Vauxhall Astra
For a car giant, Vauxhall has been without a top-class diesel for too long. While the Luton manufacturer's strong line-up of petrol powerplants is well respected, buyers have had to turn to rival manufacturers to reap the benefits of cutting-edge oil-burning technology... until now.
There's nothing new about fast diesels - but they rarely wear a Vauxhall badge. With gutsy performance and excellent economy, the new 1.9 CDTI is a significant advance over its predecessors. The downsides are its lack of low-speed refinement and the price. But in 148bhp form, the Astra estate is swift and frugal.
Vauxhall has recently put the finishing touches to its new diesel flagship Astra - and we're first behind the wheel of the practical UK-spec estate.
With 148bhp and 320Nm of torque, the engine shared with Alfa Romeo certainly has the credentials to match the best in class. But turn the key for the first time and it's hard not to feel disappointed as the new diesel unit clatters into life. Driving around town at low speeds, the noise from under the bonnet becomes irritating - it sounds more like Volkswagen's ageing 1.9 TDI powerplant.
However, all is forgotten when you venture outside city limits. As soon as you slot the six-speed gearbox into third, the 1.9-litre four-cylinder powerplant becomes far more refined, and that loud engine note is replaced by a quiet hum. It's on the open road that the new model displays its other talents, too: performance is outstanding.
Vauxhall quotes a 0-60mph time of 8.6 seconds, and the 1.9 CDTI feels every bit as brisk in real-world motoring. Each gear brings a mighty push of torque, offering greater flexibility than the equivalent petrol model. Our test car was fitted with the optional £400 Interactive Driving system-plus, and the £650 Sports pack which includes 17-inch alloy wheels, firmer suspension and a Sport switch on the dash for sharper steering and throttle responses. As well as giving the engine a more eager feel, it makes the capable Astra even greater fun to drive.
The new unit is equally at home when cruising on the motorway. A tall sixth gear helps to improve economy and deliver a combined fuel consumption figure of 47.9mpg. And carbon dioxide emissions of 159g/km place the top-spec oil-burner into the 17 per cent company-car tax bracket.
That is good news for business users and, in estate form, the swift diesel is an accomplished family car, too. There's plenty of room for passengers in the rear, while all occupants enjoy high-quality surroundings. When you need to carry large loads, the back seats fold totally flat, and the large loadbay offers more space than Ford's forthcoming Focus Estate. Available initially in five-door and estate bodystyles, the new range-topper starts at £17,495 for the hatch.
In well equipped Design spec, seen here, the load-lugger costs £18,695, which is £650 more expensive than the blue oval's 134bhp diesel Focus Zetec Estate. We look forward to testing the two frugal models back to back - but for now, if performance is your top priority, Vauxhall finally has an oil-burner to meet your brief.
