Vauxhall Astra

New Astra shines bright

The Astra is to get some extra shine - thanks to added chrome trim.

Auto Express Car Reviews

Plenty of chrome trim gives Astra real sparkle

By Ross Pinnock

22nd November 2006

Look closely at our first official picture of Vauxhall's revised hatchback family favourite, and you will see a brand new front bumper, along with extra brightwork on the grille and fresh light clusters. The model will also feature new tail-lamps, while three-door Sport Hatch models wear a fashionable honeycomb grille.

Inside the cabin, buyers will be able to opt for piano black or matt chrome detailing on the revised vehicle, which is due to hit showrooms in January. However, there are even more significant changes to be found under the bonnet, where the family model gets a broader engine line-up thanks to a pair of cleaner powerplants.

Performance fans will welcome the addition to the range of a sporty 1.6-litre turbocharged unit. The 177bhp engine replaces the 167bhp 2.0-litre offering, and provides an impressive 0-60mph sprint time of 7.8 seconds in five-door form. Prices for the 1.6 Turbo are set to start at £18,200. Meanwhile, the existing 1.6-litre Twinport unit is also revised to produce 113bhp - up 10bhp on the current model. An entry-level 1.6i Life five-door will cost £13,515. The 1.7-litre CDTI from the new Corsa is also expected to join the line-up.