Astra Ecoflex

The greenest Vauxhall Astra yet is here! It’s called the ecoFLEX, and it couldn’t have been launched at a better time.

Rock-bottom running costs are just one of the features top brass hope will help it appeal to recession-hit motorists. Auto Express has driven the car to see if it delivers on its promise.

Despite a host of small but significant modifications, most people will struggle to tell it apart from the standard hatch.

With the exception of the ecoFLEX badges, the only clue is the revised front grille, which helps the car cut through the air more efficiently. Hit the road and it’s an impressiveperformer, even though it’s focused on fuel economy.

Once on song, the muscular 1.7-litre turbodiesel engine proves reasonably strong. In fact, the new model is only half-a-second slower than the standard car from 0-60mph, completing the benchmark sprint in 12 seconds exactly.

Nevertheless, combined economy is impressive, at 62.8mpg, while emissions of 119g/km place the car in the £35-a-year Band B road tax bracket. To achieve this, the newcomer features longer gearing, and it’s been made lighter. The power-steering pump is modified, too.

But the biggest difference comes under the bonnet. Longer gear ratios leave the engine turning over at lower speeds than you would usually expect, so you find yourself waiting for the turbocharger to spool up when you floor the throttle to overtake.

Keep the engine in its power band, however, and there is 260Nm of torque on tap – so accelerating up to motorway speeds is really easy. At the same time, the car doesn’t disappoint along winding roads, handling as well as the standard Astra.

Firm suspension and accurate steering give a sporty feel. Thankfully, reducing the hatchback’s weight hasn’t compromised its refinement. On the move, the cabin is well insulated from noise, and only under harsh acceleration does the engine become obtrusive.

In stripping the car down, though, equipment hasn’t been pared back. Our model featured optional parking sensors, sat-nav and electric folding mirrors.

The only real downside is that the Astra is beginning to show its age. It was launched back in 2004, and doesn’t feel as fresh as Volkswagen’s new Golf MkVI.

The best news is the small premium the technology carries – our Design costs only £287 more than the standard car, at £16,894. Customers can also specify Life or SXi trims, and three or five doors, with ecoFLEX prices from £15,994.

Rival: Focus ECOnetic

Great efficiency sets the Ford apart: it returns 65.7mpg and emits 115g/km of CO2. Prices start at £16,045 – and best of all, the regular car’s strong driver appeal is carried over.