VAUXHALL will unveil a pair of stunning new models plus a groundbreaking concept car at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.
Sharing centre stage is the potent new Astra VXR which arrives this summer with the promise of raising the bar in the hot hatch class.
Based on the GTC’s platform and powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection engine, the Astra VXR produces 280PS of power - enough to hit a top speed of 155mph.
It also benefits from bespoke chassis modifications, plus a specially developed mechanical limited slip differential, which works on the front wheels to give exceptional grip and traction through bends.
There are also brakes developed by competition supplier Brembo and standard fitting of Vauxhall’s FlexRide system featuring not only a Sport button, but also a VXR button offering drivers the choice of two, more focused stages of damper, throttle and steering control.
In stark contrast the Mokka breaks new ground for Vauxhall as it enters the growing small SUV market with a choice of front and four-wheel drive along with interior versatility.
Available towards the end of this year, the Mokka will come with a choice of three engines, all equipped with Start/Stop technology.
The petrol range comprises a 115PS 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated engine or a 140PS 1.4-litre Turbo, while the diesel is a 130PS 1.7 CDTI turbo.
Technologies will include Advanced Adaptive Forward Lighting which is based on the third-generation bi-xenon lighting system that includes High Beam Assist.
And the new generation Vauxhall front camera system is also available, giving the driver access to functions like Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert and Traffic Sign Recognition.
Style-wise, the Mokka’s rugged appeal is reinforced by its high ground clearance, wide track and 18-inch alloy wheels - standard on most models.
The concept making its debut at Geneva is called the RAD e, a futuristic e-bike built around automotive construction and production principles and carries much of Vauxhall/Opel’s design language like the boomerang shaped features associated with the Ampera.
Geneva will also offer a first glance at Vauxhall’s most potent diesel car ever in the shape of the Insignia BiTurbo, which produces 195PS yet has emissions as low as 129g/km.
On sale now, it is available with a choice of five-door Hatch and Sports Tourer bodies in SRi, SRi Vx-line and Elite trims, priced from £27,120 on the road.
The twin-sequential turbocharged diesel is based on the existing 1,956cc unit which powers key models in the Insignia, Astra and new Zafira Tourer range, however in BiTurbo form the engine produces up to 35PS more power, reducing the 0-60mph time to 8.2 seconds.
But thanks to a package of eco features – including standard Start/Stop across the range – the FWD Hatch achieves a combined 57.6mpg, 2.2mpg better than the single-turbo 2.0 CDTi 160PS model.