The new Astra ecoFLEX has shed 10g/km of CO2 over its predecessor, bringing its road tax down to £35 and reducing its BiK liabilities by 13 per cent when it hits the road in April.
With emissions from just 109g/km CO2 and fuel consumption up to 67.3 mpg, the new Astra ecoFLEX will join the Vauxhall line-up just in time for the new tax year and in time for a greener 2010.
A raft of mechanical and aero improvements have resulted in the latest Astra ecoFLEX achieving a 12.1 per cent improvement in emissions over the 1.7 CDTi model, currently the new range’s most efficient model.
The Astra ecoFLEX will be the first in range to get the ultra-economical 1.3 CDTi 95PS diesel engine, which has recently been seen in the revised and improved Corsa. Mated to a five-speed transmission with new ratios to optimise economy, the engine features a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and re-programmed engine control settings.
To improve airflow around the ecoFLEX, an active aero shutter has been fitted, which opens to allow air past the engine at low vehicle speeds, and then automatically closes at higher speeds to smooth airflow at the front of the car. This system is complemented by re-tuned aerodynamics on the underside of the car, and to help drivers exploit the car’s full eco credentials, a gear change-up light is standard on all ecoFLEXs.
True to its driver focus, this will be the first five-door ecoFLEX-badged Vauxhall to be available in SRi trim, allowing drivers to opt for a sporty look, but without the higher taxation that usually brings. S, Exclusiv and SE trims are also available, all of which benefit from the same environmental and tax advantages, which also includes a 100 per cent first year Writing Down Allowance for business fleets.
The new model will cost from £18,525 OTR for the entry-level Astra ecoFLEX 1.3 CDTi 5 door S-level trim rising to £19,920 for the 5-door Astra ecoFLEX SRi 1.3 CDTi.
