Archive for the ‘Vauxhall Owners’ Category
Brit-built Astra Sports Tourer set to hit UK showrooms by the end of 2010
Versatile and capacious cargo area combines with sleek design, inside and out
Extended powertrain line-up enhanced by Start/Stop tech
Major contribution by Vauxhall Engineering Centre to car’s development
Luton – These are the first official pictures of the new Astra Sports Tourer, which will receive its debut at this year’s Paris Motor Show in September and hit UK showrooms by the end of the year.
The Sports Tourer will be the second model to join the new Astra range, which has now sold over 28,000 units in the UK (to end of May) since its launch last December, and has helped the Astra become Britain’s best-selling retail range in the first five months of this year.
Combining high levels of practicality, clothed in a typically sleek and rakish body from Brit, Mark Adams’ design team, the Sports Tourer will be available to order from the start of October.
Crucially, the Astra Sports Tourer and its hatch sibling will also be among the first Vauxhall models to adopt Start/Stop technology, reducing emissions and fuel consumption.
Illustrating the depth of Vauxhall’s engineering and manufacturing excellence in the UK, the Sports Tourer will be assembled solely at Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port plant in Cheshire, while its new upper-body structure has been 100 per cent engineered at Vauxhall Engineering Centre in Bedfordshire. And like the recently launched Astra hatch, the Sports Tourer will feature key dynamic elements tuned for UK roads.
PRACTICALITY & EQUIPMENT
Packed with clever features, the Astra Sports Tourer maintains the hatch’s wheelbase (2685mm), yet its superior packaging has allowed the maximum load length to be increased by 28mm to 1835mm, and its load volume by 30 litres to 500 litres with the rear seats up.
As well as boasting a cargo area with flat wall linings to fully optimise available space, a new FlexFold feature (standard or optional depending on trim level) allows each section of the 60:40 split-fold rear seatbacks to be lowered at the press of a button housed in the walls of the cargo compartment. In addition, with the rear seat cushions folded up against the front seat-backs, the Sports Tourer has a completely flat load floor and a maximum load capacity of up to 1550 litres.
But improved interior practicality doesn’t stop there. Compared with the current Astra estate, the Sports Tourer has an additional 25 litres of storage space in the cabin, 50 per cent more than before. And like its hatch sibling, the Sports Tourer also benefits from the option of Vauxhall’s award winning Ergonomic Sports Seats, providing front occupants with best-in-class comfort.
In keeping with Vauxhall’s commitment to bringing premium features to the compact segment, the Astra Sports Tourer will also adopt the option of Intelligent Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL), which has eight different bi-xenon settings and automatically adapts the headlights according to weather and road conditions.
DESIGN
The Astra Sports Tourer’s exterior design aims to raise the bar in the compact-estate market, bringing a touch of class and dynamism, without compromising the car’s high levels of practicality. The tapered profile, falling roofline and prominent ‘blades’ set into the sides of the car are complemented by a muscular shoulder line, which leads gracefully into eye-catching sculpted rear light units.
Inside, occupants will benefit from the same embracing, premium cabin as in the new Astra hatch, with features like the wraparound wing front fascia and unique ambient lighting.
POWERTRAINS
From launch, Astra Sports Tourer buyers will have a choice of six frugal, yet lively engines, with an ultra-low emissions, Start/Stop-equipped ecoFLEX model available soon afterwards.
The petrol line-up starts with the 100PS 1.4i ECOTEC-4 with variable valve timing and sequential fuel injection, while a 1.6i ECOTEC-4 with 115PS is also available. The Sports Tourer’s most powerful petrol engine will be the smooth and punchy 1.4i Turbo which produces 140PS, yet achieves a combined fuel consumption of 45.6mpg and CO2emissions of 145g/km.
A new ecoFLEX model will be available soon after launch and will be one of the first Vauxhall models to get Start/Stop technology. Based on the 1.3 CDTi 95PS engine, the ecoFLEX features a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and variable geometry turbocharger.
Two 1.7-litre CDTis, with either 110 or 125PS, and a 160PS 2.0 CDTi, which combines high performance with 55.4mpg combined economy and emissions of just 134g/km, complete the Sports Tourer’s diesel engine range.*
*All figures quoted are provisional
CHASSIS
From the start of the Astra Sports Tourer’s development, Vauxhall’s target was to maintain current levels of ride and handling enjoyed by the five-door hatch. As a consequence, its wheelbase remains the same at 2685mm, as do its front and rear tracks (1544 and 1588mm respectively).
