Vauxhall Add BiTurbo To Astra Range

Not content with just the GTC BiTurbo, Vauxhall is adding two more high performance 2.0 diesels to its Astra range in the shape of the British-built Astra BiTurbo 5-door Hatch and Sports Tourer – which becomes the most powerful estate in its class – both off which offer blistering performance, high levels of practicality and impressive frugality.

And just what does this mean to the discerning driver wanting that little bit extra?

Let’s start with a top speed of 135mph and 0-60 in under 8 seconds..

Add in Start/Stop technology as standard and low CO2 emissions of 134g/km and a combined 55.4mpg.

Then let’s mix in a little restyling that can be found right across the Astra range: a revised front grille, new front indicators and fog lamps, and refreshed rear-panel styling.

Finally, let’s finish it all off with some embellishment in the shape of some 18” alloy wheels, twin rear exhausts, exterior styling pack and alloy sports pedals.

Tasty? Certainly it is a full-blown meal for anyone expecting much more than nouvelle cuisine, but there are always those people that want that little bit extra, so Vauxhall have added something in for them too, just in case.

In this class, twin turbo technology is rare, but not this time. The Astra uses “a sequential turbocharging system, with the smaller turbo accelerating quickly at lower speeds to eliminate ‘lag’, providing 320Nm of torque from 1,250rpm.  In the mid-range of rpm, both turbochargers operate together, with the larger turbocharger pre-compressing the intake air, before it is fully compressed in the smaller one. A bypass valve is controlled continuously to pass on part of the exhaust gases to the larger turbo. As a result, the driver still enjoys smooth acceleration. At higher rpm (from around 3,000rpm) all the gases flow directly to the larger turbocharger, maintaining the fluid power delivery at higher speeds.”

Now is that enough for you Mr Picky-Pants?

Both cars will be available at the end of the year, but the good news continues as they are being assembled at Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port plant in Cheshire, This, of course, has helped secure the future of the plant which was in severe danger of closure earlier this year.

So, Mr Picky-Pants; if you are happy with the car, then you’ll also be helping save British jobs too.

Thanks!