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Opel Astra From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Not to be confused with Chevrolet Astro. Opel Astra Manufacturer Opel Production 1991–present Predecessor Opel Kadett Class Small family car Layout FF layout The Opel Astra is a small family car engineered and manufactured by Opel since 1991. It is branded as Vauxhall Astra in the United Kingdom, the Buick Excelle in China, the Chevrolet Astra in Latin America and the Holden Astra in Australia and New Zealand. The Saturn Astra was also built for the American and Canadian market, but sales was discontinued in 2009 due to the discontinuation of GM's Saturn marque. The Holden Astra was also discontinued in Australia in 2009 due to exchange rates making the car uncompetitive, and was replaced by the Holden Cruze. The Astra is now built in China, the United Kingdom, Brazil, South Africa, Poland and Ukraine, as well as being assembled from complete knock down (CKD) kits in other countries. Contents 1 Naming convention 2 Astra F 2.1 Engine lineup for the Astra F 2.2 Petrol engines 2.3 Diesel engines 3 Astra G 3.1 Astra V8 Coupe in DTM 3.2 Astra XTreme 3.3 Astra V8 in Stock Car 4 Astra H 4.1 Astra OPC/VXR 4.2 Astra TwinTop 4.3 Chevrolet Vectra Stock Car 4.4 Saturn Astra 5 Astra J 5.1 Engines 5.1.1 Petrol 5.1.2 Diesel 6 Motorsport 7 References 8 External links [edit] Naming convention The Astra nameplate originates from Vauxhall who had manufactured and marketed earlier generations of the Opel Kadett (the Kadett D (1979–1984) and Kadett E (1984–1991)) as Vauxhall Astra. Subsequent GM Europe policy standardised model nomenclature in the early 1990s whereby model names were the same in all markets regardless of whether the vehicle was being sold as an Opel or a Vauxhall. As of 2009, there have been four generations of the Astra. In a fashion typical for Opel they are designated with subsequent letters of the Latin alphabet. Opel's official convention is that the Astra is a logical continuation of the Kadett lineage, thus referring to the first generation of Opel Astra as the Astra F(the last Opel Kadett was the Kadett E). Another convention used by GM starts with Astra A, adopting the notion that the Astra is a separate model. Models sold as Vauxhall, Holden or Chevrolet have different generation designations reflecting the history of those nameplates in their home markets and their naming conventions. [edit] Astra F Astra F Also called Chevrolet Astra Holden Astra (TR) Opel Astra Classic Opel Astra II (Denmark) Opel Optima Opel Kadett (South Africa) Vauxhall Astra Production 1991–1998 1998-2002 as Astra Classic I in Poland Assembly Bochum, Germany Antwerp, Belgium Straundale, Port Elizabeth, South Africa Zaporizhia, Ukraine Szentgotthárd, Hungary Gliwice, Poland Ellesmere Port, England Sinjhuang City, Republic of China Body style(s) 2-door convertible 3-door hatchback 4-door saloon 5-door estate 5-door hatchback Platform T-body Engine(s) 1.4L I4 8V and 16V 1.6L I4 8V and 16V 1.8L I4 8V and 16V 2.0L I4 8V and 16V 2.0L I4 16V Turbo 1.7L Diesel I4 8V only Transmission(s) 5 speed manual 6 speed manual (C20LET only) 4 speed automatic Related Opel Vectra An early Vauxhall Astra F An Opel Astra station wagon transformed to hold a wheelchair The Opel Astra F debuted in 1991. With the Kadett E's successor, Opel adopted the Astra nameplate, which was already used by Vauxhall for the Kadett D and E (see Vauxhall Astra). It was offered as a three or five-door hatchback, a saloon (sedan), and an estate (wagon), known as the Caravan. A cabriolet was also offered, designed and built by Bertone in Italy. This car was offered in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as Turkey with the name Astra Classic from 1998 to 2002. The Astra F finished production in 1998. The model was launched in Europe and South Africa in 1991. In South Africa it was produced under licence by Delta. However, the Kadett name was retained for the Astra hatchback until 1999. The South African Astra included a variant with a 2.0 L turbocharged engine called the Astra 200t S, both engine and chassis was produced in limited numbers (250 only) in both sedan and hatchback guise in Opel's Hungarian factory at Szentgotthárd. The engine (C20LET) in the Astra 200t S was sourced from the Calibra and Vectra A 4x4 2.0 16V turbo, 4wd found on European markets, but local engineers converted the 6 speed drivetrain (Getrag F28) to front wheel drive only and as such was unique to that market. Sedan, hatchback and station wagon models were offered under the Astra name. Controversially, the Kadett and Astra in South Africa won the title of 'Car of the Year' in two consecutive years (1993 and 1994) even though they were versions of the same car. South African nomenclature was denoted in centilitres, so the Astra and Kadett ranges featured 140, 160i, 180i and 200i models. The Opel Astra also became available in Australasia badged as a Holden, first in New Zealand in 1995, and then Australia in 1996. The first models were imported from the UK, but later models were imported from Belgium. The Holden Astra name had previously been used on rebadged Nissan Pulsar models from 1984 to 1989. Opel Astra's first generation was imported to Brazil. Chevrolet of Brazil sent the 2.0 liter/115 bhp engines to Belgium whence the completed cars took their way to Brazil. In 1996 the Brazilian government increased the import rate, though the car remained very expensive[citation needed]. The second generation was manufactured in Brazil. The Opel Astra F consisted of two main revisions and was revised in 1995, with the launch of Opel's new Ecotec engine. For a short period, a submodel which consisted of parts from both revisions was produced. The submodel used all the new Ecotec running gear, but many parts from the previous revision were used in order to use up leftover parts. Other main changes included mildly-altered exterior styling, and availability of new specification models.[citation needed] Aside from the South Africa-only Astra 200t S, the lead model was the GSi — a 2.0 L I4 16V petrol injected model with 151 hp (110 kW), available as a 3-door only. It also featured sports bodykit and widened front seats in the interior. However, this was substituted in 1995 and was renamed as SPORT, although only a limited number were produced and the bodykit was removed also and it could be selected with the lower-powered, but more modern 'Ecotec' version, the X20XEV (136 hp, 100 kW) parallel with the C20XE. In Europe from 1994 all Astra models were offered with the 2.0 L 16V ECOTEC X20XEV parallel with the 2.0 L 8V (C20NE) engine, but the 3-door and station wagon models could be selected with the 151 hp (110 kW) C20XE engine. After the Astra F series has been replaced by the new generation Astra G in 1998, the also called "REDTOP" C20XE engine was written off by Opel. Awards 1992 Semperit Irish Car of the Year 1993 and 1994 South African Car of the Year [edit] Engine lineup for the Astra F [edit] Petrol engines This section does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (December 2010) Engine Code Engine Displacement Power Torque Fueling System Valvetrain Compression Ratio 140I Inline 4 1389 cc 60 hp (45 kW; 61 PS) 103 N·m (76 lb·ft) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPi) SOHC 9.4:1 140IE Inline 4 1398 cc 75 hp (56 kW; 76 PS) 110 N·m (81 lb·ft) Carburetor SOHC 9.4:1 140IS Inline 4 1398 cc 82 hp (61 kW; 83 PS) 115 N·m (85 lb·ft) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPi) SOHC 9.8:1 C14NZ Inline 4 1398 cc 60 hp (45 kW; 61 PS) 103 N·m (76 lb·ft) SPi SOHC 9.4:1 C14SE Inline 4 1389 cc 82 hp (61 kW; 83 PS) 113 N·m (83 lb·ft) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPi) SOHC 10.0:1 X14NZ Inline 4 1398 cc 60 hp (45 kW; 61 PS) 103 N·m (76 lb·ft) SPi SOHC 9.4:1 X14XE (Ecotec) Inline 4 1398 cc 90 hp (67 kW; 91 PS) 125 N·m (92 lb·ft) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPi) DOHC 10.5:1 C16NZ and X16SZR Inline 4 1598 cc 75 hp (56 kW; 76 PS) 125 N·m (92 lb·ft) SPi SOHC 9.2:1 C16SE Inline 4 1598 cc 101 hp (75 kW; 102 PS) 135 N·m (100 lb·ft) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPi) SOHC 9.8:1 X16SZ Inline 4 1598 cc 71 hp (53 kW; 72 PS) 128 N·m (94 lb·ft) SPi SOHC 10.0:1 X16XZR Inline 4 1598 cc 71 hp (53 kW; 72 PS) 128 N·m (94 lb·ft) SPi SOHC 9.6:1 X16XEL (Ecotec) Inline 4 1598 cc 101 hp (75 kW; 102 PS) 148 N·m (109 lb·ft) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPi) DOHC 10.5:1 C18NZ Inline 4 1796 cc 90 hp (67 kW; 91 PS) 145 N·m (107 lb·ft) SPi SOHC 9.2:1 C18XE Inline 4 1794 cc 125 hp (93 kW; 127 PS) 168 N·m (124 lb·ft) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (Mpi) DOHC 10.8:1 C18SEL (Ecotec) Inline 4 1798 cc 115 hp (86 kW; 117 PS) 168 N·m (124 lb·ft) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (Mpi) DOHC 9.9:1 C18XEL (Ecotec) Inline 4 1798 cc 115 hp (86 kW; 117 PS) 168 N·m (124 lb·ft) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (Mpi) DOHC 10.8:1 X18XE (Ecotec) Inline 4 1794 cc 115 hp (86 kW; 117 PS) 170 N·m (125 lb·ft) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (Mpi) DOHC 10.8:1 20SEH (South Africa) Inline 4 1998 cc 130 hp (97 kW; 132 PS) 180 N·m (133 lb·ft) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPi) SOHC 9.8:1 20XE-LN (South Africa) Inline 4 1998 cc 156 hp (116 kW; 158 PS) 200 N·m (148 lb·ft) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPi) DOHC 9.8:1 C20NE Inline 4 1998 cc 115 hp (86 kW; 117 PS) 170 N·m (125 lb·ft) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPi) SOHC 9.2:1 C20XE Inline 4 1998 cc 151 hp (113 kW; 153 PS) 196 N·m (145 lb·ft) Sequential Fuel Ijection (SFI) DOHC 10.5:1 C20LET (South Africa) Inline 4 1998 cc 204 hp (152 kW; 207 PS) 280 N·m (207 lb·ft) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPi), turbocharger DOHC 8.5:1 X20XEV (Ecotec) Inline 4 1998 cc 136 hp (101 kW; 138 PS) 185 N·m (136 lb·ft) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPi) DOHC 10.8:1 [edit] Diesel engines Engine Code Engine Displacement Power Torque Fueling System Valvetrain Compression Ratio 17D Inline 4 1699 cc 57 hp (43 kW; 58 PS) 105 N·m (77 lb·ft) Bosch Injection Pump SOHC 23:1 17DR Inline 4 1699 cc 60 hp (45 kW; 61 PS) 105 N·m (77 lb·ft) Bosch Injection Pump SOHC 23:1 X17DTL Inline 4 1700 cc 68 hp (51 kW; 69 PS) 132 N·m (97 lb·ft) Bosch Injection Pump SOHC 22:1 X17DT Inline 4 1686 cc 82 hp (61 kW; 83 PS) 168 N·m (124 lb·ft) Bosch Injection Pump SOHC 22:1 [edit] Astra G Astra G Also called Chevrolet Astra Chevrolet Viva Holden Astra Holden Astra Classic Opel Astra Classic II Vauxhall Astra Production 1998–2004 2002–2009 as Astra Classic II in Egypt 1998–present in Brazil (facelift version) Assembly Bochum, Germany Antwerp, Belgium São Caetano do Sul, Brazil Port Elizabeth, South Africa[1] Gliwice, Poland Togliatti, Russia Zaporoshje, Ukraine Ellesmere Port, England 6th of October City, Egypt Grugliasco, Italy (Cabrio & Coupe)[2] Zaporizhia, Ukraine (AvtoZAZ)[3] Body style(s) 2-door convertible 2-door coupé 3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback 5-door estate 5-door sedan Platform GM GM2700/3000 platform Engine(s) 1.4L 1.6L 1.7L 1.8L 2.0L 2.2L 2.4L I4 Transmission(s) 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic Wheelbase 2,614 mm (102.9 in) Length Hatchback: 4,199 mm (165.3 in) Saloon: 4,342 mm (170.9 in) Width 1,753 mm (69.0 in) Height Hatchback: 1,431 mm (56.3 in) Saloon: 1,425 mm (56.1 in) Related Opel Zafira Opel Astra Sport 1.6 16V A Vauxhall Astra for the British Market The Astra G was launched in Europe in 1998, though sketches of the car can be seen as early as 1992. It was available as a 3 and 5-door hatchback, 4-door saloon and two special versions: the Astra Coupé and the Astra Cabrio, both of them designed and built by Bertone. The Astra G saw the introduction of a natural gas-powered engine. Its chassis was tuned by Lotus and formed the base of a seven-seater compact MPV, the Opel Zafira. The manufacturing of Astra G continued at Opel's Gliwice plant in Poland after the debut of the next-generation Astra H, with the older model being branded as Astra Classic in a similar fashion to its predecessor, catering to the lower end of the market. This car was offered in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as Turkey with the name Astra Classic II from 2004 to the end 2009. Apart from European markets, these models were sold in Australia and New Zealand as Holden Astra Classic, until they were replaced by the Holden Viva in 2006. The Astra G continues as the locally-built Chevrolet Astra in Brazil. It was facelifted in 2003, and is sold in Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and other Latin American markets. In Brazil, the Astra G/B remains as the leader of its segment in sales since 1999.[citation needed] The GM Brazilian 2.0 8V I4 engine which equips the Astra has the "flexpower" technology, that allows the car to run on both petrol/alcohol fuels, providing 128/140 hp (G/A) at 5200 rpm. A taxi version of the Brazilian sourced model, powered with gasoline 2.0 engine was sold in Chile as the Chevy Urban.