(Vauxhall press release)
ASTRA SRi MAKES LONDON MOTOR SHOW DEBUT
There is even more choice at the sporting end of the Astra range for the start of 2000 with the addition of the 1.8 litre 16v SRi model, previewed for the first time at the London Motor Show. The new 1.8 16v 115PS model joins the 2.0 litre 16v 134PS variant, which was launched to critical acclaim last year.
The new 1.8 16v SRi will be available in both 3 and 5 door versions, while the more powerful 2.0 litre 16v will remain available as a 3-door model only. Both cars share the same chassis, with spring rates 15% stiffer than other Astras, to complement the sporting nature of the SRi model.
The new 1.8 litre 16v bristles with safety and sports features fitted as standard, including:
- Driver�s and passenger�s front airbags
- ABS
- White sports instruments dials
- Stereo radio/CD player
- Steering wheel mounted audio controls
- Traction control
- Close ratio gearbox
- 16in. SRi alloy wheels
- �Sports� seats with lumbar adjustment
- �Sports� suspension with stiffer spring rates
- Rear spoiler
- Integral fog lights
- Leather covered steering wheel
- CFC-free air conditioning
1.8 litre 16v SRi engine
The 1.8 litre ECOTEC engine develops 115PS at 5400 rpm and a maximum torque of 170Nm (125lbft) at 3400 rpm. The engine�s lightened crankshaft makes performance smoother as well as improving engine response. A variable intake manifold allows the unit to pull strongly at all engine speeds.
Top speed is 125mph and 50-70mph acceleration time in fifth gear is 13.5secs. The engine achieves an official combined fuel cycle figure of 36.2mpg.
DTi engine makes Astra debut
Vauxhall continues to underline its diesel proficiency with another debut at the London Motor Show in the form of an additional engine for the Astra range. The new 2.0 DTi 16v 100PS engine is based on the existing 2.0Di 16v unit, and will be available on Astra CD and Astra CDX models. The 2.0Di 82PS will continue to be available in Envoy, LS and Club derivatives.
The 2.0 DTi 16v engine, which combines the advantages of direct injection and turbocharging, achieves its higher output through a higher turbo boost pressure and an additional charge air intercooler.
Performance from the new DTi unit is therefore impressive with a maximum speed of 118mph and 0-62mph time of 12.0 seconds. Equally importantly, this latest diesel engine reaches maximum torque at very low engine speeds with an impressive 230Nm achieved at just 1950rpm. The new diesel engine complies with the latest tough D3 emission limits.
Both the new Astra 1.8 16v SRi and DTi Astra models will be available from the beginning of 2000.
