with 148bhp and Vauxhall’s latest 1.6-litre Whisper Diesel.
Much of the cabin trim and fascia design is carried over from the recently launched Astra - including Vauxhall’s OnStar connectivity package and an infotainment system that offers Apple’s CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Astra Sports Tourer is due on sale in October. Prices are likely to stay broadly in line with the outgoing model’s, with a starting figure of around £17,000.
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