[4][5] In 2004, GM's Russian joint venture, GM-AvtoVAZ, launched the GM-AvtoVAZ Chevrolet Viva, a four-door version of the Astra G/B. It was sold through Chevrolet dealers in Russia, while Opel dealers were (and are, as of July 2008) selling the newer Opel Astra H/C. Sales were poor from the start due to high pricing: the only version launched was equipped with a 1.8L engine with an above-average trim level, placing the Viva's price above the Toyota Corolla.[6] A project costing $340 million was selling less than a thousand cars annually[6] (801 cars in 2007);[7] rumours of shutting down Chevy Viva production circulated as early as summer of 2005.[8] GM-AvtoVAZ shut down small-scale production of the Viva in March 2008.[6] [edit] Astra V8 Coupe in DTM The Astra G series Coupé look was used for the V8 powered dedicated race cars in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) series. These DTM cars are purpose built race cars with barely any parts taken form the road cars save for lights or door handles. The car's bodywork featured gull-wing doors that were each supported by two gas struts. The race cars were powered by 4.0L V8 engines with nearly 500 hp (370 kW). Opel did poorly during several season of DTM as only Manuel Reuter placed significantly in the championship once, taking second in the inaugural season 2000. Opel won the 24h Nürburgring in 2003, though. [edit] Astra XTreme The Astra XTreme, a concept presented at the 2001 Geneva motor show, was a single-production V8 powered Astra based on the G-series Astra DTM. Like the DTM race car, it featured a 4.0L V8 engine, producing 444 hp (331 kW), gull-wing doors supported by gas struts, carbon fiber panels, and race-specification interior with five-point seatbelts. [edit] Astra V8 in Stock Car The Chevrolet Astra continues in production in Brazil, There is this competition where they took place against VW Bora, Mitsubishi Lancer and the Peugeot 307 Sedan, all of then with the V8...But the Astra was replaced by the Chevrolet Vectra (Opel Astra)...The Lancer and the Bora also left the competition.. [edit] Astra H Astra H Also called Chevrolet Astra Chevrolet Vectra GT Holden Astra Opel Astra A+ (Sedan, China) Opel Astra Classic III Saturn Astra (2008-2009) Vauxhall Astra Production 2004–2009 2009-present as Astra Classic III Assembly Bochum, Germany Antwerp, Belgium Kaliningrad, Russia Gliwice, Poland São Caetano do Sul, Brazil Struandale, Port Elizabeth, South Africa St. Petersburg, Russia Zaporizhia, Ukraine Ellesmere Port, England, 6th of October City, Egypt[9] Body style(s) 2-door coupé convertible 3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door estate 5-door hatchback Platform GM Delta platform Engine(s) 1.4L Family 0 I4 1.6L Family I I4 1.8L Family I I4 2.0L Turbo Family II I4 2.2L Family II I4 (Australia) 1.3L CDTi Diesel I4 1.7L CDTi Diesel I4 1.9L CDTi Diesel I4 2.0L Flexpower I4 (Brazil) 2.4L Flexpower I4 (Brazil) Transmission(s) 5-speed manual 6-speed manual 4-speed automatic 6-speed automatic Wheelbase Estate & Saloon: 2,703 mm (106.4 in) Cabriocoupe & Hatchback: 2,614 mm (102.9 in) Length Saloon: 4,587 mm (180.6 in) Estate: 4,515 mm (177.8 in) Cabriocoupe: 4,476 mm (176.2 in) Hatchback: 4,331 mm (170.5 in) Width Estate: 1,753 mm (69.0 in) Cabriocoupe: 1,759 mm (69.3 in) Hatchback: 1,753 mm (69.0 in) Height Estate: 1,500 mm (59.1 in) Cabriocoupe: 1,411 mm (55.6 in) 5-door Hatchback: 1,458 mm (57.4 in) 3-door Hatchback: 1,418 mm (55.8 in) Related Chevrolet Cobalt/Pontiac G5(North America) Opel Zafira (worldwide excluding North America) Opel launched Astra H in March 2004. Based on the then-new Delta platform,[citation needed] its size was increased compared to the previous version. Each engine is provided with its own Lotus-tuned suspension settings.[citation needed] The Astra H was first launched as a five-door hatchback, which by the end of 2004 was joined by a five-door Caravan estate and a sporty three-door hatchback, designated the GTC for European markets, Sport Hatch in the UK and the Coupé in Australia. The GTC has the option of a windscreen called "panoramic windscreen" (unique for a production car at the time of its launch) which extends into the roof area. This Astra is currently sold alongside the Astra I in the UK. In the 2005 European Car of the Year contest, the Astra H/C was just edeged out by the top three, Toyota Prius (Winner), Citroen C4 (2nd Place) and the Ford Focus (3rd Place). The Vauxhall Astra is popular with various British Police forces. The current Chevrolet Vectra sedan in Brazil is a twin of the Opel Astra H sedan In 2005, GM Brazil replaced the aging Vectra B by developing a Astra H's sedan version on the full length GM Delta platform, that was named as Chevrolet Vectra. The model received also a facelift to match the others models offered in Brazil. On 19 October 2006 at the international auto show in Istanbul, Turkey, Opel launched this version of the sedan, to be manufactured in Gliwice, Poland as an Opel for several Eurasian markets.[10] At that time, a 3-door van variant of the wagon was introduced by Vauxhall in Britain. In September 2007, GM Brazil launched a version of 5-door Astra C hatchback, marketed as Chevrolet Vectra GT to differentiate from the already existing Astra G, which remains in production with a lower pricepoint. The Astra sedan was launched in Ireland as the Opel Astra Saloon in 2008, one of the countries in Western Europe where it was sold, and also the first right hand drive market for the model.[11] In Spain it is sold as Astra "Sedán". GM Russia launched SKD assembly of Astra on a temporary production site near Saint Petersburg in February 2008, with a potential capacity of 25,000 vehicles annually.[12] A first for any major European car is the availability of digital radio on some versions of the new Astra, while for the Astra product class first are electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC) and AFL (Adaptive Forward Lighting). In 2005, the new Opel Astra Diesel-Electric Hybrid appeared. By the end of 2005, estate and coupé versions were also launched. In 2008, sales of the Astra commenced in the United States and Canada, where it is sold as the Saturn Astra. 2008 was the last model year for the Chevrolet Astra in Mexico as a result of withdrawal of Opel products from the brand, replaced by the Chevrolet Cruze sedan for the 2010 model year. [edit] Astra OPC/VXR During 2005 Opel introduced the OPC version of the Astra GTC (Astra VXR in the UK) which is powered by an updated version of the 2.0 L turbo ecotec engine (Z20 LEH) producing 240 PS (177 kW, 237 bhp) and 320 N·m (236 lb·ft) of torque. Standard features of the OPC/VXR version include sports bodykit and interior, a six-speed manual gearbox, xenon headlamps and 18" alloy wheels amongst others. This vehicle was sold until late 2009 in Australia and New Zealand as the HSV (Holden Special Vehicles) VXR. HSV VXRs are sold as standard with full leather trim, climate control, 6 disc CD and 19" alloy wheels. HSV VXRs were badged as per the UK Vauxhall Spec models, but without the usual rear boot badge. Inside the Opel blitz appears on the steering wheel with an OPC dashboard. [edit] Astra TwinTop In 2006, the Astra TwinTop arrived. The "TwinTop" name also applies to the smaller Tigra refers to a folding hard-top coupé version of the car. In the case of the Astra, the TwinTop has a three-part folding metal roof which sits in the upper half of the boot space, leaving considerable luggage space below it. Still marketed as a four-seater, the rear seating space is smaller than a "normal" Astra. The TwinTop was available in three trim levels with a range of engines in each, including a 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) 2.0L turbo and the 1.9CDTi diesel in 150PS form. [edit] Chevrolet Vectra Stock Car In Brazil, Chevrolet Vectra (Astra H) substituted the Chevrolet Astra on Stock Car.The V8 is still the same, apart that now they use Ethanol instead of Petrol. [edit] Saturn Astra 2008 Saturn Astra XR 3-door The Saturn Astra debuted during the 2007 Chicago Auto Show.[13][14] Intended to replace the Ion as the brand's smallest model, the Saturn Astra was a captive import built in Antwerp, Belgium.[15] It was offered in three and five-door hatchback body styles, with sales starting on January 2, 2008. Only one engine was available: a 1.8 L Family 1 DCVCP inline-4 cylinder gasoline engine with variable-valve technology producing 138 hp (103 kW) and with an available five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. The Astra XE was available only on the five-door hatchback bodystyle version; this was the basic trim level for the Saturn Astra. The upmarket XR trim level was available in both the three and five-door hatchback. 17-inch (430 mm) alloy wheels were standard.[16] In IIHS crash tests the Astra earned a Good overall score in frontal impacts, while in side impacts it received a Marginal overall rating. Front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags were standard.[17] General Motors predicted sales of between 30,000–40,000 vehicles a year in the United States. Due to a large number of unsold 2008 & 2009 remaining on dealer lots, GM announced it would end production of the Saturn Astra.[18] Fewer 2009 model Saturn Astras were imported to the United States, with a majority of the final Saturn Astras imported to Canada. On June 5, 2009, GM announced it was selling the Saturn Corporation to Penske Automotive Group. Under the terms of the ultimately aborted deal GM would have continued to produce Saturn Aura, Vue, and Outlook models for two years, expressly excluding the Astra. Production of the Saturn Astra effectively ended. The Chevrolet Cruze serves as a de facto successor for the Saturn Astra, as the Chevrolet Cruze went on sale as a 2011 model. Calendar Year Total American sales 2008[19] 11,968 2009[20] 6,298 [edit] Astra J Astra J Also called Buick Excelle XT Vauxhall Astra Production 2009–present Assembly Rüsselsheim, Germany Ellesmere Port, UK Gliwice, Poland St Petersburg, Russia Body style(s) 3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback 5-door estate Platform GM Delta II platform Transmission(s) 5-speed manual 6-speed manual 6-speed automatic Wheelbase 2,685 mm (105.7 in) Length 4,419 mm (174.0 in) Width 1,814 mm (71.4 in) Height 1,487 mm (58.5 in) Related Opel Ampera Chevrolet Volt Chevrolet Cruze Chevrolet Orlando Opel Zafira Designer Uwe Müller, Chief Exterior Designer Chief Interior Designer Beat Finkebeiner Ralf Braun, Clay Modeler Wolfgang Blunk, Alias Modeler Kirsten Roesner, Color and Trim Designer Astra J Astra J interior The Astra J is based on the Delta II platform and debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.[21][22] The car has taken most of its styling from the new Opel Insignia, with many of the higher options fitted as standard. Full production came on line at Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port Plant at the end of September 2009 (Pictures). Deliveries began in December 2009. In the UK,it is sold along with the previous Astra. The new Vauxhall Astra competes with models such as the, Peugeot 308, Volkswagen Golf and the Toyota Auris. It will be used by the UK Police soon, along with the Vauxhall Insignia. The Estate version of the Astra - dubbed the 'Sports Tourer' by Opel, debuted at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, and went on sale shortly afterwards, with a starting of £16,575 for the ES version, then Exclusiv,Sri and SE versions, with the SE costing from £20,345. This is cheaper than the previous estate, but has more kit. An Astra 3-door hatchback and a Convertible, as well as an all-new Zafira Compact MPV will be introudced in 2011. At present Vauxhall are selling this model along with the previous generation Astra Sport Hatch and Twintop. Shanghai GM launched the Chinese specification of the Opel Astra, which is badged as the Buick Excelle XT. This car went on sale in January 2010. Three engines have been announced: Ecotec D-VVT 1.6L, 1.8L and 1.6T. The Opel/Vauxhall Astra came third in the European Car of the Year award in 2010. The Astra was developed at Opel’s European Design Center in Rüsselsheim, continues the evolution of Opel’s design language, ‘sculptural artistry meets German precision’ first introduced on the Insignia and won the red dot Design Award 2010. [edit] Engines [edit] Petrol Model Engine Displacement Power Torque Note CO2 emission (g/km) 1.4 Ecotec I4 1398 cc 87 PS (64 kW; 86 hp) @6000 rpm 130 N·m (96 lb·ft) @4000 rpm VVT 129 1.4 Ecotec I4 1398 cc 100 PS (74 kW; 99 hp) @6000 rpm 130 N·m (96 lb·ft) @4000 rpm VVT 129 1.4 Turbo Ecotec I4 1364 cc 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) @4900 rpm 200 N·m (148 lb·ft) @1850-4900 rpm VVT 138 1.6 Ecotec I4 1598 cc 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) @6000 rpm 155 N·m (114 lb·ft) @4000 rpm VVT 147 1.6 Turbo Ecotec I4 1598 cc 