Also carried over is the hatch’s innovative compound crank/Watt’s link rear suspension, which combines exceptional body control and ride characteristics and is unique to Vauxhall/Opel. For the Sports Tourer, the compound crank’s settings have been revised, as have damper calibrations, to cater for the model’s higher load capabilities without compromising the hatch’s dynamics.
Vauxhall has also carried over the steering settings from the hatch, which are bespoke to all new UK Astras. This programme offers drivers a more natural feel, thanks to careful tuning of the car’s electronic power steering system.
FlexRide, Vauxhall’s adaptive suspension system, is also available as an option on the Sports Tourer. The system continuously adapts to changes in driving style and cornering speed. In Standard mode, FlexRide offers the whole bandwidth of settings available and adjusts to suit the driver’s behaviour. In Tour mode, damper settings are relaxed to optimise ride quality, while in Sport mode, throttle and steering responses are sharpened, in addition to the adoption of stiffer damper settings.
For customers who tow, the Sports Tourer will be available with Vauxhall’s electronic Trailer Stability Assist system, which subtly brakes individual wheels to maintain control of the trailer/caravan in emergency situations.
Tags: astra diesel tourer, CDTi Diesel, diesel sport touring, sports tourer, Vauxhall Diesel
Posted in CDTi Owners, Diesel News, Vauxhall Owners
Peugeot 5008 wins Diesel Car, Car of the Year 2010
Skoda wins both best large car and estate car with new Superb
Jaguar XF wins best executive car for the third time in succession
Ford’s Fiesta wins best small car for the second year running
Volkswagen Golf does the double by winning best medium car again this year
Toyota’s Prius wins best Eco Car Award in this new category
Peugeot grabs gongs with 3008, 5008 and RCZ
Diesel Car magazine is proud to announce the winners of its annual car of the year awards 2010, with Peugeot’s 5008 MPV grabbing the top spot in this year’s awards.
More than 275 new cars have been put through their paces by Diesel Car’s expert testers, to bring winners in ten classes. This year’s awards are sponsored by Evolution Chips, one of the leaders in diesel tuning in the UK. For 2010, Diesel Car introduces three new categories – best crossover, best sports car and best eco car. The last recognises the best in the hybrid world of motoring.
In revealing this year’s winners, Ian Robertson, Editor of Diesel Car magazine said “We have seen a lot of talented contenders this year, despite the turmoil the motor industry has faced.” He went on to say “I’m really pleased to be able to announce that Peugeot’s spectacular 5008 is Diesel Car’s Car of the Year 2010. It truly is the right car for the right times, with competitive pricing, generous equipment levels, a good all-round driving experience that is all wrapped up in a package that seats seven. What more could a family buyer want from a car.”
Not content with winning best MPV and Car of the Year for 2010, Peugeot also grabbed titles in two of the newest categories – best crossover with the 3008, and stormed the sports car class with the stylish new RCZ.
Some of the winners will be familiar, as they topped their respective classes in last years awards, with the Ford Fiesta grabbing best small car for the second year running, Volkswagen’s Golf winning the double in the best medium car class, and Skoda’s Superb again stealing the best large car award from its stable mates. Jaguar’s stunning XF did better than all of them, by running away with the best executive car award for the third year in succession.
Skoda’s Superb proves that not only is it a winner in the large car class, but also in the estate car category too, taking the top gong in both classes.
In the 4×4 class, Land Rover’s updated Discovery 4 took the top spot, narrowly beating last year’s winner, the Freelander 2, and the upgraded Range Rover.
The 2010 Diesel Car, Car of the Year Awards coincides with a new owner for Diesel Car magazine, with Blaze Publishing having bought the title last month. The Midlands based publisher specialises in niche magazine markets and has already brought about improvements to the best selling diesel magazine, with significant investment in many areas.
The Awards issue of Diesel Car magazine goes on sale in all good newsagents on Wednesday 12th March.
