Scoop! New Vauxhall Astra shapes up for green future

 

It's the new Vauxhall that's set to take a starring role in the family car class in just 12 months time!

The fourth-generation Astra has appeared on the horizon, and using spy shots, official sketches and inside information as a guide, our exclusive images are the clearest clue yet as to how the newcomer is shaping up.

Thanks to its reliability, practicality and value for money the family hatch has always been a Brit best-seller. But this new model is looking to follow its big brother, the Insignia, by adding style and driveability into the mix, too.

And the Astra won't be left lagging in the technology stakes, either. It will feature the firm's groundbreaking Front Camera System, capable of reading traffic signs and relaying information to the driver.

There will be Adaptive Front Lighting, too, which reads the driving conditions and adjusts the headlight beam accordingly. An adaptive chassis system, which adjusts the suspension to order, is also a possibility.

Small, forced-induction motors are becoming very popular due to their lower weight, improved economy and better power and torque characteristics. Leading makers such as Fiat, Ford and VW are already employing them throughout their small-car ranges. And now Vauxhall, too, will prove that good things come in small packages.

A 1.4-litre turbo, shared with the forthcoming Chevrolet Cruze and available in a variety of states of tune, will kick off the range, accompanied by the usual huge choice of diesels and direct-injection petrol units.

And to boost economy and cut emissions even further, it's rumoured that GM's own stop-start belt-alternator technology, as previewed by the Corsa Hybrid concept at the 2007 Frankfurt show, could be offered as well.

At the other end of the scale is the car hot hatch fans have been waiting for – an all-new VXR. Set to use a more powerful, 250bhp-plus version of the current 2.0-litre turbo, it should blow its rivals into the weeds. Four-wheel drive could be incorporated, too, to maximise traction.

Elsewhere in the range front-wheel drive is deemed sufficient, although a new multi-link independent rear suspension set-up means top-notch handling won't be reserved solely for the fastest versions.