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) @5500 rpm 230 N·m (170 lb·ft) @2200-5400 rpm 159 [edit] Diesel Model Engine Displacement Power Torque Note CO2 emission (g/km) 1.3 CDTI Ecotec I4 1248 cc 95 PS (70 kW; 94 hp) @4000 rpm 190 N·m (140 lb·ft) @1750 rpm 109 1.7 CDTI Ecotec I4 1686 cc 110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp) @3800 rpm 260 N·m (192 lb·ft) @1700-2500 rpm 124 1.7 CDTI Ecotec I4 1686 cc 125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) @4000 rpm 280 N·m (207 lb·ft) @2000-2700 rpm 119/124(depending on region) 2.0 CDTI Ecotec I4 1956 cc 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) @4000 rpm 350 N·m (258 lb·ft) @1750-2500 rpm 129 Engines are available with the 5-speed or 6-speed manual transmission. The only optional available automatic transmission is the 6-speed with active select mode, which can be ordered for the 1.4 turbo ecotec, 1.6 ecotec, 1.6 turbo ecotec and 2.0 CDTI ecotec depending on region. [edit] Motorsport Martin Johnson's Astra that currently competes in the British Touring Car Championship. The Astra has been used in auto racing around the globe, in particular in touring car racing. Its highest success were achieved in the British Touring Car Championship (see BTC-T Vauxhall Astra Coupe). The Astra Coupe soon became one of the most successful cars in Touring Car history after taking both 1st and 2nd in the BTCC in 2001, 2002, 2003 & 2004 with it also managing to take the Teams and Manufacturers Championships at the same time. During its 4 years in the hands of the works VXRacing team it was almost invincible. after 2004, it was decided that Vauxhall would retire the Astra Coupe and move on to the Mark 5 Astra Sport Hatch for the next two years. The newer cars struggled to match the coupe's pace and were beaten by the Hondas and SEATs on many occasions. Yvan Muller was runner-up and Colin Turkington sixth in 2005. Fabrizio Giovanardi finished fifth, Gavin Smith seventh and Tom Chilton eight the next season. For 2007, VX Racing dropped the Astra in favour of the Vectra C. Due to the reliability and speed fo the cars, they were used by many independent teams such as GA Motorsport, Collards Motorsport, Thurlby Motors and Arkas Racing for the next few years with one car entered this year by Martin Johnson. In 2002, 2003 and 2006, three different drivers were European Rallycross Champions in the Division 2 driving Astras. The 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2008 runner-ups also raced in that car. Christian Ledesma was 2004 TC 2000 champion with an Astra and Matías Rossi took that title in 2006 and 2007. The Astra has been used in the shape of silhouette racing cars as well. It was featured in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters from 2000 to 2003 (Manuel Reuter was runner-up in 2000) and the Stock Car Brasil from 2004 to 2008 (Giuliano Losacco won the tournament in 2004 and 2005). In 2009, the Astra B body was replaced Stock Car Brasil by a Vectra, which is in fact the same as the European Astra C. [edit] References ^ "Opel. Opel In South Africa". Car-cat.com. http://car-cat.com/firm-1388.html. Retrieved 2010-10-02.  ^ "Opel. Opel In Italy". Car-cat.com. http://car-cat.com/firm-674.html. Retrieved 2010-10-02.  ^ "UkrAVTO Corporation. ZAZ". Ukravto.ua. http://www.ukravto.ua/eng/production_zaz.htm. Retrieved 2010-11-30.  ^ [1][dead link] ^ "Ediciones Especiales - El Mercurio". Edicionesespeciales.elmercurio.com. http://www.edicionesespeciales.elmercurio.com/hoy/detalle/index.asp?idnoticia=0110012006021X0060060&idcuerpo=485. Retrieved 2009-05-01.  ^ a b c "Expert online, March 19, 2008". Expert.ru. http://www.expert.ru/news/2008/03/18/gmavto/. Retrieved 2010-10-02.  ^ "Autoreview, No. 3, 2008". Autoreview.ru. http://www.autoreview.ru/archive/2008/03/stat/. Retrieved 2010-10-02.  ^ "Newsru.com, July 29, 2005". Newsru.com. 2005-07-29. http://www.newsru.com/arch/finance/29jul2005/avaz.html. Retrieved 2010-10-02.  ^ Satyam. "Welcome to GMArabia.com". Gmegypt.com. http://www.gmegypt.com/content_data/LAAM/ME/en/GBPME/999/EG/gm_history.html?cntryCd=EG#. Retrieved 2010-10-02.  ^ Homola, Peter (2007-08-23). "GM Launches Opel Astra Sedan Output in Poland". WardsAuto.com. http://wardsauto.com/ar/astra_output_poland/. Retrieved 2008-01-30.  ^ Motoring: OPEL ASTRA 4-DOOR FOR YOUR EYES ONLY Sunday Mirror March 9, 2008 ^ "Autoreview, March 2008". Autoreview.ru. http://www.autoreview.ru/news/index.php?ELEMENT_ID=15956. Retrieved 2010-10-02.  ^ "Saturn's next Opel: 2008 Astra". AutoWeek. http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061207/FREE/61207008/1063/PROMOBLOG01. Retrieved December 7, 2006.  ^ "Inside Line: 2007 Chicago Auto Show: Saturn Takes the Wraps off Euro-Flavored 2008 Astra". Edmunds.com. http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=119466. Retrieved February 8, 2007.  ^ Gastelu, Gary (2008-05-08). "2008 Saturn Astra 3-Door XR". Fox News. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,354437,00.html. Retrieved 2008-05-08.  ^ "Saturn Astra XR". Autoweek. http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071113/FREE/71113001/1005/FREE. Retrieved December 28, 2007.  ^ "IIHS-HLDI: Saturn Astra". Iihs.org. http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=650. Retrieved 2009-05-01.  ^ "2009 Saturn Astra Specs and Features - MSN Autos". MSN Autos. 2009-08-11. http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Spec_Glance.aspx?year=2009&make=Saturn&model=Astra&trimid=-1. Retrieved 2009-08-11.  ^ "GM Media Online". Media.gm.com. 2009-01-05. http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet?target=http://image.emerald.gm.com/gmnews/viewpressreldetail.do?domain=2&docid=51161. Retrieved 2009-05-01. [dead link] ^ "GM Media - United States - News". media.gm.com. 2010-01-05. http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_gm.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/Jan/0105_Dec_Sales. Retrieved 2010-02-25.  ^ "GM Media Online: All-new Astra Set to Take Compact Class by Storm in 2009". General Motors. 2008-09-08. http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet?target=http://image.emerald.gm.com/gmnews/viewmonthlyreleasedetail.do?domain=563&docid=48382. Retrieved 2008-10-21. [dead link] ^ "Car News Blog: 2010 Opel Astra to debut at Frankfurn". Automobile mag. 2008-09-08. http://blogs.automobilemag.com/6277825/car-news/2010-opel-astra-to-debut-in-frankfurt/. Retrieved 2008-10-21.  [edit] External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Opel Astra This article's use of external links may not follow Wikipedia's policies or guidelines. Please improve this article by removing excessive and inappropriate external links. (August 2010) Official Astra website at opel.ie Vauxhall Astra page Official Astra website at saturn.com Glossary of Technology and Innovations pertaining to the Astra TwinTop Vauxhall Owners Network (VxON) - All things Vauxhall, Opel and Holden Chevrolet Viva produced by GM-AVTOVAZ Astra Owners Club(AOC) Astra Forum Romania Astra TwinTop specifications v • d • e « previous — Opel road car timeline, 1980s–present Type 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 City car Agila A Agila B Supermini Corsa A Corsa B Corsa C Corsa D Compact car Kadett C Kadett D Kadett E Astra F Astra G Astra H Astra J Large family car Ascona B Ascona C Vectra A Vectra B Vectra C Insignia Signum Executive car Rekord E/ Commodore C Omega A Omega B Luxury car Senator A/ Monza Senator B Sports car Tigra Tigra TwinTop Manta B Calibra Speedster GT Mini MPV Meriva A Meriva B Compact MPV Zafira A Zafira B Large MPV Sintra SUV Frontera A Frontera B Antara Monterey LCVs Combo A Combo B Arena Vivaro Movano Movano v • d • e Saturn automobile timeline, 1991–2010 Type 1990s 2000s 2010s 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 Sport Compact Ion Red Line Compact S-Series S-Series Ion Astra Mid-size L-Series Aura Crossover Vue Vue Outlook Minivan Relay Roadster Sky v • d • e TC 2000 Championship 1979 • 1980 • 1981 • 1982 • 1983 • 1984 • 1985 • 1986 • 1987 • 1988 • 1989 • 1990 • 1991 • 1992 • 1993 • 1994 1995 • 1996 • 1997 • 1998 • 1999 • 2000 • 2001 • 2002 • 2003 • 2004 • 2005 • 2006 • 2007 • 2008 • 2009 • 2010 Current cars: Chevrolet Astra • Fiat Linea • Honda Civic Si • Toyota Corolla • Renault Mégane • Volkswagen Golf • Volkswagen Polo • Ford Focus • Peugeot 307 Current circuits: Córdoba • General Roca • Oberá • Jorge Ángel Pena • Río Hondo • Resistencia • Santa Fe • Buenos Aires • Centenario • Punta del Este (Uruguay) • Eduardo Copello • San Luis Former circuits: Bahía Blanca • Comodoro Rivadavia • Güemes • Curitiba (Brazil) • Interlagos (Brazil) • Paraná • Viedma || Vauxhall Motors From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search For the football team, see Vauxhall Motors F.C.. Vauxhall Motors Type Limited company Industry Automotive Predecessor Alex Wilson and Company, Vauxhall Iron Works Founded 1857 (Vauxhall ironworks making river boat engines)[1] 1903 (as a horseless carriage manufacturer)[1] Founder(s) Alexander Wilson Headquarters Luton, United Kingdom Key people Duncan Aldred (Managing director) Products Automobiles Services Financial services Revenue £3,785 million (2004)[2] Operating income £131 million (2004)[2] Profit £-176 million (2004)[2] Owner(s) General Motors Employees 4.700 (2009)[2] Divisions VXRacing Website Vauxhall.co.uk Griffin House, headquarters of Vauxhall Vauxhall Motors (pronounced /ˈvɒksɔːl/) is a British car manufacturer owned by General Motors (GM) and headquartered in Luton, United Kingdom.[3] It was founded in 1857, began manufacturing cars in 1903 and was acquired by GM in 1925.[4] It has been the second-largest selling car brand in the UK for over two decades.[4] The current Vauxhall range includes the Agila (city car), Corsa (supermini), Astra (small family car), Insignia (large family car) and Zafira (compact MPV). Vauxhall has two major manufacturing facilities, in Luton (commercial vehicles) and Ellesmere Port, UK (passenger cars). The Luton plant currently employs around 1,170 staff and has a capacity of approximately 100,000 units.[5] The Ellesmere Port plant currently employs around 2,100 staff and has a capacity of approximately 187,000 units.[5] The Vauxhall product range is largely identical to that of Opel, GM's German subsidiary, and most models are principally designed in Rüsselsheim, Germany.[6] A high proportion of Vauxhall-branded vehicles sold in the UK are produced at Opel factories in Germany, Spain and Poland, and roughly 80% of Vauxhall production is exported, most of which is sold under the Opel brand.[5] Contents 1 History 1.1 Before GM 1.2 GM purchase 1.3 Second World War 1.4 Post World War II 1.5 1970s and 1980s 1.6 1990s 1.7 21st century 1.8 Opel/Holden relationship 1.9 Closures and restructuring 1.10 Cancelled sale to Magna 2 VXRacing 3 Origins of the name and the logo 4 Sponsorship 5 List of vehicles 5.1 Current cars 5.2 Former cars 5.3 Vans 6 Timeline 7 See also 8 Notes 9 References 10 External links [edit] History Alexander Wilson founded the company in the Dusian Road, Vauxhall, London in 1857. Originally named Alex Wilson and Company, then Vauxhall Iron Works, the company built pumps and marine engines. In 1903, the company built its first car, a five-horsepower model steered using a tiller, with two forward gears and no reverse gear. This led to a better design which was made available for sale. To expand, the company moved the majority of its production to Luton in 1905. The company continued to trade under the name Vauxhall Iron Works until 1907, when the modern name of Vauxhall Motors was adopted. The company was characterised by its sporting models, but after World War I the company's designs were more austere. [edit] Before GM Much of Vauxhall's success during the early years of Vauxhall Motors was due to a man called Laurence Pomeroy. Pomeroy joined Vauxhall in 1906 as an assistant draughtsman, at the age of twenty-two. In the winter of 1907/8, the chief designer F.W. Hodges took a long holiday, and in his absence the managing director Percy Kidner asked Pomeroy to design an engine for cars to be entered in the 1908 RAC and Scottish Reliability Trial, held in June of that year. The cars were so successful that Pomeroy took over from Hodges.