VAUXHALLAstra Hatchback 2015 - 2019

　　The seventh generation of the Vauxhall Astra was introduced in 2015, and it was the swan song for the GM-owned brand since two years later, the British automaker was sold to the French group PSA.

　　After the world financial crisis, Opel/Vauxhall was still in deep financial trouble. They tried everything to get out of the debt and survive in the grueling market after 2010. While other brands thrived and launched better and better products, these GM-owned European automakers couldn’t keep up with the changes. Their vehicles were better than before, but their competitors were even better than them. Still, the Astra K, as it was known this generation, was improved in every aspect and even overtook some of its competitors in some aspects. But it was not enough to save the European arm of GM.

　　GM’s styling team created an organic language for the 2015 Astra hatchback, like on the previous generation of the car, but with sharper lines. The car’s headlights incorporated the LED daytime running lights that underlined the headlamps. On the upper grille, the automaker installed the wing-like double-slat that supported the Vauxhall badge and completed the design with a 3D mesh underneath it. On the lower bumper, the Astra K featured a slim, trapezoidal-shaped lower grille flanked by a set of side scoops where the optional foglamps could be housed.

　　The car’s profile revealed a crease that crossed the car, starting from the front fenders’ turn signals to the rear taillights, across the vehicle at the door handles’ level. This generation of the Astra also sported the floating-roof styling, where the C-pillars featured a black area that made the roof look like it was separated from the rest of the vehicle. To further emphasize this illusion, the automaker installed black B-posts. Finally, at the back, the wide taillights echoed the shape of the headlights, being stretched from the quarter panels to the metallic area of the tailgate. But Vauxhall wanted this car to look sporty, so it made a raked-forward rear window adorned with an upper roof spoiler that included the third brake light.

　　Inside, the car abounded on high-quality materials that adorned the dash panel, the door cards, and most of the contact areas. Vauxhall installed a seven or eight-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, depending on the trim level and options. It also provided Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for selected versions. Another big improvement over the previous generation was the introduction of the OnStar assistance system that could help customers locate their cars, lock or unlock them via a phone app, and automatically call emergency services in the event of a crash. The nice-looking piano-black trims on the dashboard and center console created an upscale image for the compact hatchback. In the back, the Astra K offered plenty of room for adult-sized passengers thanks to its long wheelbase of 2.66 meters (104.8 inches).

　　Under the hood, Vauxhall installed a range of new engines ranging between 105 PS (103 hp) and 150 PS (148 hp) paired with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. Besides the gasoline powerplants, the automaker also installed a range of diesel powerplants known for their fuel efficiency.

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