Leaked photographs have forced Vauxhall to reveal prematurely details of
its next Astra, powered by an aluminium I4 gasoline engine; its predecessor has
a cast iron cylinder block.
Based on an all-new
lightweight vehicle architecture with new design, powertrains and connectivity technology,
Astra will receive its world premiere at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show
(September 17-27).
Depending on model
and trim level, the car will be up to 200kg (130kg on average) lighter than its
predecessor.
The new vehicle
architecture plays a major role in the weight reduction. Every component was
checked for compact design and lightweight materials. The body shell weight was
reduced by 20 per cent from 357kg to 280kg.
Additionally,
chassis-related measures resulted in a further 50kg weight loss. These include
high-strength and ultra-high-strength low-weight steels, compact sub-frames as
well as weight reductions to the front and rear axle.
The powertrain
portfolio includes gasoline and diesel units ranging from 100PS to 200PS.
The highlight of
the engine range is the new 1.4-litre (145PS) ECOTEC direct injection
turbocharged four-cylinder unit from the same family as the one-litre,
three-cylinder engine fitted in Corsa, Adam and Viva.
The engine delivers
maximum torque of up to 250Nm, with maximum power available between 1,800 and 4,000
rev/min.
The new aluminium
engine block weighs 10kg less than the cast iron block of the current 1.4-litre
turbo.
There is also a
base-level 1-litre ECOTEC (105PS) gasoline engine and a 1.6-litre CDTi ‘Whisper
Diesel’ range with outputs from 110 to 160PS.
The new Astra is also
smaller, contributing to the weight reduction. With a total length of 4.37m it
is almost 5cm shorter than its predecessor. With a height of 1.46m it is also
2.6cm lower. The drag coefficient is below 0.30. The wheelbase has been reduced
by 2cm.
The new Astra is
the first new Vauxhall model that will be available with the personal
connectivity.
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