[7] His first design, the Y-Type Y1, had outstanding success at the 1908 RAC and Scottish 2000 Mile Reliability Trials - showing excellent hill climbing ability with an aggregate of 37 seconds less time in the hill climbs than any other car in its class. With unparalleled speeds around the Brooklands circuit, the Vauxhall was so far ahead of all other cars of any class that the driver could relax, accomplishing the 200 miles (320 km) at an average speed of 46 mph (74 km/h), when the car was capable of 55 mph (89 km/h). The Y-Type went on to win class E of the Trial. The Y-Type was so successful that it was decided to put the car into production as the A09 car. This spawned the legendary Vauxhall A-Type. Four distinct types of this were produced between 27 October 1908 - up to when mass production halted in 1914. One last A-Type was put together in 1920. Capable of up to 100 mph (160 km/h), the A-Type Vauxhall was one of the most acclaimed 3 litre cars of its day. Two cars were entered in the 1910 Prince Henry Trials, and although not outright winners, performed well, and replicas were made for sale officially as the C-type - but now known as the Prince Henry. During World War I, Vauxhall made large numbers of the D-type, a Prince Henry chassis with de-rated engine, for use as staff cars for the British forces. After the 1918 armistice, the D-type remained in production, along with the sporting E-type. Pomeroy left in 1919, moving to the United States, and was replaced by C.E. King.[7] In spite of making good cars, expensive pedigree cars of the kind that had served the company well in the prosperous pre-war years were no longer in demand:[1] the company struggled to make a consistent profit and Vauxhall looked for a major strategic partner. [edit] GM purchase In 1925, Vauxhall was bought by GM for US$2.5 million. The company's pre-war image and target market were abruptly changed - with the introduction in 1931 of the first Bedford truck, which was Chevrolet based, along with the low-cost two litre Vauxhall Cadet.[1] The company's future chief engineer, Harold Drew, left Luton for a spell working as a draughtsman with GM's Lansing based Oldsmobile division.[1] As the first significant post acquisition passenger car, the Cadet, initially retailing at GB£280, is generally mentioned in connection with Vauxhall's newly acquired interest and expertise in controlling production costs, but it was also noteworthy as the first British car to feature a synchromesh gearbox.[1] The influence of the American parent was pervasive, and together with the Ford Motor Company, Vauxhall's main competitor, led to a wave of American influenced styling in Europe that persisted through to the 1980s.[citation needed] Bedford Vehicles, a subsidiary constructing commercial vehicles, was established in 1930 as the Stock Market Crash of 1929 had made importing American trucks uneconomical. [edit] Second World War During World War II, car production at Luton was suspended to allow Vauxhall to work on the new Churchill tank, taking it from specification to production in less than a year, and assembled there (as well as at other sites). Over 5,600 Churchill tanks were built. Luton also produced lorries for the war effort (250,000), the Bedford designs being common in British use. [edit] Post World War II After the war, car production resumed, but models were designed as a more mass-market product leading to expansion of the company. A manufacturing plant at Ellesmere Port was built in 1960.[8] During the 1960s, Vauxhall acquired a reputation for making rust-prone models, though in this respect, most manufacturers were equally bad. The corrosion protection built into models was tightened up significantly, but the reputation dogged the company until the early 1980s. By the late 1960s, the company was achieving five-figure sales on its most popular models, including the entry-level Viva and larger Victor. [edit] 1970s and 1980s Vauxhall's fortunes improved during the 1970s, with an updated version of the Viva continuing to sell in huge volumes. By 1973, however, the Victor was losing sales in a market that was becoming increasingly dominated by the Ford Cortina. The Viva was still among the most popular cars in Britain, as a facelift in 1970 stopped the design from becoming too outdated. But this wasn't enough to keep Vauxhall from being well behind market leaders Ford and British Leyland in the sales charts, and most of its range was struggling even to keep pace with Chrysler UK (formerly the Rootes Group). Vauxhall's sales began to increase in 1975, with the launch of two important new models - the Chevette, a small three-door hatchback that was the first car of its kind to be built in Britain, the Chevette carrying the name Opel Kadett in Europe, and Chevrolet Chevette in the US market; and the Cavalier (Opel Ascona elsewhere), a stylish four-door saloon designed to compete head-to-head with the all-conquering Ford Cortina. By the end of the 1970s, Vauxhall had boosted its market share substantially, and was fast closing in on Ford and British Leyland. By 1979, Vauxhall had increased its market share substantially, but was still some way behind Ford and British Leyland, even though it had overtaken Talbot (the successor organisation to Rootes and Chrysler UK). At the end of 1979, Vauxhall moved into the modern family hatchback market with its Astra, (Opel Kadett elsewhere) range that replaced the ageing Viva and Chevette models. The Astra quickly became popular with buyers, but the 1981 Mk2 Cavalier - the first Vauxhall of this size to offer front-wheel drive and a hatchback bodystyle - was the car that really boosted Vauxhall's fortunes. The 1983 Nova (Opel Corsa elsewhere) supermini, an addition to the Vauxhall line up, completed Vauxhall's regeneration, and it soon overtook Austin Rover (formerly British Leyland) as Britain's second most popular carmaker. The Astra further strengthened its position in the market with an all-new 1984 model that featured an aerodynamic design reminiscent of Ford's larger Sierra. Vauxhall's most important model of the 1980s was the 1981 Mk2 Cavalier, which made the transition from rear-wheel drive saloon to front-wheel drive hatchback (though there was still a saloon version available, complemented in 1983 with an estate). For much of its life, it was Britain's most popular large family car, vying with the Ford Sierra for top place. The Cavalier was relaunched in 1988, an all-new format which won praise for its sleek looks and much-improved resistance to rust. The range then was extended by the Senator (Opel Omega elsewhere). The Cavalier (Mk3) entered its third generation in 1988 - with an all-new sleek design that further enhanced its popularity. The Calibra coupé followed in 1989, which was officially the most aerodynamic production car in the world on its launch. Falling between the Cavalier and Senator was the Carlton (Opel Omega elsewhere) - relaunched in 1986, and was voted European Car of the Year, a large four-door family saloon. There were two sports versions of the Carlton: the 3000 GSi and the Lotus Carlton, the latter being aimed at family-minded executives and considered the fastest four-door production car at the time. Most importantly, the latest generation of Vauxhall models had eradicated the image of rusting cars that had for so long put potential buyers off the Vauxhall brand. By 1989 Vauxhall was on something like equal terms with the Rover Group as Britain's second most popular car brand behind Ford. [edit] 1990s In 1993, things were still looking strong for Vauxhall. The Cavalier was firmly re-established as Britain's most popular large family car, with more than 130,000 sales, while the third generation Astra (relaunched in 1991) with 100,000 sales was continuing to narrow the gap between itself and the best-selling Ford Escort. The Astra was now joined by the Belmont - a four-door booted version of the Astra. This continued for some time until being renamed Astra, presumably to provide combined sales/registration figures. The decade-old Nova was axed in 1993, in favour of the all-new Corsa, adopting the European naming of the model; its distinctive styling and practical interior began attracting more sales than its predecessor had done. In 1994, GM ceased production of Bedford Vehicles, which had been Vauxhall's commercial vehicle arm, making successful vans, trucks and lorries since the 1930s. Van production continued at Luton, now under the Vauxhall name. The Cavalier nameplate was axed in 1995 after 20 years, and Vauxhall adopted the Vectra nameplate for its successor, completing a policy by General Motors that aligned and identically badged all Vauxhall and Opel models. Vectra received disappointing feedback from the motoring public, and several well-known journalists, most notably Jeremy Clarkson. Yet it was still hugely popular, and for a while after the 1999 facelift, it was actually more popular than Ford's highly-acclaimed Mondeo. The Astra entered its fourth generation in 1998, and offered levels of build quality and handling that bettered all of its predecessors.[9] It was around this time that Vauxhall was being heavily criticised in several high profile car surveys. In 1998, a Top Gear customer satisfaction survey condemned the Vauxhall Vectra as the least satisfying car to own in Britain. A year later, as a brand Vauxhall was slated as the least satisfying make of car by the same magazine's customer satisfaction survey. Its model range came in for heavy criticism for breakdowns, build quality problems, and many other maladies - which meant that quality did not reflect sales success. Despite this, Vauxhall was competing strongly in the sales charts, and by 1999, was closer to Ford in terms of sales figures than it had been in years. [edit] 21st century Vauxhall grillplate following 2008 rebranding The first years of the 21st century saw Vauxhall further strengthen its position in the British market, and continue to narrow the gap with Ford. The Corsa was regenerated in 2000, and offered a better-handling, better-built and better-equipped package than ever before. 2002 was one of the best years ever for Vauxhall sales in the UK. The updated Corsa (launched in 2000) was Britain's second most popular new car, and gave the marque top spot in the British supermini car sales charts for the very first time. The Astra was Britain's third best selling car that year, while the Vectra and the Zafira (a compact MPV launched in 1999) lurked just outside the top ten with relatively strong sales. The Vectra entered its second generation in 2002 and was further improved over earlier Vectras, but was still hardly a class-leader, and now had to be content with lower sales due to a fall in popularity of D-sector cars; although a facelift in 2005 sparked a rise in sales. Perhaps the most important Vauxhall product of the 2000s so far is the fifth generation Astra, launched in early 2004 - and praised by the motoring press for its dramatic styling, which was a world of difference from the relatively bland previous Astra. It was an instant hit with British buyers, and was the nation's second best selling car in 2005 and 2006, giving the all-conquering Ford Focus its strongest competitor yet. Many UK Police forces have also adopted the Astra as the standard patrol vehicle. The second generation Vectra went on sale during 2002, but has not sold as strongly as its predecessor. Its successor, called the Insignia premiered at the 2008 British International Motor Show at ExCeL London. It is hoped that it will give Vauxhall a fresh new competitor in a sector which has shrunk considerably in Britain over the last few years. The second generation Corsa had been Britain's most popular supermini for most of its production life, but by 2006 it had started to fall behind the best of its competitors, so an all-new model was launched. This Corsa sold far better than either of the previous Corsas, and it was an instant hit with buyers. In 2006, the second generation Zafira was Britain's 10th best selling car. It was the first time that an MPV had featured in the top 10 best-selling cars in Britain. For GM's former management, the Prius came as a wake-up call, though by the time they unveiled their own petrol-electric concept car at the Detroit motor show in January 2007, it was widely agreed that they were late to the party. The Ampera E-Rev, short for extended range electric vehicle and which is due to go on sale in the UK in 2012, is a Vauxhall with a 16 kWh, 400 lb (180 kg) lithium-ion battery pack that delivers 40 miles (64 km) of motoring and a 1.4 litre petrol engine that extends the car's range to 350 miles (560 km). [edit] Opel/Holden relationship From the early 1970s onward, General Motors began to systematically merge the product lines of its Vauxhall and Opel subsidiaries, largely preferring that of the German company. By the end of the decade, most Vauxhalls were based on Opel designs. The Chevette, Cavalier and Carlton were basically restyled versions of the Kadett, Ascona and Rekord respectively, featuring a distinctive sloping front end, nicknamed the "droopsnoot", first prototyped on the HPF Firenza. The Carlton/Viceroy and Royale were simply rebadged versions of Opel's Opel Commodore C and Senator, imported from Germany, whilst the first two generations of Astra, were again - rebadged versions of the Opel Kadett D and E, before the Astra nameplate was adopted by Opel for the sixth generation Kadett platform in 1991. This was the starting point for the "Opelisation" of Vauxhall. With the 1979 demise of the Viva, GM policy was for future Vauxhall models to be, in effect, rebadged Opels, designed and developed in Rüsselsheim, with little engineering input from Luton. In the