VAUXHALLAstra Sports Tourer 2012 - 2015

　　Vauxhall improved the Astra J lineup in 2012, three years after the model’s introduction on the British market in 2009, bringing more technology to the appreciated compact-sized vehicle.

　　Those looking for a more spacious vehicle who, for some reason, didn’t want to go to the mid-size segment could get the station wagon version of the Astra J. It offered the same level of practicality as larger cars but in a smaller package. In addition, thanks to the refreshed version of the Astra’s lineup offered by Vauxhall in 2012, the Sports Tourer was even more attractive thanks to its new engines and improved look.

　　The restyled Astra J Sports Tourer featured a redesigned front fascia, featuring new lights that integrated the L-shaped LED daytime running lights. Its upper grille got a chromed trim that crossed it in the mid-section and supported the Vauxhall’s badge. Furthermore, the lower bumper was also reshaped, getting a taller lower grille that incorporated the license plate area. A set of slim fog lamps integrated into the side scoops above the air intakes that cooled the front rotors completed the changes of the Astra J’s facelift version.

　　From its profile, the Sports Tourer had the same shape as before, with its sculptured doors featuring an up-kick on the rear. A chromed trim around the windows area created the image of an upscale vehicle, even though GM made the Astra a regular, mass-market car. Finally, at the back, the automaker added redesigned taillights with broader red areas. The wide opening of the tailgate was already one of the station wagon’s best features, so Vauxhall kept it.

　　Inside, the front occupants were spoiled with three cup holders between the seats. The driver fronted an instrument cluster that housed large dials for the speedometer and tachometer and a set of two smaller ones, on the upper side, for the fuel level and coolant temperature gauges. Atop the center stack, customers could opt for one of Vauxhall’s infotainment systems fitted with navigation and phone connectivity. The center stack, on the other hand, looked messy due to its many buttons and knobs present there. Passengers in the back could sit comfortably on the split-folding bench seat. Thanks to the long roof, headroom was better than in the Astra J hatchback. Behind the rear seats, the trunk was vast, even larger than the one offered by the mid-size sedan Insignia.

　　But the most significant changes happened under the hood. The base engine was supplied by the Italian automaker Fiat and provided just a mere 95 PS (94 hp) from a 1.3-liter turbo-diesel. At the other end of the range, the top performer was now the 1.6-liter turbocharged with 180 PS (178 hp). The 280 PS (276 hp) OPC version was axed due to low sales. Depending on the trim and options, the Astra Sports Tourer was available with either automatic transmissions or in a three-pedal setup.