Review of the new Vauxhall Astra ecoFLEX

What's going in the automotive industry? Just a few years ago we were still locked in the old bigger, better, faster, stronger cycle where new models battled to out muscle, out size or out gadget their rivals to gain the public's respect. These days the market looks more like an episode of The Good Life with every marque rushing headlong back to nature, emphasising its soft and cuddly side through green initiatives. It's as though the sharp suits and ruthlessness have been ousted from the boardrooms in favour of chunky knits, compassion and maybe the occasional beard. Of course, that could merely be what they want us to think. Vauxhall's Astra ecoFlex is typical of the environmentally-focused models that are proliferating at the moment so is it indicative of an eco renaissance or a cynical exercise in selling more cars?

Going on the past form of our friendly car manufacturers, you'd have to suspect the latter but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Like equivalent economy-special models offered by the likes of Ford, Volkswagen, Peugeot, Skoda and SEAT, the Vauxhall Astra ecoFLEX, is a version of the Vauxhall Astra with a series of modifications designed to help it use less precious fuel. Less fuel used means cheaper running costs which helps the motorist, lower emissions which help the planet and potentially, increased sales which help the manufacturer. That's assuming that the ecoFLEX really does do what it says on the tin.

The tweaks made to models like the Vauxhall Astra ecoFLEX with the aim of making them more efficient don't usually involve an increase in power but the Vauxhall is an exception. The 109bhp 1.7-litre diesel used in the car gets a shot in the arm of just under 10bhp over the Astra's existing 1.7-litre CDTi unit. It produces 260Nm of torque at 2,000rpm and can achieve a 117mph top speed so it's certainly no slouch. Some of the modifications made to the ecoFLEX are also likely to impact on the driving experience. The kerbweight has been reduced by 30kg and the suspension is lowered to improve aerodynamics. Perhaps most salient is the fitment of low rolling resistance tyres which can improve efficiency markedly albeit sometimes at the expense of grip.

"The Astra is one of the more enjoyable family hatchbacks to drive with a sporty character that doesn't impinge on comfort."

The Astra is one of the more enjoyable family hatchbacks to drive with a sporty character that doesn't impinge on comfort. The Astra still uses a relatively simple beam axle at the back instead of the sophisticated multi-link layouts used by Volkswagen and Ford. GM executives contend that this system provides good handling while transmitting less noise into the cabin and its compact design helps maximise interior space.

Unlike some versions of rival family hatchbacks, the Astra ecoFLEX amounts to more than some skinny tyres and longer gearbox ratios. The engine does have extra power but its ECU has also been remapped and its idle speed reduced so it generally works less hard. There's also a taller axle ratio and the power steering pump runs at a lower speed when idling. As well as the lowered suspension, the front air-intakes on the car have been modified to aerodynamic ends and there's a special panel under the engine bay to make the underside of the car that bit more slippery as it moves through the air. We've seen on other models that a range of small modifications can have a significant cumulative effect on efficiency and the Astra ecoFLEX appears to underline that.

Solid build quality, sharp styling, and competitive, if not class-leading, space and versatility are the watchwords with the Mk V Astra. Where Vauxhall has boxed clever with this model is by offering a range of utility cars in parallel to it. With models like the Zafira and the Meriva to cater for the needs of those who need serious utility, the Astra has been allowed to let its hair down a bit.

Three bodystyles are offered in ecoFLEX form: five-door hatch, three-door Sport Hatch and a five-door estate - so there's a plentiful array of choice. The car will have plenty of direct rivals in the wider market with most of the major players in the family hatch sector offering some kind of low emissions derivative.

The crux of the Astra ecoFLEX was always going to be the cold hard facts of its economy and emissions figures. With a 62.8mpg combined cycle showing and 119g/km emissions, it's right up with the most efficient and cleanest family hatchbacks on the market. Owners will reap the benefits in terms of lower fuel bills and a lighter taxation burden which, in this day and age, should prove a big draw.

The Vauxhall Astra ecoFLEX delivers on its promise of low emissions and enhanced fuel economy thanks to a series of modifications. The look and capabilities of the car have changed little although, unusually for a car focused on cutting running costs, it does have slight power boost thrown in. The Astra remains a strong contender in the family hatch market and the idea of getting hold of one that can do nearly 63mpg on the combined cycle will be enough to part plenty of buyers from their cash.

The leading manufacturers are well aware that fuel costs and emissions taxation are big issues for motorists and green brands like Vauxhall's ecoFLEX allow them to group their most efficient vehicles together under a single convenient banner. Vauxhall have cone further than most in modifying the standard Astra for environmental purposes but the results are similar to those achieved by rival manufacturers. In the end, whether you want an Astra ecoFLEX will depend on whether you want an Astra. If not, there are plenty of other options. If so, you'll be getting a high quality and highly economical family hatch.

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