late '70s and early '80s, GM dealers in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland sold otherwise identical Opel and Vauxhall models alongside each other. This policy of duplication was phased out, beginning with the demise of Opel dealerships in the UK in 1981. The last Opel car (the Manta coupe) to be officially sold in Britain was withdrawn in 1988. Similarly, the Vauxhall brand was dropped by GM in the Republic of Ireland in favour of Opel in 1982, with other right hand drive markets like Malta and Cyprus soon following suit. In New Zealand, the brand was withdrawn in favor of Holden after the demise of the Chevette. Many new Opel-badged cars have been privately imported into the UK from the Republic of Ireland, and other EU countries, while many Vauxhalls have been imported second hand into the Republic. Opel badged Vauxhalls have become more common in recent years in the United Kingdom, thanks in part to the rise of independent car supermarkets sourcing and selling Irish-market Opels from GM plants. GM Europe then began to standardise model names across both brands in the early 1990s. The Vauxhall Astra and Opel Kadett, for example, were both called Astra from 1991 onwards; the Vauxhall Cavalier and Opel Vectra were both called Vectra from 1995 etc. With the exception of the VX220, sold by Opel as the Speedster, all of Vauxhall's models now have the same names as those of Opel. Since 1994, Vauxhall models differ from Opels in their distinctive grille - featuring a "V", incorporating the Vauxhall badge. This has also been used by Holden in New Zealand, by Chevrolet in Brazil on the Mk1 Chevrolet Astra (Opel Astra F) and on the Indian version of the Opel Astra. The "V" badging is an echo of the fluted V-shaped bonnets that have been used in some form on all Vauxhall cars since the very first. The "V" grille is not however used on the Vectra-replacing Insignia, unveiled in 2008 and the 2009 Vauxhall Astra and the 2010 Vauxhall Meriva. A model unique to the Vauxhall range is the high performance Monaro coupé, which is sourced from and designed by Holden in Australia. Although this model is also produced in left hand drive (LHD) for markets like the U.S. (known as the Pontiac GTO) and in the Middle East and South Africa (known as the Chevrolet Lumina), the model is not currently offered by Opel in mainland Europe. Imports of this vehicle are limited to 15,000 to avoid additional safety testing. A future vehicle that Opel has not confirmed, but Vauxhall has, is the Holden Commodore SSV and the HSV GTS. The SSV has a GM 6.0 L98 V8, and the HSV uses the high performance GM 6.0 LS2 V8. Both are on the new GM Zeta platform, which will underpin many future full-size GM vehicles. Vauxhall confirmed the import of the HSV just after the reborn Opel GT roadster was announced as not being imported into the UK. Vauxhall claim the Vauxhall Commodore and HSV will replace the Monaro, and be far more aggressively styled than the HSV, and have several defining Vauxhall features. The bodywork for the Holden Camira estate was used for the Vauxhall Cavalier estate in the UK (though not for the identical Opel Ascona in the rest of Europe) - conversely the rear bodywork of the T-car Vauxhall Chevette estate and Bedford Chevanne van was used for the respective Holden Gemini versions. Vauxhall's compact car, the Viva, formed the basis of the first Holden Torana in Australia in the 1960s. Many cars badged as Opels, even LHD models, are produced by Vauxhall for export. Vauxhall has built some Holdens for export, too, notably Vectra-As to New Zealand and Astra-Bs to both Australia and New Zealand. [edit] Closures and restructuring Vauxhall announced on 12 December 2000, that car production at Luton would cease in 2002, with the final vehicle being made in March 2002 following the end of production of the Vectra B and the moving of its replacement to Ellesmere Port alongside the Astra. Manufacture of vans (sold under the Vauxhall, Opel, Renault and Nissan badges throughout Europe) continues at the IBC Vehicles plant in Luton. On 17 May 2006, Vauxhall announced the loss of 900 jobs from Ellesmere Port's 3,000 staff. Despite already meeting efficiency targets, Vauxhall has been told to further improve productivity. Vauxhall's troubled parent GM is cutting 30,000 jobs in the United States.[10] [edit] Cancelled sale to Magna On 30 May 2009, a deal was announced which will lead to the spin-off of the Opel and Vauxhall brands into a new company. On the 1st June 2009, Vauxhall Motors troubled parent company, General Motors filed for bankruptcy in a court in New York. By then the sale of Vauxhall and its sister subsidiary, Opel, was being negotiated as part of a strategy driven by the German government to ring fence the businesses from any General Motors asset liquidation.[11][12][13][14] The sale to Canadian-owned Magna International was agreed on 10 September 2009, with the approval of the German government.[15] During the announcement regarding the sale, Magna promised to keep the Vauxhall factory at Ellesmere Port open until 2013, but could not guarantee any further production after that date.[16] On 3 November 2009, the GM board called off the Magna deal after coming to the conclusion that Opel and Vauxhall Motors was crucial to GM's global strategy.[17] [edit] VXRacing See also: VXR The VXR range is analogous to the OPC range made by Opel Performance Center, the HSV range made by Holden and the SS range made by Latin America Chevrolet. The models include the Corsa VXR, Astra VXR, Insignia VXR, Meriva VXR, Zafira VXR, VXR8, VX220 (no longer in production), and the Australian-built Holden Monaro (also no longer in production). These vehicles are high performance machines, and are ideally aimed for younger buyers. Vauxhall unveiled a new model based on the Australian HSV Maloo at the 2005 National Exhibition Centre motor show in Birmingham, England. It was claimed that the monstrous V8 Ute had a top speed around 200 mph (320 km/h) - which is extremely fast for a utility vehicle. However, the model never got to the showroom in the United Kingdom. The Monaro is also no longer made, but a new version (a four door saloon) is now on sale called the VXR8. The VXR8 is based on Australia's Holden HSV Clubsport R8. This car reaches 0-60 in 5 seconds, in similar territory to other muscle car contemporaries such as the Dodge Viper (SRT-10) and Corvette Z06 - and marginally slower than Fords FG F6 Falcon. The VXR badge is a symbol of the combined technological resources of the global General Motors group, and the recognised expertise of consultants Lotus and the Triple Eight Racing Team. [edit] Origins of the name and the logo 1970s and 1980s logo 1990s and 2000s logo (phase out began in 2008) The griffin emblem, which is still in use, is derived from the coat of arms of Falkes de Breauté, a mercenary soldier who was granted the Manor of Luton for services to King John in the thirteenth century. By marriage, he also gained the rights to an area near London, south of the Thames. The house he built, Fulk's Hall, became known in time as Vauxhall. Vauxhall Iron Works adopted this emblem from the coat of arms to emphasise its links to the local area. When Vauxhall Iron Works moved to Luton in 1905, the griffin emblem coincidentally returned to its ancestral home. The logo as pictured used to be square, but it is now circular, to enable it to fit in the same recess designed for the circular Opel emblem. Since the 1920s, the griffin has been redesigned and released 9 times. 2008 saw the release of a revised version of the 2005 logo. Bill Parfitt, Chairman and Managing Director of GM UK, said, "While the new-look Griffin pays homage to our 100 year-plus manufacturing heritage in the UK, it also encapsulates Vauxhall’s fresh design philosophy, first showcased in the current Astra, and set to continue with Insignia."[18] [edit] Sponsorship Vauxhall Motors sponsored the Football Conference, the highest non-league division of English football, from 1986 until 1998. It took over from Gola, and remained in association with the league for twelve years, before ending its backing and being replaced by Nationwide Building Society. [edit] List of vehicles Vauxhall 30/98 Special 1923 Vauxhall 14: 6 cyl 4-door Saloon 1937 Vauxhall 10: 4 cyl 4-door Saloon 1938 Vauxhall Wyvern 4-door Saloon 1949 Vauxhall Wyvern (L series) Vauxhall Velox 4-door Saloon 1955 Vauxhall Velox 4-door Saloon 1958 Vauxhall FBD Victor 4-door Saloon 1963 1965 Vauxhall Victor FC 101 Estate 1970s Vauxhall Firenza HPF 1983 Vauxhall Nova 1986 Vauxhall Belmont 1990 Vauxhall Lotus Carlton 2000 Vauxhall Astra 2000 Vauxhall Vectra 2003 Vauxhall Corsa 2003 Vauxhall VX Lightning Concept 2004 Vauxhall Monaro VXR 2006 Vauxhall Zafira 2009 Vauxhall Insignia [edit] Current cars Vauxhall Agila (2000–present) Vauxhall Ampera (2011–present) Vauxhall Antara (2007–present) Vauxhall Astra (1979–present) rebadged Opel Kadett D/E (Mk 1 & 2) / Opel Astra (Mk 3 onwards) Vauxhall Corsa (1993–present) Vauxhall Insignia (2008–present) Vauxhall Meriva (2003–present) Vauxhall VXR8 (2007–present) rebadged HSV E-series Vauxhall Zafira (1999–present) [edit] Former cars Vauxhall 10-4 (1937–1947) Vauxhall 12-4 (1937–1946) Vauxhall 14-6 (1935–1948) Vauxhall 14 and 14/40 (1922–1927) Vauxhall 20/60 (1927–1930) Vauxhall 23/60 (1922–1926) Vauxhall 25 (1937–1940) Vauxhall 25/70 (1926–1928) Vauxhall 30/98 E-type (1913–1922) Vauxhall A-Type (1911–1914) Vauxhall B-type (1910–1914) Vauxhall C-type "Prince Henry" (1911–1913) Vauxhall D-type (1913–1922) Vauxhall Albany Vauxhall Belmont (1986–1991) Vauxhall Brava (1992-2002) rebadged Isuzu TF Vauxhall Cadet (1931–1933) Vauxhall Calibra (1989–1997) Vauxhall Carlton (1978–1994) rebadged Opel Rekord (Mk 1) / Opel Omega (Mk 2) Vauxhall Cavalier (1975–1995) rebadged Opel Ascona (Mk 1 & 2) / Opel Vectra (Mk 3) Vauxhall Chevette (1975–1984) rebadged Opel Kadett C Vauxhall Cresta (1954–1972) Vauxhall Envoy (1960–1970) see Victor Vauxhall Epic (1963–1970) see Viva Vauxhall Equus (1978 concept) Vauxhall Firenza (1970–1975) Vauxhall Frontera (1991–2004, rebadged Isuzu MU Wizard) Vauxhall Magnum (1973–1978) Vauxhall Monaro (2001–2005) rebadged Holden Monaro Vauxhall Monterey (1994–1998, rebadged Isuzu Trooper) Vauxhall Nova (1982–1993), rebadged Opel Corsa A Vauxhall Omega (1994–2003), rebadged Opel Omega B Vauxhall Senator | Vauxhall Royale (1978–1986), rebadged HSV/Opel Opel Senator Vauxhall Senator (1978–1994) Vauxhall Signum (2003–2008) Vauxhall Silver Aero (1983 concept) Vauxhall Silver Bullet (1976 concept) Vauxhall Six (1933–1938) Vauxhall SRV (1970 concept) Vauxhall T and T80 (1930–1932) Vauxhall Tigra (1994-2001 2004-2009) Vauxhall Vectra (1995–2008) Vauxhall Trixx (Not yet released but concept 2011) Vauxhall Velox (1948–1965) Vauxhall Ventora (1968–1972) Vauxhall Viceroy (1978–1982), rebadged Opel Commodore Vauxhall Victor (1957–1972) Vauxhall Viscount (1966–1972) Vauxhall Viva (1963–1979) Vauxhall VX220 (2002–2005) Vauxhall VX4/90 (1961–1972) performance version of Victor Vauxhall VX Lightning (2003 concept for Opel GT) Vauxhall Wyvern (1948–1957) [edit] Vans Bedford Beagle (1964–1973) Bedford Astramax (1984–1992) Bedford Rascal (1986–1993, rebadged Suzuki Supercarry) Bedford CF Van Bedford Midi Bedford Dormobile Vauxhall Sintra (1996–1999, rebadged Chevrolet Venture) Vauxhall Arena (1997–2000, rebadged Renault Trafic) Vauxhall Combo (1994–present) Vauxhall Movano (1999–present) Vauxhall Vivaro (2001–present) [edit] Timeline This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding reliable references. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (November 2009) 1857 — Marine engineer Alexander Wilson founded the Vauxhall Ironworks in Lambeth, London, and named after the Vauxhall district of Lambeth.[7] 1903 — The company joined the horseless carriage business, building several tiller-steered single cylinder vehicles without having a reverse gear, of which a single survivor could still be seen at the London Science Museum in 1968.[1] 1905 — Vauxhall builds a factory at Luton where, from 1907, most of its vehicle production will be completed.[7] 1907 — Vauxhall Motors Limited formed, based at Luton, and named after the residential area in which its predecessor company was formed.[1][7] 1925 — Vauxhall becomes part of the American automotive combine General Motors. 1930 — Bedford Vehicles - the commercial vehicle arm of Vauxhall Motors - is founded. 1960 — Vauxhall builds a new factory at Ellesmere Port. 1963 — Production of the Vauxhall Viva small family car commences, with the new car being aimed at the likes of the Ford Anglia and Morris Minor. The German version of the car will be sold as the Opel Kadett. The locally assembled Vauxhall Viva will be launched in Australia in May 1964. 1966 — Vauxhall's Slant Four goes into production - the first production overhead camshaft inline-four engine to use a rubber timing belt. Also the FD Victor is launched at the Earls Court Motor Show, considered by many to be one of Vauxhall's finest all-British styling efforts. 