It seems that the market can't get enough of the folding hardtop. Last week we revealed the forthcoming
Volvo C70 and reviewed the
Vauxhall Tigra. Today Vauxhall has revealed the Tigra's big brother, the new Astra TwinTop.
The Astra will compete head-to-head with the Renault Megane CC, Peugeot 307CC and new cars from Ford and Volkswagen expected to debut at the
Frankfurt Motor Show at the same time as the Astra TwinTop. We're already fans of the new generation Astra, and in our eyes the Astra TwinTop is the best looking car in its class, with an elegant appearance roof up or down. The roof differs from rival set-ups in having three distinct sections. Vauxhall claims that this takes up less space when folded, allowing space for four passengers, though the one shot we have of the interior (click on the thumbnail for an image gallery) doesn't really reveal a lot of rear leg room. We like the classy dark brown leather interior though, thought to be an option.
There will be a choice of four engines, including the excellent 148bhp 1.9-litre turbodiesel (
as we reviewed in the Astra Sport Hatch). Petrol options include a 105bhp 1.6-litre and 138bhp 1.8-litre. Topping the range will be the 197bhp 2-litre turbocharged unit, likely to be badged SRi. It is unlikely that a VXR version is made.
Watch this space for prices closer to the on sale date of Spring 2006, when we will also get behind the wheel for ourselves.
Related articles:
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All Vauxhall road tests
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Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch review
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Vauxhall Tigra review
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Review of the previous generation Vauxhall Astra Convertible
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2005 Frankfurt Motor Show
Shane O' Donoghue - 1 Aug 2005