Six months on from the launch of the Astra hatchback, Vauxhall has released the first details and images of the estate version, christened the Astra Sports Tourer.
The new load lugger retains the style of the hatchback despite the addition of the larger load area. In fact, the Sports Tourer isn't physically much bigger than the five-door model. However, its luggage bay accommodates 500 litres with the rear seats up or up to 1,550 litres with them folded. A new feature called FlexFold eases the folding of the 60:40 split rear seats - though this will not be standard on all models. Completely flat sides and a flat floor will feature on all versions.
At launch, there will be six engine options. Naturally aspirated petrol choices are a 99bhp 1.4-litre or a 113bhp 1.6-litre. A turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol unit produces 138bhp yet also returns 45.6mpg and emits 145g/km of CO
2.
Diesel options include 108- and 123bhp version of a 1.7-litre CDTi unit or a 158bhp 2.0-litre engine. Preliminary information suggests that the latter returns 55.4mpg on the combined cycle and emits 134g/km.
However, more efficient models are to come; the Astra Sports Tourer ecoFLEX will be the first Vauxhall to feature a stop-start system. It'll be powered by a 94bhp 1.3-litre CDTi engine. Economy and emissions figures have yet to be announced.
The Astra Sports Tourer adopts many options available in the larger Insignia Sports Tourer, including the FlexRide adaptive damping and electronic Trailer Stability Assist.
Making its world debut at the
Paris Motor Show in September, the order book for the Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer opens in October for deliveries before the end of 2010. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.
Shane O' Donoghue - 16 Jun 2010