1970 — The HC Viva is launched, which went on to become Vauxhall's best-selling car of the decade. 1973 — The Vauxhall Firenza "Droopsnoot" is unveiled at the Earls Court Motor Show, introducing the public to Vauxhall's new aerodynamic look for all of its subsequent 1970s models. 1974 — Vauxhall moves into the mini-car sector with the introduction of its Chevette, a rear-wheel drive range of hatchbacks, saloons and estates. It is the first hatchback Vauxhall ever made, and in Germany it will succeed the Viva-based version of the Opel Kadett. 1975 — Vauxhall launches a new entrant in the large family car market in the shape of the Cavalier, an ultra-modern range of rear-wheel drive saloons and a "Sporthatch" coupé. It is a restyled version of Germany's Opel Ascona. 1978 — Vauxhall strengthens its position in the executive car market with the launch of its all-new Carlton saloon and estate, which are re-badged versions of the German Opel Rekord. 1979 — Vauxhall Viva production ends after 16 years, and the car's successor is the Astra - Vauxhall's first front-wheel drive car, which comes as a hatchback or an estate. Being identical to the German-built Opel Kadett, all Vauxhalls are now identical to Opels. 1981 — The second generation Vauxhall Cavalier is launched, with front-wheel drive, but is pipped to the European Car of the Year award by the Renault 9. 1982 — Vauxhall announces the launch of the Nova supermini, which will eventually replace the Chevette. It is available as a hatchback or a saloon. 1983 — Production begins of the Vauxhall Cavalier Estate, which is produced in Australia alongside the Holden range. 1984 — The aerodynamically-styled Vauxhall Astra Mk2 becomes the first Vauxhall car to be elected European Car of the Year. Sales also begin of the Senator executive saloon, an upmarket version of the Carlton that is the first Vauxhall to share its nameplate with Opels. A 5-door variant of the Nova is eventually launched. 1985 — Vauxhall launches the Belmont - a saloon version of the Astra which offers more interior space and is almost as big as a Cavalier. It receives praise for its huge boot of the time. 1986 — Vauxhall wins another "European Car of the Year" award with its all-new Vauxhall Carlton (badged Opel Omega on the continent). 1988 — The Vauxhall Cavalier Mk3 goes on sale across Britain, but will be sold as the Opel Vectra in Ireland and mainland Europe. 1989 — The Cavalier chassis spawns the Calibra coupé, which is officially the most aerodynamic production car in the world. Production also begins of the Vauxhall Lotus Carlton (Opel Lotus Omega on the continent) which at 175 miles per hour (282 km/h) is the fastest Vauxhall ever made, and also the fastest four-door Vauxhall of all time. 1991 — The third generation Vauxhall Astra goes on sale with Opel versions adopting the Astra nameplate for the first time. The saloon version will be badged Astra rather than Belmont. The Frontera goes into production as Vauxhall's first four-wheel drive model. 1993 — Vauxhall Nova production ends after 10 years, and the all-new replacement adopts the European Corsa nameplate. 1994 — The Vauxhall Carlton nameplate is abandoned after 16 years, and Omega takes its place. Vauxhall also adds another vehicle to its four-wheel drive line-up in the shape of the Isuzu-based Monterey. Vauxhall joins the expanding "compact coupé" market with its new Corsa-based Tigra model. 1995 — Production of the Cavalier ends after 20 years, with its successor wearing the Vectra nameplate. 1996 — Vauxhall launches the short-lived Sintra large MPV. 1997 — Vauxhall announces the end of Calibra production after eight years. 1998 — The fourth generation Vauxhall Astra is launched, winning plaudits for its much improved ride and handling. Its chassis spawns a seven-seater "compact MPV" - the Zafira which went on sale the following year. The Vauxhall Monterey is withdrawn from sale in the UK, though it continues to sell in the rest of Europe as an Opel. 1999 — Vauxhall facelifts the Vectra to include 2,500 improvements that bolster its previously disappointing ride and handling. Vauxhall axes the Sintra MPV from its line-up. 2000 — Vauxhall enters the sports car market with the Lotus-based VX220 roadster. It re-enters the coupé market with the Astra Coupé. The new Agila city car and Corsa supermini also go on sale. 2002 — The all-new Vectra goes on sale, alongside a large hatchback badged as the Signum which arrived the following year. 2003 — Vauxhall Omega production ends after nine years with no direct replacement, while the Meriva mini-MPV is launched. 2004 — The fifth generation Vauxhall Astra goes on sale, and also spawns a new version of the Zafira, as well as a TwinTop Astra which doubles as a coupé and convertible. The Frontera ends production after 13 years. 2005 — The Vauxhall Vectra gets a facelift, receiving a new front-end design in line with the current Vauxhall/Opel design phase, and a new engine. 2006 — The third generation Vauxhall Corsa goes on sale, after having its world premier launch at the 2006 British International Motor Show at ExCeL London, and narrowly misses out on the European Car of the Year award. 2007 — Vauxhall's new 4x4 the Vauxhall Antara is set to be released in the July of the year. Vauxhall's powerful VXR8 that comes with 306 kilowatts (416 PS; 410 bhp). 2008 — Vauxhall begins rebranding with a modified corporate logo, no car sports the new badge until the launch of the Insignia, models will only change over as they are updated. Vauxhall Insignia is launched at the 2008 British International Motor Show at ExCeL London, replacing the Vectra and wins another "European Car of the Year". Vauxhall launch new Agila city car. 2009 — Vauxhall Astra all-new model launch 2010 — New Vauxhall Movano to go on sale in mid-2010. New Vauxhall Meriva is launched at Geneva Motor Show and went on sale in mid-2010. 2011 — The Vauxhall Ampera will be Vauxhall's first Electric Car. New Vauxhall Combo to go on sale in late 2011 [edit] See also Bedford Vehicles Gerry Marshall (racing driver strongly associated with the marque) Holden Special Vehicles Opel Performance Center Steinmetz Opel Tuning VXR Irmscher Adam Opel GmbH Slant Four (type of engine made by Vauxhall) [edit] Notes ^ a b c d e f g h Charles Bulmer (Ed) (23 November 1968). "Vauxhall Owners' Supplement: It started in 1857...". The Motor nbr 3466: pages 1–52.  ^ a b c d "Vauxhall Motors Limited". ICC Financial Analysis Reports (ICC Information Group). 2006-09-11.  ^ "Corporate contact information." Vauxhall Motors. Retrieved on 2 November 2009. ^ a b "Vauxhall Motors: a history". London: The Guardian. 10 September 2009. http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/sep/10/vauxhall-history. Retrieved 1 October 2010.  ^ a b c "About Vauxhall". General Motors UK Limited. http://www.vauxhall.co.uk/about-vauxhall/company-information/about-us.html. Retrieved 24 August 2010.  ^ Simister, John (12 July 2009). "Vauxhall Astra". London: The Independent. http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/motoring/road-tests/vauxhall-astra-1742401.html. Retrieved 25 August 2010.  ^ a b c d e Georgano, N. (2000). Beaulieu Encyclopedia of the Automobile. London: HMSO. ISBN 1-57958-293-1.  ^ "Astra plant named as car factory at risk of closure ‘within days’". BBC News. 2009-02-22. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4988616.stm. Retrieved 2009-09-10.  ^ "Reviews - Vauxhall". WiseBuyer's Guides. http://www.wisebuyers.co.uk/motoring/car-reviews/Vauxhall/Astra+%281998-04%29/1111/. Retrieved 2009-09-10.  ^ "Business | Vauxhall confirms 900 job losses". BBC News. 2006-05-17. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4988616.stm. Retrieved 2009-06-01.  ^ Sandler, Linda; Chris Scinta, Bob Van Voris & Jeff Green (1 June 2009). "GM Files Bankruptcy to Spin Off More Competitive Firm (Update4)". Bloomberg.com (Bloomberg LP). http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a4brqCWwvYXY. Retrieved 1 June 2009.  ^ Sanger, David E.; Jeff Zeleny & Bill Vlasic (31 May 2009). "G.M. to Seek Bankruptcy and a New Start: A Risky Bet to Save an Icon of American Capitalism". New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/01/business/01auto.html. Retrieved 1 June 2009.  ^ Sanger, David E. (31 May 2009). "G.M. to Seek Bankruptcy and a New Start". New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/01/business/01auto.html. Retrieved 1 June 2009.  ^ Maynard, Micheline (29 May 2009). "After 93 Years, G.M. Shares Go Out on a Low Note". New York Times. http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/29/after-93-years-gm-shares-go-out-on-a-low-note/. Retrieved 1 June 2009.  ^ "Opel and Vauxhall to go to Magna". BBC News. 2009-09-10. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8247971.stm. Retrieved 2009-09-10.  ^ "Jobs concerns remain at Vauxhall". BBC News. 2009-09-10. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8248979.stm. Retrieved 2009-09-10.  ^ General Motors Scraps Vauxhall and Opel Sale, Ending Magna Deal Sky News, 3 November 2009 ^ "Vauxhall's Griffin Flies to New Horizon". Vauxhall Motors. 2009-09-10. http://www.vauxhall.co.uk/vaux/pages/experienceVauxhall/news/article.jsp?article=insignia_0009&category=insignia. Retrieved 2009-09-10.  [edit] References Holden, Len (2003). Vauxhall Motors and the Luton Economy, 1900-2002. The Boydell Press & Bedfordshire Historical records Society.  [edit] External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Vauxhall vehicles Vauxhall Motors UK website Vauxhall Motors at the Open Directory Project v • d • e Automotive marques of General Motors Company, and those of its affiliates and former affiliates Buick • Cadillac • Chevrolet • Daewoo • GMC • Holden · Opel • Vauxhall Affiliates GM-AvtoVAZ • GM Daewoo (70.1%) • Shanghai GM (49%) • Wuling (34%) Former affiliates Fiat (2000–2005; up to 20%) • Isuzu (c.1971–2006; up to 49%) • Lotus (c.1986–1993; up to 100%) • Saab (c.1989–2010; up to 100%) • Subaru (c.1999–2006; 20%) • Suzuki (1985–2008; up to 15%) Defunct marques Acadian (1962–1971) • Asüna (1992–1995) • Beaumont (1966–1969) • Bedford Vehicles (1930–1986) • Cartercar (1905–1915) • Elmore (1893–1912) • Geo (1989–1997) • Hummer (1992–2010) • LaSalle (1927–1940) • Marquette (1929–1930) • McLaughlin (1918–1942) • Oakland (1907–1931) • Oldsmobile (1897–2004) • Passport (1988–1991) • Pontiac (1926–2010) • Ranger (1968–1976) • Saturn (1985–2010) • Scripps-Booth (1913–1923) • Statesman (1971–1984) • Viking (1929–1931) • Yellow Coach (1925–1943) v • d • e General Motors Company GM lists GM factories · GM platforms · GM engines · GM transmissions · GM vehicles by brand Divisions / operating groups / joint ventures Ally (9.9%) · CAMI Automotive · Coskata, Inc. · DMAX (engines) (50%) · GM Financial · GM Performance Division · GM Powertrain Europe ·  · General Motors América do Sul · General Motors Canada · General Motors de Mexico · General Motors do Brasil · General Motors India · General Motors Research Laboratories · General Motors South Africa · General Motors Ventures · Global Hybrid Cooperation · GM Goodwrench · GM Service and Parts Operations · Holden · Holden New Zealand · Holden Special Vehicles · Hughes Research Laboratories (50%) · Isuzu Motors Polska · OnStar · Adam Opel GmbH · Opel Performance Center GmbH · Vauxhall Motors Former divisions and joint ventures Allison Engine Company (1929–1995) · Allison Transmission (1929–2007) · Atlantic Aircraft · Dayton-Wright Company (1919–1923) · Delco Electronics · Delphi Automotive Systems · Detroit Diesel (1938–1988) · DirecTV (1994–2003) · Electro-Motive Diesel (1930–2004) · Electronic Data Systems (1984–1996) · Euclid Trucks (1953–1968) · Fisher Body · Fleetwood Metal Body · Frigidaire (1919–1980) · General Motors Europe AG (1986–2010) · General Motors Diesel Division (1938–1987) · General Motors Diesel (1949–1969) · Ghandhara Industries (1953–1963) · GM Defense (1950–2003) · GMAC Real Estate(1998-2008) · GM Truck & Bus Group (1943–1981) · GMC Heavy Trucks · Hughes Aircraft (1985–1997) · Hughes Electronics (1985–1997) · Hughes Network Systems (1987–2003) · HughesNet (DirecWay/DirecPC) (1996–2003) · Hummer (1998–2010) · Kettering University · National City Lines · New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. 