What's the news?
Vauxhall will unveil its all-new 1.6 CDTi engine in the Astra at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Available in two power trims, in the 110hp version it emits just 97g/km of CO2, making it free of road tax in the UK.
Mechanicals
This engine made its debut in the Zafira Tourer last year and its raison d'être is to bring the brand into line with EU6 emissions - the 1.6 CDTi will completely replace the old 1.7-litre engines across the Vauxhall range in the near future. It's an all-aluminium turbodiesel unit and we're promised best-in-class levels of noise/vibration levels, thanks in part to additional acoustic measures. You'll be able to opt for it in hatchback, saloon and Sports Tourer estate guises.
The 110hp model has 300Nm of torque, which is seven per cent more than its 280Nm 1.7-litre predecessor with similar power. The bigger 136hp variant is also seven per cent up on torque over its 130hp 1.7 forebear, churning out 320Nm as opposed to 300Nm. Fuel economy on the 110hp model is quoted at 76.4mpg combined, while the 136hp cars manage 4mpg less at 72.4mpg - with CO2 emissions of 104g/km.
Performance stats suggest the 136hp model can get from 0-62mph in around 10.3 seconds, depending on which body you pick, while the 110hp does the same sprint in 12 seconds dead - this is apparently the case for all models. Top speeds are 116mph for all 110hp models, 124mph for the 136hp hatch and, due to some quirk of gearing or aerodynamics, 127mph for the 136hp saloon.
Finally, following a purported €50 million (about £41 million) investment by Opel in Europe, the gearbox is also a low-friction, six-speed manual, which is claimed to be 'more precise and silky smooth'.
Anything else?
More information on prices and market launch dates for the 1.6 CDTi Astras will follow soon.
Matt Robinson - 27 Feb 2014