Trailer Stability Program Introduced For Astra Family

• Innovative technology
• Eliminates trailer yaw
• In-built safety measures

After two years of in-depth development and extensive testing, Vauxhall is proud to introduce its Trailer Stability Program (TSP) on Astra and Astra estate. Designed to put an end to the dangerous high-speed swaying or yawing motion which can unnerve even the most experienced driver, TSP significantly increases safety and could help prevent hundreds of accidents every year. When a dangerous yawing movement begins, the system's electronics react immediately to stabilise both car and trailer.

TSP is activated as soon as the trailer hitch connector is attached, and, in turn, the ESPPlus system then detects any yaw movement caused by the trailer – ESPPlus (standard on SRi and some Design variants) is a compulsory fit with TSP. This data is constantly processed and compared to the predetermined limits set in the system parameters. If a yawing movement begins and exceeds the preset limit, the car is slowed by throttle closure and brake application, until stability is restored. Should the yawing continue beyond three excessive movements, more intensive brake pressure is applied to steady the car and trailer.

During the two-year test period, tens of thousands of miles were covered during which Vauxhall’s specialists tested the car-and-trailer combination handling performance with vastly differing trailer loads and speeds. Using this data the limits were defined for the system parameters. These enable the Trailer Stability Program to react appropriately according to speed, yawing movement and frequency.

TSP is available as part of the optional Towing Pack, which also incorporates Hill Start Assist, Deflation Detection System, cruise control, a detachable tow bar and – on the estate only – automatic self levelling rear suspension.

The Towing Pack significantly reduces the driver stress attributed to towing, as well as eliminating any anxiety attached to attempting hill starts with extra weight. The Towing Pack costs £350 and is available on both Astra hatch and Astra estate.

The new safety system debuts in MY05 Astra hatch and in Astra estate, on sale in the UK in September.

New Astra hatch towing capacity

Petrol engines	1.4 TWINPORT ECOTEC	1.6 TWINPORT ECOTEC	1.8 ECOTEC	2.0 Turbo ECOTEC	2.0 Turbo ECOTEC
Output (hp)	90	105	125	170	200
Trailer load braked at 12% gradient	1000	1200	1300	1500	1500

Diesel engines	1.7 CDTI ECOTEC	1.7 CDTI ECOTEC	1.9 CDTI ECOTEC	1.9 CDTI ECOTEC
Output (hp)	80	100	120	150
Trailer load braked at 12% gradient	1300	1400	1500	1500

New Astra estate towing capacity

Petrol engines	1.4 TWINPORT ECOTEC	1.6 TWINPORT ECOTEC	1.8 ECOTEC	2.0 Turbo ECOTEC	2.0 Turbo ECOTEC
Output (hp)	90	105	125	170	200
Trailer load braked at 12% gradient	900	1100	1300	1400	1400

Diesel engines	1.7 CDTI ECOTEC	1.7 CDTI ECOTEC	1.9 CDTI ECOTEC	1.9 CDTI ECOTEC
Output (hp)	80	100	120	150
Trailer load braked at 12% gradient	1200	1400	1400	1400