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Corporate Directors William Fike · Manfred Gingl · Mike Harris · Edward Lumley · Klaus Mangold · Donald Resnick · Royden Richardson · Frank Stronach · Franz Vranitzky · Siegfried Wolf Annual Revenue $24.4 billion CAD (15% FY 2004) Employees 71,000 Stock Symbol TSX: MG.A Website www.magna.com Related Magna Steyr · Opel · Vauxhall · Belinda Stronach See also: GM Europe || Vauxhall Astra From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (April 2007) See also: Opel Astra and Holden Astra Vauxhall Astra Manufacturer Opel/Vauxhall Motors Production 1979–present Predecessor Vauxhall Viva Successor None Class Small family car Body style(s) 3/5 door Hatchback, 4-door Saloon, 5-door Estate, 2-door Convertible Astra is a model name which has been used by Vauxhall, the British subsidiary of General Motors (GM), on their small family car ranges since 1979. Astras are technically essentially identical with similar vehicles offered by GM's German subsidiary Opel in most other European countries. For the first two generations, the nameplate was applied to UK-spec right-hand drive versions of the Opel Kadett, and since 1991, Opel also uses the Astra nameplate on its B/C-platform, so Vauxhall and Opel Astras are essentially identical vehicles. General Motors' Saturn division in America also offered the Astra as a captive import since late 2007 through until that marque's dissolution in 2010 following the GM bankruptcy. Contents 1 Vauxhall Astra Mark 1 2 Vauxhall Astra Mark 2 3 Vauxhall Astra Mark 3 4 Vauxhall Astra Mark 4 5 Vauxhall Astra Mark 5 6 Vauxhall Astra Mark 6 7 Electric vehicle 8 Police use of the Astra 9 Popularity 10 Notes 11 See also 12 External links [edit] Vauxhall Astra Mark 1 Vauxhall Astra Mark 1 2-door Vauxhall Astra Mark 1 5-door hatchback Vauxhall Astra Mark 1 estate 1984 MkI Vauxhall Astra 1.3L estate Main article: Opel Kadett D The Astra name originated with Vauxhall's 1980 model, though the car was launched almost a year earlier as the Opel Kadett D. This model replaced the Vauxhall Viva in the UK, along with some versions of the Vauxhall Chevette. However, the Chevette (itself based on the previous generation Kadett C) remained available for several years afterwards until the Vauxhall Nova was launched. The Astra was Vauxhall's first model to have front wheel drive. Not all trim levels were available with all body styles. Confusingly in the British market, both the Kadett D and the Astra were sold alongside each other until the consolidation of Opel and Vauxhall dealerships in the early 1980s, when the Opel badged versions were dropped. Production began at Opel's West German plant at Bochum in August 1979, and the first British customers took delivery of their cars in February 1980. The overhead-camshaft engine (not 1200) was a huge leap forward from the earlier generation of small engines used in Vauxhall and Opel cars in terms of power, economy and refinement. It was initially available in 1300 and 1600 forms, and later an 1800 fuel-injected version was added, used in the Mk 1 Astra GTE model, introduced in 1983. This version of the Astra was a quick and stylish alternative to the Ford Escort XR3, Volkswagen Golf GTI and Fiat Strada 105TC. Vauxhall now appeared to have a serious rival for the Volkswagen Golf at just about every level.[citation needed] The car featured a new unified engine for Vauxhall/Opel, featuring an all-aluminium head, overhead camshaft and hydraulic valve lifters, and it quickly became popular with buyers. A 1200 cc version which used the older Opel OHV engine was also available. There were three body styles for the first generation Astra: hatchback, so-called "saloon", and estate, all available with two or four side doors. The saloons were styled exactly like the hatchbacks, except for a different rear window above a bootlid; from the side they looked almost indistinguishable from the hatchback, with no protruding notch at the rear. The saloon version was replaced by the Belmont saloon based on the Astra MK2 in early 1986. The white 1800GTE was the first UK car to be 'colour coded' with body trim that matched the base colour of the car, this included wheel arch extensions, front side and rear lower skirts, mirror covers, bumpers and even the alloy wheels were painted white. The black and red versions of the GTE also had colour coding but had the more conventional black bumpers and silver painted alloy wheels. There was also a van version which was badged the Bedford Astravan — the Bedford brand at that time being used for GM's commercial vehicles in Britain. Unlike the previous Opel T-Car, no Coupé was offered. Production of the Mark 1 Astra took place in West Germany initially, with production moving to Vauxahll's Ellesmere Port plant in Britain some two years later, on 16 November 1981. Sales of this first Astra were strong, and gave Vauxhall a much-needed boost in the small family car sector after several years of declining sales with the Viva HC. It soon overtook the Austin Allegro as Britain's second most popular small family car, although it was still a long way behind the Ford Escort in terms of sales success. The Astra also won, 1980 "What Car?" car of the year . [2] Versions available were: 1200 E (2/4-door saloon, 3/5-door hatchback, 3/5-door estate) 1200 L (3/5-door hatchback, 3/5-door estate) 1300 E (as 1200 E) 1300 L (as 1200 L) 1300 S (3/5-door hatchback, 3/5-door estate) 1300 GL (3/5-door hatchback, 3/5-door estate) 1600 L (3/5-door hatchback, 3/5-door estate) 1600 GL (3/5-door hatchback, 3/5-door estate) 1600 SR (3-door hatchback only) 1600 L Diesel (3/5-door hatchback, 3/5-door estate) 1800 GTE (3-door hatchback only) [edit] Vauxhall Astra Mark 2 1989 Vauxhall Astra SRi Mark 2 five-door Main article: Opel Kadett E The Mark 2 Astra first appeared in the autumn of 1984. It used the same range of engines and running gear as the Mark 1, but with a completely restyled body with better aerodynamics. It was voted 1985 European Car of the Year. Long-lived, the Mark 2 was available in estate, hatchback, saloon and cabriolet versions. The saloon was launched in January 1986 and sold as the Vauxhall Belmont; this trend to brand saloon models independently of the hatchback was also used by other manufacturers of the period, with examples including the Ford Orion and the Volkswagen Jetta. However, this strategy was mostly unsuccessful, as this was Vauxhall's only attempt at badging its hatchback-based saloon as a separate model, and Ford had rebadged its Orion range as Escorts in September 1993. Just under 7000[1] cabriolets were built by Bertone in Italy from 1987 to 1993. These came in 1.6 and 2-litre GTE variants, the latter being available with powered roofs and electric windows.[2] These cars are praised for their shake-free shells and their looks.[3] A new GTE using a 2 L[4] fuel injected engine was also introduced, and early models of these featured an all electronic dash with digital speedometer. This was largely received as a gimmick, and later models reverted to traditional analogue instrumentation. Vauxhall's twin-camshaft version of the engine, the C20XE, had a high performance version of the GTE created around it. This engine developed 156 hp (116 kW) in standard form, giving sprightly performance, though a common criticism is that the handling was never good enough for the engine.[5] The limited-edition "Champion" Astras from 1990 were fitted with the same C20XE "redtop" engines (so called because of their red spark plug cover), along with Connolly Leather interiors.[6] With the picture on the right, showing a SRi 5 door as 5 door GTE's are very rare indeed. This model formed the basis of the Daewoo Cielo, Racer, Nexia and LeMans, and its export versions, the Asüna SE (Canada), Asüna GT (Canada), Passport Optima (Canada) and Pontiac LeMans (Canada, New Zealand and USA). The Mark 2 Astra sold well in the UK, and although it was never able to outsell the Ford Escort, it came closer than any other similar-sized car to achieving this. In 2005, a survey found the two most stolen cars in Britain to be the Vauxhall Belmont and the Vauxhall Astra Mark 2, with more than 1 in 13 Belmonts stolen.[7] [edit] Vauxhall Astra Mark 3 1994 Phase 1 Vauxhall Astra Mark 3 five-door hatchback 1996-7 Phase 2 Vauxhall Astra Mark 3 five-door hatchback 1992-4 Phase 1 Vauxhall Astra Mark 3 GSi three door hatchback Main article: Opel Astra F Released in 1991, the Mark 3 model was essentially an evolution of the Mark 2, rather than a redesign. This generation was the first to be called Astra by Opel as well as Vauxhall (in Opel's case succeeding the Kadett E), and the first to also be sold by Holden. It was offered as a three or five-door hatchback, a saloon, and an estate, known as the Caravan. A cabriolet was also offered, designed and built by Bertone. The model was launched in South Africa in 1992, where it was produced under licence by Delta Motor Corporation. However, the Kadett name was retained for the Astra hatchback until 1999, which included a variant with a 2.0 L turbocharged engine called the 200TS, unique to that market. Saloon and estate models were offered under the Astra name. Controversially, the Kadett and Astra in South Africa won the title of 'Car of the Year' in two consecutive years (1992 and 1993) even though they were versions of the same car. South African nomenclature was denoted in centilitres, so the Astra and Kadett ranges featured 140, 160i, 180i and 200i models. The Astra also became available in Australasia badged as a Holden, first in New Zealand in 1995, and then in Australia in 1996. The first models were imported from the UK, but the current model is imported from Belgium. The original Holden Astra was originally a rebadged Nissan Pulsar, first sold in Australia in the mid-1980s. The Astra F consisted of two main revisions and was revised in 1995, with the launch of Opel's new Ecotec engine. For a short period, a submodel which consisted of parts from both revisions was produced. The submodel used all the new Ecotec running gear, but many parts from the previous revision were used in order to use up leftover parts. Other main changes included mildly-altered exterior styling - featuring Vauxhall's new corporate 'V' front grille first seen on the '94 Omega, a smoked grey trim panel on the rear tailgate to smooth over the protruding rear lamp clusters, and availability of new specification models. Aside from the South Africa-only 200TS, the lead model was the GSi - a petrol model powered by a 147 bhp 2.0 16v engine (C20XE, also named 'Redtop', because the red L-shaped spark plug cover), or 1.8l 16v petrol injected model with 124 bhp (92 kW) available as a 3-door only. It also featured sports bodykit and interior. The GSi ceased production in 94 but was then too updated in 1997, with the engine being replaced for a lower-powered but more modern 'Ecotec' version (2.0l 16v with 134 bhp)the bodykit was slightly altered on these models - a longer rear spoiler with integrated brake light, fluted side skirts, a bonnet without vents, and removal of the GSi16v badging from the bumper and tailgate (replaced by the later chrome effect Vauxhall Astra 2.0 16v badging). In common with other car manufacturers, the early 1990s saw Opel begin featuring safety as a selling point, and beginning to incorporate many new safety features into cheaper family cars that were previously only found on expensive luxury saloons. The Mark 3 Astra was one of the first such cars, being introduced ahead of the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Mondeo, two other cars with a similar new-found focus on safety. So, the Mark 3 saw the introduction of twin side impact bars, a toughened safety cage, a safely-designed steering wheel and 'body-lock' mechanical front seat-belt pretensioners. After the first face-lift full-size drivers air bags became optional or standard (depending on the model). Crash tests by consumers association (as featured by BBC's Watchdog show in 1992) and also by ADAC and Auto Express showed that the MK3 Astra protected better in crashes than most rivals of its time. The Astra F was phased out in the spring of 1998 - 2002 later replaced by the Astra Classic 2. The Mk3 was the first of the "Astra Classics" This means the Astra Mk3 holds a mighty production span of 11 years; more than any other Astra. In the UK, Vauxhall offered the following trim levels (and in some cases, engine size): MERIT (1.4i, 1.7 diesel, 1.7 Turbo Diesel) L (1.4i) LS (1.4i, 1.7 diesel, 1.7 Turbo Diesel, 1.7 Isuzu Turbo Diesel) GLS (1.4i, 1.6i, 1.7 diesel 1.7 Turbo Diesel, 1.7 Isuzu Turbo Diesel) DUO (1.6) CD (1.4i, 1.6i, 1.7 turbodiesel, 1.8i, 2.0i) CDX (1.6i 1.7 turbodiesel, 2.0i) Si (1.4i, 1.6i) SRi (2.0i) GSi (2.0i) The car also had 'special edition' badging, which indicated special trim: Sport Expression California Arizona Arctic Arctic II Premier Cesaro Montana Diamond Swing Ethos Atlas Pacific In later Sport and GSi models (from 1995 onwards) Lotus Sprung Suspension was used to give better ride. The Pacific special edition was a model that featured a complete Irmscher body styling package with 15" Cesaro wheels from a mk3 Cavalier. In addition to this, some had a grey plastic backing behind the number plate on the rear of the vehicle. This isn't present on all cars produced during this period and is commonly known as "the bit". [edit] Vauxhall Astra Mark 4 2000 Vauxhall Astra Mark 4 five-door, 1.6i 16v Sport, in "Star Silver" Main article: Opel Astra G Released in 1998, the MK4 addressed many of the criticisms of the MK3 in the UK with greatly improved ride and handling provided by Lotus-tuned suspension. The growing emphasis on safety was also reflected in greater body rigidity, resulting in a Euro NCAP 4 star crash test rating, considered excellent for its time. In the UK the MK4 Astra was available with a range of 16v Ecotec engines as well some 8v units, with some 16v 1.4l car actually gaining better performance than the 8v 1.6 engine in the next tier. The 8v unit was refined during the model's life however, with the Z16SE offering good all round performance compared with its higher insurance 16v equivalent. In addition to the standard hatchback, the MK4 also had a popular choice of the coupe. This was available in 3 engine types. The 1.8 produced 125 bhp (93 kW; 127 PS). The 2.2 produced 147 bhp (110 kW; 149 PS). The 2.0 Turbocharged produced 189 bhp (141 kW; 192 PS) SRI Turbo and 197 bhp (147 kW; 200 PS) GSI Turbo Variant. In 2004 the design was bought by GM-AvtoVAZ and developed into the GM-AvtoVAZ Chevrolet Viva. It is actually the 4-door saloon variant of this Astra. It is still in production in Brazil, powered by a 2.0 Flexpower engine, developing 140cv which 100% Ethanol... [edit] Vauxhall Astra Mark 5 2010 Vauxhall Astra Mark 5 five-door, 1.6 16V Design in "Silver Lightning" Main article: Opel Astra H The Astra Mark 5 was first launched as a five-door hatchback, which by the end of 2004 was joined by a five-door estate and a sporty three-door hatchback called the Sport Hatch in the UK. The Sport Hatch has the option of a windscreen called "panoramic windscreen" (unique for a production car at the time of its launch) which extends into the roof area. [edit] Vauxhall Astra Mark 6 A Vauxhall Astra Mark 6 on a forecourt in England. Main article: Opel Astra J/D The Vauxhall Astra J/D was officially unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The car has been available to purchase since Friday December 11, 2009.