Review of the new Vauxhall Astra ecoFLEX

The big environmental issue has been looming large over the car industry for some time now. Consumers have long since cottoned-on to the fact that there are big savings to be made by running more efficient vehicles and manufacturers have been working overtime to get those vehicles to market. Vauxhall has put as much effort as any of the major car brands into fostering a greener image for itself with its ecoFLEX badge pointing customers towards the cleanest and thriftiest models in its range. Can the latest Astra ecoFLEX deliver the goods against the other economy-focused family hatchbacks?

Vauxhall is just one of numerous manufacturers to have adopted an eco-brand that it applies to its greenest cars. Ford has ECOnetic, Volkswagen has Bluemotion, Skoda has Greenline, Renault has eco2 and there are many other variations on the theme. These cars tend to get a lot of publicity because they achieve the headline economy and emissions figures that the manufacturers like to crow about. It means there's much to be gained by outstripping your rivals by a few miles per gallon or the odd gram per kilometre of CO2. The Astra ecoFLEX employs some clever technology to do exactly that.

In creating the ecoFLEX model, Vauxhall employed the smallest diesel engine at its disposal but the thought of a 94bhp 1.3-litre CDTi diesel powering a vehicle of the Astra's bulk does give some cause for concern. As long as buyers aren't hoping for tyre-smoking performance from their eco-friendly Astra, there shouldn't be too many problems. Even with the 13.7s 0-60mph sprint positioning the car at the slower end of the family hatch market, it should feel strong enough in daily driving thanks to 200Nm of torque between 1,850 and 4,900rpm.

In the ecoFLEX models, the 1.3 CDTi engine is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox with ratios specially optimised to take some strain off the engine. There's a gear-change light that prompts you to change up when appropriate and the engine management computer itself is also reprogrammed to make the most of what the Astra has in its tank.

"The Vauxhall Astra ecoFLEX delivers on its promise of low emissions and enhanced fuel economy"

In contrast with the green versions of some family hatchbacks, the Astra ecoFLEX amounts to more than some engine tinkering and longer gearbox ratios. The car also features active aerodynamics in the form of a shutter behind the front grille that can close to ease the car's passage through the air at high speeds. There are also more conventional aerodynamic changes to the underside of the vehicle.

Otherwise, the recipe for this greener Astra is much the same as for any other in the latest model range. Vauxhall wanted the car to feel special from the driver's seat and by family hatchback standards, it does. Switchgear lifted from the larger Insignia is very much in evidence from the steering column to the over-buttoned main console. There are some nice design touches such as the way the dash swoops around to integrate with the doors and door pulls themselves. Numerous storage options feature around the cabin and large vents built into the A-pillars that do a great job of demisting the side windows.

You'll find plenty of space for a couple of six-footers in the back so long as the front seats aren't right back on their runners. There's even an abundance of headroom back there, despite the car's plunging roofline. In the boot, a 370-litre capacity reveals itself which isn't enormous for the class but higher spec models get a neat FlexFloor underfloor compartment that improves matters.

Unlike the economy-focused cars offered by some rival manufacturers, the Astra ecoFLEX is available in a variety of trim levels. It puts an end to the idea that green cars need to be stripped bare of creature comforts and buyers with a taste the sportier side of like can even opt for an SRi model with the usual body styling accessories.

The other trim levels range from the S model through the Exclusiv to the SE. Even the basic Astras get a CD stereo with MP3 compatibility and an AUX socket, electric heated mirrors, remote central locking, a rake and reach adjustable steering wheel and a 60:40 split rear bench.

The crux of the Astra ecoFLEX was always going to be the cold hard facts of its economy and emissions figures. With a 67.3mpg combined cycle showing and 109g/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 performance isn't overly brisk from the 1.3-litre CDTi diesel engine. The Astra remains a leading contender in the family hatch market and the idea of getting hold of one that can do over 67mpg on the combined cycle will be enough to part plenty of buyers from their cash.

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