VAUXHALLAstra Hatchback 2009 - 2015

　　Opel introduced the fourth generation of the compact segment vehicle Astra at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and offered it in a few body shapes, including the hatchback, which was one of the most awaited versions of the car.

　　In England, GM sold the same vehicle but in a right-hand drive configuration as the Vauxhall Astra, and it was one of the most popular cars on the road in UK. The five-door version was a very appreciated vehicle thanks to its low acquisition price, low running cost, and decent reliability. Customers didn’t seem bothered too much that some materials inside the car were not at the highest standards as long as the vehicle worked and took them from A to B.

　　The car’s front fascia revealed an organic design with curved lines. Its headlights featured the L-shaped daytime running lights introduced by the mid-size sedan Vauxhall Insignia in 2008. They flanked a narrow grille that was adorned by a chromed trim on its upper side, which also included the carmaker’s badge. On the lower part of the bumper, the Astra featured a wide, smile-like lower grille flanked by two scoops with a leaf-like shape that could house the fog lamps when optioned.

　　From its profile, the sculptured lines of the door panels and the ascending waistline of the windows line created a fresh and youthful image for the five-door compact hatchback. Unlike other automakers from the segment, Vauxhall installed a third set of windows behind the rear doors. These were not significant in size but essential in terms of design and practicality since they reduced the driver’s blind spots. At the back, the Astra featured a set of taillights that echoed the headlights’ shape. They were extended from the quarter panels to the tailgate.

　　Inside, the perceived quality was a big step forward compared to its predecessor. GM’s designers made a center console that looked more upscale thanks to its chromed trims and position. Furthermore, a round turning knob placed on the center console between the front occupants controlled the infotainment system that sat atop the center stack. Fronting the driver was a three-spoke steering wheel and, behind it, an instrument cluster that featured large dials for the tachometer and speedometer and the gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature. The previous generation lacked the latter indicator. In the back, thanks to the extended wheelbase over the Astra H (its predecessor), the J variant offered better legroom. As a result, the split-folding (60/40) bench seat was suitable for two adults on long journeys.

　　Under the hood, GM installed a wide choice of engines ranging between 87 PS (86 hp) and 180 PS (178 hp), either gasoline or turbo diesel. A few newly-developed six-speed automatic transmissions were also available for specific engine versions.

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