Currently reading: Vauxhall Astra estate spied
Interior and exterior shots of almost undisguised car

The Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer has been spied again, ahead of its launch later this year.

The new car will be the second Astra model in the range, preceding the three-door (to be called Sport Hatch) and the VXR, both of which are due next year.

See the new Vauxhall Astra ST spy pics

Vauxhall design boss Mark Adams described the Astra hatchback as being “more dynamic and emotional than the Golf”. He also said “it's more youthful and fashionable, too”.

Engine options for the estate will mirror the five-door’s, so expect three petrols (from a 1.4 to the 177bhp 1.6) and four diesels. An Ecoflex model will also be added to the range. For the five-door hatch, there was an average drop in CO2 emissions across the range of 13.3 per cent over the outgoing model.

Vauxhall’s engineers have taken a novel approach to the traditional torsion beam rear end in the Astra by using a Watt’s linkage, which helps to increase the overall stiffness of the suspension and improves the handling.

That means the big mounting bushes that connect the beam to the car are softer and more compliant than usual. This has the added effect of cutting noise and increasing comfort.

To improve the handling and boost interior space, the Astra’s front and rear tracks have been increased by 56mm and 70mm respectively over the old model, while its wheelbase has been increased by 71mm. the precise dimensions of the ST have yet to be confirmed, however.

The Sports Tourer will go on sale in the UK this summer. Prices should closely match those of the previous model, so expect the range to start at around £14,500.

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Lee23404 28 April 2010

Re: Vauxhall Astra estate spied

Nobby Hightinkle wrote:

and a Golf, and a Yeti.

Time for a change soon then Lee.

Oh yes. To be followed soon by an Audi A3 (just to make sure that it's not as good as the Golf) and a BMW 3 series.

Nobby Hightinkle wrote:

Did any of the manufacturers tell you not to tell the dealers that you were a company car driver as Ford did with the Mondeo?

No because I no longer have a company car so choose what I want. Every dealer I have spoken to has been very helpfull.

Nobby Hightinkle wrote:

I do hope that you will be supporting your local dealer with the eventual order...

Probably not because VAG no longer offers personal contract hire, only PCP which is much more expensive. Otherwise I would. If I go BMW then yes.

Nobby Hightinkle 28 April 2010

Re: Vauxhall Astra estate spied

Lee23404 wrote:
I had a test in a new Astra recently

...and a Golf, and a Yeti.

Time for a change soon then Lee.

Did any of the manufacturers tell you not to tell the dealers that you were a company car driver as Ford did with the Mondeo?

I do hope that you will be supporting your local dealer with the eventual order...

Lee23404 28 April 2010

Re: Vauxhall Astra estate spied

VX220EDDIE wrote:
but also a VXR version of this Astra Sport Tourer would be awesome!

Sure would. I think it would have the looks to pull it off too.