VAUXHALL AT THE ULSTER MOTOR SHOW

• Ulster debut for Astra Coupe, new Omega and Zafira
• ‘The Edge’ Frontera off-roading demonstrations
• Astra rally car
• Buying cars on the internet: .com car and demonstrations
• Special edition: Astra 2000 for Northern Ireland
• Special edition: Vectra Design
• New models: Astra 2.0DTi and 1.8 SRi five-door

A preview of the stylish Astra coupe, buying cars on the internet, an Astra rally car, special editions and environmentally friendly Dualfuel models can all be seen on the Vauxhall stand in Hall 3 at the Ulster Motor Show at The Kings Exhibition Centre, Belfast from February 7 to 13.

Visitors to the show can also feel the Frontera’s off-roading abilities for real on Vauxhall’s ‘The Edge’ demonstration unit outside the exhibition centre, next to the Vauxhall stand. Consisting of 21 tonnes of steel, the unit features an ascent of over 35 degrees, is over eight metres high, and also has a seven metre long see saw.

The stylish Astra Coupe is making its Ulster debut before its launch this summer, while an Astra rally car recalls memories of Vauxhall’s success at the 1999 Ulster rally with drivers Neil Weardon and local lad Trevor Agnew. Motorsport fans can also enjoy a BTCC Vectra displayed outside the show.

Vauxhall’s latest .com cars, sold exclusively over the internet, demonstrate Vauxhall’s ability to respond to changes in our marketplace, while Dualfuel cars and commercial vehicles at the show demonstrate Vauxhall’s commitment to the environment.

A Corsa, Tigra and Astra on the stand also feature Vauxhall i-LINE accessories, available through retailers to personalise and add extra style to your car.

ASTRA 2000 FOR NORTHERN IRELAND
An exclusive Astra special edition for Northern Ireland will be on display by the entrance to the exhibition centre near the Vauxhall stand. The Astra 2000 is based on the LS model and features valuable extras such as alloy wheels and metallic paint.

NEW OMEGA
Launched last autumn, the new Omega is the flagship of the Vauxhall range and continues its success in the executive car sector. The new Omega underwent more than 3000 changes including a new interior, along with refinements to ride and handling and the addition of safety features like side airbags and active front head restraints.

One of the Omegas featured at Ulster is a Dualfuel model with the discreet conversion to run on petrol and the cheaper and environmentally friendly option of LPG (liquid petroleum gas). The other is the sporty MV6 with the high-performance 3.0i V6 24v 211PS engine and sports suspension, powerful credentials which have already won it an award in The Caravan Club Towcar of the Year 2000 competition.

ZAFIRA
The Ulster show is the first opportunity to see Vauxhall’s versatile Zafira mini-MPV in Ireland since its launch last summer.

Recently voted ‘Leisure Car of the Year’ at Ulster Motoring Writers Association Car of the Year Awards, the Zafira’s unique Flex-7 seating system permanently has seats for up to seven people, with the third row of seats conveniently folding discreetly away in a matter of seconds.

ASTRA
Two of the latest additions to the Astra range will be in Ireland.

The sporty three-door 2.0i 16v 136PS Astra SRi now also comes with a 1.8i 16v 115 PS engine, available as both three-door and, as shown here, a five-door hatch.

Diesel fans will be keen to see the other new Astra model on the stand, the 100PS 2.0DTi, at the show in CD estate format. Capable of up to 61.4mpg or 117mph, it joins the existing 2.0Di engine and another new diesel engine for Astra, the 1.7DTi.

VECTRA
The GSi is the fastest Vectra with a 195PS, 2.5i V6 24v engine. It is capable of a top speed of 148mph and 0-60mph of 7.6 secs, with larger 17-inch alloy wheels, lowered and uprated suspension and Recaro front seats.

The Vectra Design Edition, with a beige leather interior, exclusive diamond black exterior and distinctive champagne-coloured alloy wheels, also stands out from the crowd. Probably the most luxurious Vectra ever, it is available with a choice of three engines: 2.0DTi; 2.0i 16v; and 2.5i V6.

CORSA AND TIGRA
The Corsa, which had its best sales year ever in 1999, and the stylish Tigra coupe are also on display. Both the Tigra and the Corsa Club on display are fitted with Vauxhall’s stylish i-LINE accessories. The latest .com Corsa only available from Vauxhall’s website, is also on the stand.

FRONTERA
Vauxhall’s rugged Frontera range of off-roaders are on a separate ‘recreational vehicles’ stand in Hall 2. The Frontera display includes a Sport RS with 2.2i 16v engine, and two estate models with both the 2.2DTi and 3.2 V6 24v engines.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
The latest derivatives of the Movano at the show include: a minibus converted for wheelchair access; a Movano dropside; and a long wheelbase, high-roof panel van.

The latest Brava ‘Limited’ and environmentally friendly Dualfuel Corsa Combo are also at the show. The Limited 4x4 single cab is a new model that has just joined the Brava range. It features a 2.5 diesel engine, passenger’s airbag, colour keyed front bumper and grille, alloy wheels, and two-tone paint.

• Main show report