[8] The principal manufacturing plant for the latest Astra (though not for its Zafira sibling) is at Ellesmere Port enabling the manufacturer to benefit from sterling depreciation with this model. Design has been a major consideration in the development of new Vauxhall Astra and the car is heavily influenced by the Vauxhall Insignia. The new Vauxhall Astra has all the design features of a saloon car but in a much more compact model.[9] As well as incorporating a more luxurious design, the 6th generation Astra includes a variety of innovative storage solutions. Vauxhall designers identified the 20 most commonly carried items in a car and developed storage solutions for each one. They have developed a patented the ‘Flexfloor’ adjustable boot space system as well as a ‘Flexfix’ bike carrier. Available with a powerful 1.3 diesel engine, the astra will reach 62 miles an hour in 7.2 seconds while yielding 60 mpg Despite being more expensive than the old Astra, the new Astra has been a strong sales success in the UK, where it was the best selling car in June 2010 with well over 10,000 sales - outselling its crucial rival the Ford Focus by nearly 50%. This however is mainly because production of the current Focus is being scaled back prior to the launch of a new MK3 model in early 2011. [10] The Estate version of the Astra - dubbed the 'Sports Tourer' by Opel/Vauxhall, debuted at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, and went on sale shortly afterwards, with a starting price of £16,575 for the ES version, then Exclusiv, SRI and SE versions, with the SE costing from £20,345. This is cheaper than the previous estate, but has more kit. [edit] Electric vehicle The vehicle has a top speed of 70 miles per hour (110 km/h) and a 100 miles (160 km) range between charging.[11] [edit] Police use of the Astra Many British police forces use the Astra as a workhorse, used for simple duties and sometimes for pursuits, if the high powered divisional area car is unable to respond as rapidly as they can be dispatched. The Metropolitan Police Service use a collection of the MK IV and MK V Astras, mostly as of 2007, the mark in popular use is the Mark V, these are used as Incident Response Vehicles (IRVs) and are commonly seen on the roads of London. [edit] Popularity The MK1 Astra was a strong seller in the UK and quickly established itself as Britain's second most popular small family car, but was never able to match the runaway sales success of the Ford Escort. The MK2 Astra was a bigger seller than its predecessor, though again it failed to match the Ford Escort in terms of sales success. It further widened the gap between Vauxhall and rival products from Austin Rover, although the combined sales of ARG's Rover 200 and Austin Maestro ranges were often at least a match for the Astra's total sales. The MK3 Astra took Vauxhall from strength to strength in the small family car market, after almost seven years on sale - and further narrowed the gap with the Ford Escort. The MK4 Astra was also a huge success, and by 2001 it was the second best selling car in Britain overall behind the Ford Focus. The MK5 has so far been the most successful version of the Astra. It was Britain's second-best selling car in 2005, 2006 and 2007, further narrowing the gap between itself and the market-leading Ford Focus. As of October 2010, only the Sport Hatch is still sold alongside the MK6 Astra, at a price tag of £18,070.00.[12] The MK6 is currently being manufactured at Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port Plant. It will be used as a platform for the new 'green' plug-in series of hybrid vehicles, alongside the American Chevrolet Ampria and Chevrolet Volt variants, which a due for a 2011/12 sale. It has, for the first time ever, outsold its biggest rival the Ford Focus by 50% in June 2010 and was the nation's best-selling car for that month. In March 2009, it was revealed that nearly 2,500,000 Astras had been sold over five generations since its launch 30 years earlier, making it the fourth most popular car ever sold in Britain.[13] [edit] Notes ^ 6764, according to Lewis, Martin (1998). A-Z of Cars of the 1980s. MotorBooks/MBI. p. 146. ISBN 1-901-432-106.  ^ Lewis 1998, p. 146. The 1.6- and 2-litre variants had 82 bhp (61 kW) and 115 bhp (86 kW), respectively. ^ Lewis 1998, p. 146, describes the Astra's "rigid, shake-free shell" and calls it "[o]ne of the best-looking soft-tops." ^ Early models were fitted with 1.8-litre engines; according to Lewis 1998, these were phased out for the 2-litre engine in Spring 1987. ^ Lewis 1998. "[B]oth handling and ride were never in the same class as the performance." ^ Vauxhall Sports Car Club. "The History of the Vauxhall Sports Car". http://www.vxlscc.co.uk/heritage_history.cfm. Retrieved 2007-04-24.  ^ Home Office (December 2006). "Top ten stolen cars". http://police.homeoffice.gov.uk/news-and-publications/news/car-theft-2006. "Of the 5729 Belmonts on the road, 25 million were stolen in 2005."  ^ Phase taxonomy:. "New Astra Launch Date - December the 11th |". Torqueastra.com. http://www.torqueastra.com/content/new-astra-launch-date-december-11th. Retrieved 2010-04-22.  ^ "Design Innovation from Vauxhall |". Torqueastra.com. http://www.torqueastra.com/content/design-innovation-vauxhall. Retrieved 2010-04-22.  ^ "British car sales up 20% in a year | The Sun |News". The Sun. 2010-07-06. http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3043609/British-car-sales-up-20-in-a-year.html. Retrieved 2010-08-05.  ^ http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=101846&topicId=104970025&docId=l:1076112430 ^ [1][dead link] ^ "icLiverpool - Recession-proof wise-buys revealed". Icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk. 2009-03-17. http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/motors/advice/tm_headline=recession-proof-wise-buys-revealed&method=full&objectid=23171460&siteid=63127-name_page.html. Retrieved 2010-04-22.  [edit] See also Opel Astra Holden Astra Saturn Astra (late 2007) [edit] External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Vauxhall Astra Astra Owners Club Forums - Designed for all Astra drivers. Astra MK3 Owners Club Astra MK2 Owners Club Official Vauxhall Astra website Vauxhall Owners Network (VxON) - All things Vauxhall, Opel and Holden www.migweb.co.uk Astra Owners Network Forum Dedicated site for the Vauxhall Astra Twintop TorqueAstra: A Sixth Generation Vauxhall Astra Community Site || || Skip to content Sign In / Register My inbox Why Register? 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Vauxhall/Opel Remove CAR Magazine overall rating : 4 Remove and found 12 items Results 1 - 10 of 12 Vauxhall Ampera E-REV (2012) CAR video review 3 Anonymous, 09 July 2010 15:11 CAR drove the new Vauxhall Ampera Extended Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV) up the hillclimb at the 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed – and below you can watch a brief video review of the Ampera as Tim Pollard cruises back down. brightcove.createExperiences(); It's been ages coming! When can we buy the Vauxhall Ampera? February 2012 is the current on-sale date; ... Vauxhall Meriva 1.4T SE (2010) CAR review 3.5 Chris Chilton, 13 April 2010 14:32 The last Vauxhall Meriva was a charmless, if effective, little box. The new one looks great, but is there more substance to it than those rear suicide doors? Is this the first mini MPV that you’re not embarrassed to be seen in? Could well be. We thought that Kia’s Venga (or at least the show car that previewed it) was ... Vauxhall Ampera plug-in hybrid (2009) CAR review 3.5 Ben Oliver, 27 August 2009 09:37 The Vauxhall Ampera – also known as the Opel Ampera and best known as the Chevrolet Volt – is, according to one General Motors insider, ‘the most important car the company has ever built’. So our first chance to drive it is a significant event, even if it is just a test mule with the Ampera’s powertrain fitted to a ... Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst S (2009) CAR review 3 Tim Pollard, 07 May 2009 16:06 If any car has a claim to be the spiritual successor to the knockout Lotus Carlton, it’s the new Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst S special edition. GM’s back might be firmly up against the wall as it struggles to reinvent itself in a global recession, but the Bathurst S shows its Australian and European divisions still know how to serve up ... Vauxhall VXR8 facelift (2008) CAR review 3 Ben Barry, 17 September 2008 09:00 It might have only been launched a year ago, but the Australian-built Vauxhall VXR8 has already been upgraded. The big news is the new LS3 engine. Seems the 6.0-litre V8 LS2 was a bit weedy at 411bhp and 405lb ft, so the LS3 takes its place with a newly swollen 6.2 litres of Aussie muscle. The VXR8 isn't exactly in ... Vauxhall Astra VXR Nurburgring (2008) CAR review 3 Ben Oliver, 09 June 2008 09:00 The new Vauxhall Astra VXR Nurburgring Edition costs over £1500 more than the standard – and already excellent – VXR. The changes seem limited to some new wheels and tyres, another 15bhp and endless Nurburgring badging that reflects the obsession that carmakers – and some car magazines – have with the lengthy, lethal German racetrack. Is the Astra VXR Nurburgring ... Vauxhall VXR8 Carbon (2008) CAR review 4 Jonny Smith, 17 March 2008 11:07 For when (if?) a 530bhp supercharged Vauxhall VXR8 isn’t enough, UK V8 gurus Wortec bring you this 600+ bhp 600 lb ft monster; the Carbon Edition. Let the tyre torture begin… This VXR8 Carbon Edition looks a bit tough This is the VXR8 brought to you by the creators of the Monaro VXR500 - Wortec. Put simply, the Carbon Edition offers ... Vauxhall VXR8 Supercharged (2007) CAR review 4 Tim Pollard, 16 October 2007 12:41 So Vauxhall reckons the VXR8 isn't fast enough? You got it in one. Vauxhall's UK performance arm VXR (sister division to the Continentals' OPC Opel brand) is becoming seemingly more power-crazed by the day. It's all very out of keeping with the caring, sharing zeitgeist - think tarmac-rubbing spoilers, lairy exhausts and horsepower adulation. VXR's staple diet is the hot ... GM Hy-Wire CAR (2007) review 3.5 Ben Whitworth, 06 June 2007 07:31 The Hy-wire? Sounds like a circus act… Don't be fooled. It’s a very significant bit of technology. When General Motors unveiled AUTOnomy at the Detroit Motor Show five years ago, the oddly compelling hydrogen-powered chassis that looked more like an overblown and high-tech skateboard than the saviour of the motor industry, was seen as something as a watershed moment. Why? ... Vauxhall VXR8 (2007) CAR review 3.5 Ben Barry, 31 May 2007 04:23 That’s one hell of a Vauxhall you've got there... Don’t let the badge fool you. It reads Vauxhall but underneath that chunky sheetmetal is Holden’s new Commodore Clubsport R8 with a higher spec GTS interior. Re-badged as the VXR8, and wearing a barely believable £35,105 price tag, this 411bhp monster will terrorise British roads come mid-June. The new Commodore is ... 12Next>> Terms of use | Privacy policy | Advertise with us | Site map | Resources | About Us | Contact Us | Help © Copyright 2010 Bauer Media Limited - All rights reserved. FHM | Zoo | Empire | MCN | Parker's | Today's Golfer