Diesel Car, Car of the Year Award Winners 2010
Best small car Ford Fiesta
Best medium car Volkswagen Golf
Best large car Skoda Superb
Best executive car Jaguar XF
Best estate car Skoda Superb Estate
Best MPV Peugeot 5008
Best crossover Peugeot 3008
Best 4×4 Land Rover Discovery 4
Best sports car Peugeot RCZ
Best eco car Toyota Prius
Car of the year 2010 Peugeot 5008
Tags: 2010 Car Of The Year Awards, Diesel Car, ian robertson, Peugeot 5008
Posted in CDTi Owners, Diesel News, Ford Owners, HDi Topics, TDI Owners, Vauxhall Owners, dCi Owners
TDISport are offering the chance to win a custom remap by CCTuning worth up to £399.
The prize will also consist of a before and after Rolling Road run, allowing you to see the power of the car before and after the tuning session.
The winner will be drawn at random at the next TDISport Rolling Road Day, currently planned for the 24th July 2010 at the CCTuning Headquarters.
Two runners up will receive an official TDISport T-Shirt.
Visit the Win A Remap Thread
Tags: CCTuning, cctuning remap, Competition, free remap, remap competition, TDISport, TDISport and CCTuning, Win a remap
Posted in CDTi Owners, Diesel News, Diesel Owners Club, Ford Owners, HDi Topics, TDCI Topics, TDI Owners, TDISport Club News, VAG Topics, Vauxhall Owners, dCi Owners
Massive range with 29 body types to choose from
Available with front or rear-wheel drive
Class leading cabin ergonomics and cargo space
Gross vehicle weight up to 4.5 tons, payload up to 2.5 tons
New power trains with low operating costs
Luton: The all new Movano from Vauxhall will be a serious player in the heavy van segment when it’s launched in the UK market this year.
Customers for Vauxhall’s second generation Movano will be spoilt for choice when the new van goes on sale in May, with no less than 29 different body styles to choose from once all variants have come to market.
Movano’s drivers can also expect to be among the happiest and most comfortable when they get behind the wheel with special attention having been paid to cabin comfort and ergonomics, as well as to the cargo space areas. A new range of fuel-sipping common rail diesel engines ensure operators will be just as content.
The modular platform, developed jointly with Renault, comes with front or rear-wheel drive depending on payload category. Rear-wheel drive variants can be ordered with twin wheels at the rear.
The new Vauxhall Movano will offer a wider selection of variants than most of the competition, as well as a tailor-made model for nearly every potential customer profile. The full range includes panel van, doublecab and Combi versions, chassis cabs with standard or crew cab, platform cab, three wheelbases, four vehicle lengths and three roof heights.
UK prices are also announced today and start from a highly competitive £21,660 (ex.VAT) for the L2H2 3300 FWD 100PS model.
New Movano is also an excellent base for conversions and will be available ex-works as a tipper, dropside and box van.
Cab comfort and safety has been enhanced in a number of areas such as driver visibility, multi-adjustable seats (in various configurations) and an adjustable steering column that allows for relaxed driving on the longest journeys. Meanwhile the options list for the new Movano has really moved the game on with items such as static cornering lights, a centre seat back that folds into a work surface and a rotating laptop table.
An array of easy-to-reach storage compartments round off the Movano’s superbly practical use of space.
The cargo area of the new Movano offers load lengths extending to 4.4 metres, and load capacity of up to 17 cubic metres (L4H3 version).
Loading the new Movano couldn’t be simpler. Front-wheel drive variants feature low sill heights while all models offer side sliding and rear access doors. Large door apertures make access for large loads and Euro palettes easy.
Under the bonnet, a new generation of 2.3 CDTi four-cylinder common-rail diesel engines combine strong performance with low operating costs. Three power outputs are available: 100PS/285 Nm, 125 PS/310 Nm and 150PS/350 Nm. All engines come with a six-speed gearbox as standard and are Euro 4 or Euro 5 (with DPF) compliant. The 125PS and 150PS versions can be coupled with the semi-auto Techshift transmission.
New Movano’s fuel consumption is expected to be among best in class when all versions are launched, depending on model and engine.
Increased fuel efficiency isn’t the only way new Movano owners will save money. The new engines are now designed with a 250,000 mile lifespan while extended mileage service intervals and reduced maintenance costs are an added bonus.
Movano’s advanced chassis has been tuned to be agile but also comfortable, both when loaded and empty. Active and passive safety equipment includes ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) as standard on all models while electronic stability program (ESP) is also standard on rear-wheel drive and optional for front-wheel drive versions. Passive safety features include front airbags, side airbags integrated in the seats (optional) and seat-belt pretensioners.
