VAUXHALLAstra Sports Tourer 2015 - 2019

　　Vauxhall introduced a new station-wagon version of the Astra in 2015, along with unveiling the car’s seventh generation, a very popular model in the UK.

　　While the world financial crisis was already gone by 2015, its effects still troubled the European arm of the American automaker General Motors. In Europe, the compact segment was one of the most contested, and many car brands had highly acclaimed models there. So, Vauxhall charged with everything it had in its arsenal, including the station wagon version of the Astra, named Sports Tourer, a vehicle designed for families and those needing roomier cars but without the hassle of a mid-size vehicle.

　　GM’s styling department changed the pace when it shaped the front end of the Astra. As a result, the car still had some organic influences, especially on the headlights, which sported new LED daytime running lights that contoured the main Xenon lamps inside them. Furthermore, the DRLs also doubled as turn signals. The main grille was broader than on the previous Astra generation and featured a chromed trim that resembled a wing supporting the Vauxhall’s badge in the middle. Lower, on the apron, the automaker installed a second A-shaped air intake, which was flanked by the side scoops for the available fog lamps.

　　From its profile, the Astra Sports Tourer long roof version had the same design as the hatchback up to the B-posts. The rear doors, on the other hand, were new. Behind them, Vauxhall installed a third set of triangular windows that flanked the trunk space, while at the back, the raked forward tailgate sported a roof spoiler on its upper side. Thanks to the chromed trim that marked the upper side of the window line, the automaker created a floating-roof design for Astra’s station wagon. Like on the previous Astra J generation, the Astra K Sports Tourer had a lower loading area cut into the rear bumper.

　　Inside, the Astra K was greatly improved, using several components from its bigger sibling, the Insignia. Its piano-black trims across the cabin and the soft-touch materials used on the dashboard, door cards, and center console improved the perceived quality feel of the car. Fronting the driver was a new instrument cluster filled with wide dials for the tachometer and speedometer and two gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature on its upper side. In addition, a TFT display mounted on the lower side of the panel offered additional information from the car’s onboard computer. Vauxhall also greatly improved the infotainment system, which featured a seven or eight-inch touchscreen atop the center stack, depending on the trim and options. It was compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In the back, the split-folding bench was wide enough to accommodate three passengers. Unlike the hatchback version, the Sports Tourer offered a vast trunk measuring 540 liters (19 cu-ft). With the rear seats folded flat, that value increased to 1,630 liters (57.3 cu-ft).

　　Under the hood, Vauxhall installed a range of seven gasoline and diesel engines ranging between 105 PS (103 hp) and 200 PS (197 hp) paired with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.

　　load press release