New Astra Proves A Huge Success
Published: 30th May 2004
Vauxhall Astra
- Sales began 1 May
- Prices start at £10,995
- Dynamic, stylish and innovative
2004 marks the launch of the fifth-generation of Vauxhall’s best selling Astra, which went on sale 1 May. Prices start at £10,995 rising to a maximum of £17,645 and Vauxhall is confident that the stylish new Astra will give the competition in the segment a real run for its money.
And it will be money well spent as Astra is not only good looking and great to drive but will also be economical to run thanks to its low insurance ratings, repair-friendly design, long service intervals and fuel efficient engines. In addition, resale values are expected to improve over the previous model considerably according to CAP Motor Research.
Naturally, the proof of the pudding is in the eating and high public interest and impressive advance orders demonstrate that Astra is already showing it has the very real qualities needed to be a huge success. Customers are flocking to Vauxhall showrooms and paid-for orders for the new generation Astra just one week after it went on sale reached over 7,500.
In price order, the range includes Expression, Life, Club, SXi, Design, SRi and Elite. The Expression is the entry-level model which comes with the 1.4 16v TWINPORT petrol engine. Life and Club are expected to be popular "comfort" choices, and for the first time, Astra gets the more traditional Elite, complete with leather trim. The popular and well-known Vauxhall SXi and SRi versions again designate the sportier models, while Astra Design features 10-spoke alloy wheels and part leather sports seats.
From launch, six engines will be available – a 1.4 16v (90 hp), 1.6 16v (105 hp), 1.8 16v (125 hp) and 2.0 Turbo (170 hp) with the additional choice of two 1.7 litre common-rail turbo diesel engines offering two different power outputs at 80 hp and 100 hp, all of which are Euro 4 compliant.
Transmission choices have also been improved. In addition to the manual five-speed and four-speed automatic units, Astra owners will have the option of a six-speed manual gearbox or the refined Easytronic automatic transmission.
For more information about the Vauxhall model range [ click here ]
Vauxhall Astra
Our Vauxhall Astra Guide lists the full specification of the current UK Astra range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £11,955 - £20,055
Body Styles:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 72
We have road tested the Vauxhall Astra, to read our in-depth car reviews:
Vauxhall Astra Review - Jul 2006
Vauxhall Astra Review - Apr 2005
Vauxhall Astra Review - Jul 2006
Vauxhall Astra Review - Jun 2007
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 21st Sep 2008