The launch phase of the new Movano will be staggered according to the body variants and vehicles will be available in the UK from May.
Tags: CDTi Owners, CDTI VAN, derv van, Diesel Van, vauxhall van
Posted in CDTi Owners, Vauxhall Owners
Unique-in-class FlexDoors offer unrivalled occupant access and convenience
FlexRail and FlexSpace features bring new levels of cabin versatility to class
Fuel consumption reduced by 15% vs current range; ecoFLEX version to be offered
Luton – These are the first official pictures of Vauxhall’s new Meriva, which is set to turn the conventional concept of family-car usability on its head with a combination of clever, rear-hinged back doors which radically improve access/egress, and a raft of unique cabin features that boost interior versatility.
The new Meriva, which will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year, is the first Vauxhall to feature FlexDoors, showcased in 2008’s Meriva design concept.
FlexDoors are rear-hinged back doors which swing open towards the back of the car at an angle of nearly 90 degrees, vastly improving the ease with which occupants enter and leave the cabin. Rather than having to step back, or to one side, as one would using a normal front-hinged door, the FlexDoor allows unimpeded forward access/egress to and from the cabin, enhanced further by the Meriva’s exceptionally high roof line.
For parents with children, there are further benefits. Due to the larger door opening and free space around the B-pillar, parents can lift small children forwards in to rear-mounted, second-stage child seats without having to contort themselves around a door. And with both the front and rear doors open (the fronts open at a similar angle to the rear FlexDoors) a ‘parent-friendly’ zone is created with no door barrier between front and rear occupants.
Crucially, the FlexDoors can only be opened by occupants while the car is stationary, an automatic lock engaging as soon as the car pulls away.
While the concept of two rear-hinged back doors is not new in the motor industry, the Meriva’s FlexDoor system is the first time it has been used on a family car in recent years. But unlike other rear-hinged door applications (Rolls Royce Phantom/Ghost and Mazda RX8), the Meriva benefits from front and rear doors that open independently, and does not require rear passengers to sit behind the door opening.
Class-leading in-cabin flexibility
Once inside the new Meriva, buyers benefit from two further groundbreaking innovations. The FlexRail adopts a completely fresh approach to the design of a car’s centre console, and provides owners with a variety of modular storage and comfort solutions that fix on to an ingenious dual-rail base. The new Meriva’s storage bin and cubby count has also increased, meaning that owners now benefit from one of the most practical cabins in class.
In addition, the current Meriva’s much-praised FlexSpace system has evolved with even greater practicality. Now more intuitive to use, the new Meriva’s FlexSpace allows easier fold-down of the rear seats, while moving the rear seats to create more boot, leg or shoulder room is simpler than ever.
The new Meriva’s seat comfort has also advanced, with the adoption of front seat technology from the Insignia and Astra. Like these cars, the Meriva offers the biggest range of seat adjustment in class, extending to 240mm in length and 65mm in height.
New Meriva adopts design language from Insignia and new Astra
The current Meriva effectively created the compact monocab sector when it was launched in 2003, but since then Vauxhall’s design language has evolved steadily, with big strides being made with the European Car of the Year-winning Insignia and more recently with the launch of the all-new Astra.
No surprise, then, that the new Meriva has adopted a more expressive and dynamic silhouette to its basic cab-forward monocab design. Like the Insignia and Astra, a ‘blade’ features down the side of the body, complementing a window line with a distinct ‘wave’ accentuating the FlexDoors, allowing panoramic views for rear passengers.
The design theme continues in the Meriva’s cabin, with cues taken from the Insignia and Astra enhancing the perceived quality of the materials.
Advanced chassis and more efficient powertrains
With a longer wheelbase and wider front and rear tracks, buyers will see a marked improvement in the new Meriva’s ride and handling qualities.
They’ll also see a reduction in running costs, since the engine line-up – which features six turbocharged units and power outputs from 75 to 140PS – benefits from an average fuel consumption/CO2 reduction of 15 per cent, or -25g/km across the range. A high mpg/low CO2 ecoFLEX model will also be available.
More information will be available closer to the Meriva’s debut at Geneva.
Tags: Diesel Ecoflex, Diesel Owners, diesel vauxhall, EcoFLEX, FlexDoors, FlexRail, FlexSpace, Meriva Pictures, Vauxhall Meriva
Posted in Vauxhall Owners
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