Vauxhall has introduced a new Astra ecoFLEX model with carbon dioxide emissions of just 99g/km to qualify for free road tax and entry to London's Congestion Charge zone.
The 1.7-litre turbodiesel ecoFLEX Astra also offers 76.3mpg average economy yet comes with a 128bhp engine to be 5bhp more powerful than the previous 1.7 diesel model. To achieve this, Vauxhall has given the motor an all-new engine management system, as well as new fuel injectors with eight injections per cycle. There's also a new turbocharger with variable geometry for more precise metering of power.
Vauxhall has reduced friction in the Astra ecoFLEX with a purpose-built six-speed manual gearbox that uses low-friction oil. A gear shift indicator prompts the driver to change gear at the optimum moment for economy. Stop-start is fitted as standard to the new Astra ecoFLEX.
Along with the stop-start system, the ecoFLEX model comes with energy recuperation that charges the battery as the car slows by using the alternator as a dynamo. The air conditioning now works on a need-to-use basis where it only cuts in when the temperature inside the car needs to be cooled or warmed rather than working continuously.
Rounding off the ecoFLEX model's changes are low rolling resistance tyres and a front grille with an aero-shutter that opens and closes automatically depending on speed to give the best aerodynamics to help save fuel.
The Astra ecoFLEX 1.7 CDTi goes on sale towards the end of 2011 and prices will be confirmed closer to the car reaching showrooms.
Alisdair Suttie - 28 Jun 2011