THE RACE to beat the taxman is on with the launch by Vauxhall of a new ecoFLEX model an Astra with a 1.7 turbo-diesel engine producing CO2 emissions of just 119g/km and fuel consumption of 62.8mpg on the combined cycle.
Vauxhalls new range of high economy, low emission models is designed to compete with Fords range of ECOnetic models which are being rolled out across the Blue Oval brands entire model range in an attempt to establish greener credentials.
Vauxhalls Astra ecoFLEX is available in Hatch, Sport Hatch and estate guises and falls into the lowest BiK tax band for company car drivers, while private buyers will only pay s35 per year in Vehicle Excise Duty thanks to its band B credentials.
But the Astra 1.7 CDTi ecoFLEX has not sacrificed driver involvement to go green, according to its makers. Its engine produces 110PS, an increase of 10PS over the existing Astra 1.7 CDTi, and 260Nm of torque at 2,000rpm, enough to power the ecoFLEX to a top speed of 117mph.
Vauxhalls engineers have achieved extra efficiency from the Astras 1.7 CDTi drivetrain by fitting a taller axle ratio, optimising the engine management system and reducing the engines idle speed.
In addition, the cars kerb weight has been reduced by 30kg, while aerodynamics have been improved by lowering the suspension, modifying the front air intakes and fitting a drag-reducing lower engine compartment panel. Engineers also reduced the power steering pumps idle speed and fitted low rolling-resistance, 15-inch tyres.
Hans Demant, GMEs Engineering Vice President, summed up Vauxhalls commitment to further reducing fuel consumption and emissions in cars with conventional internal combustion engines: At General Motors Europe, environmental consciousness means offering clever technological innovations at affordable prices, making them accessible to as many customers as possible. The Astra ecoFLEX is the newest example of our strategy and directly addresses the needs of buyers in high-volume sectors.
In 2009, Vauxhall will introduce two further ecoFLEX models - a 109g/km Corsa 1.3 CDTi with combined mpg of nearly 69mpg and a low-emissions version of the Insignia which is set to make a stir in the mid-size sector.