Motorward » ecoFLEX

Vauxhall Announced 99g/km Astra ecoFLEX

Arman Barari — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 08:26:56 +0000

Eco driving is no longer dull and boring. This is the latest Vauxhall Astra ecoFLEX, and it does 76.3mpg with C0₂ emissions of just 99g/km.

That means a total exemption from TfL’s Congestion Charge, as well as zero VED (Vehicle Excise Duty), inclusion in the lowest 13 per cent BIK (Benefit in Kind) tax band, and 100 per cent capital allowance for businesses. The good news is, the performance is not shabby either. And the car looks fantastic. No one will ever realize you are driving an eco-box!

This Astra ecoFLEX is powered by a new, stronger 1.7 CDTi engine developing 130PS and 300Nm of torque. That makes for a nice and comfi drive. Not sporty, but alright.

Opel/Vauxhall has gone to enormous length to make the car as economical as possible. Friction reductions have been applied to piston rings, tappets and piston pins, while sensors in the low-pressure glow plugs enable more accurate combustion control. It is also fitted with a friction-reduced six-speed gearbox that has been tuned to work with the new version of the engine. It even has a shift indicator telling you the best time for changing gear to achieve maximum MPG!

Other features contributing to this car’s economy are the aerodynamics, low rolling resistance tyres (a choice of 215/60 x 16 or 225/50 x 17 sizes), an active aero-shutter in the radiator grille, lowered ride height that reduces drag, and of course Start/Stop technology.

At a glance guide to Astra ecoFLEX 1.7 CDTi’s C02 reduction measures

“Clean Tech Combustion” technology
Intelligent Start/Stop system with braking energy recuperation
New engine management and thermal management
Friction-reduced six-speed transmission with optimised axle and gear layout
Improved aerodynamics including active aeroshutter
Low rolling-resistance tyres
Standard LED daytime running lights

Vauxhall Launches ecoFLEX Vans

Arman Barari — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:15:26 +0000

Vauxhall is proud to announce they are the first brand to offer eco commercial vehicles with the launch of ecoFLEX vans. The eco line starts with the Vivaro model powered by a 2.0CDTi with either 95 or 115 hp, both with CO₂ outputs of just 185g/km, and both as practical an functional as normal models.

They also have the Corsavan ecoFLEX 1.3CDTi (75PS) Start/Stop which emits 105g/km CO₂.

The other eco0minded van by Vauxhall is the Movano ecoFLEX based on the 3.3-tonne L2H2 2.3CDTI (100PS) model which features manually-operated windows, door mirrors and door locking, a tyre repair kit in lieu of spare wheel and a 56mph speed limiter as standard. Vauxhall counts the lack of basic features as a sign of efficiency! Anyway, it has a CO2 rating of 202g/km. Astravan and Combo will also get the ecoFlex badge.

Steve Bryant, Brand Manager, Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles, said: “Vauxhall is the first manufacturer to offer an ‘eco’ product for each model in its range. Green credentials are becoming a higher priority for customers looking to reduce the carbon footprint of their vehicles. Our vans have always been known for their low running costs and the ecoFLEX badge clearly identifies to our customers the lowest CO₂ model for each vehicle in our range.”

The full range of ecoFLEX commercial vehicles will be available to order at Vauxhall retailers from February.

Vauxhall Corsavan ecoFLEX

Arman Barari — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 13:02:17 +0000

With the new Corsavan ecoFLEX, Vauchall is introducing one of the most efficient commercial vehicles of all time. It is the first vehicle in this segment to feature Start/Stop technology as standard. Therefore its 75 PS 1.3 Liter CDTi engine can manage 70.6mpg fuel economy, while with CO2 emissions of just 105g/Km fully covers Euro 5 regulations. All models are also fitted with DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter), which traps harmful particulates.

Corsavan ecoFLEX Start/Stop models are just £220 more expensive than normal models, but its greater economy will return your money very soon!

The principle of Start/Stop is simple: instead of the engine idling at traffic lights or at a level crossing, the engine will automatically stop when the driver engages neutral and releases the clutch pedal. When the traffic lights turn green, the driver simply presses the clutch pedal to re-start the engine, engage first and move away. Naturally, the vehicle’s ventilation, power steering and braking system performance are maintained while the engine is temporarily off.

Drivers who use their vans frequently in congested city streets, where the Corsavan’s Start/Stop function will come into its own, will see the biggest gains in fuel consumption. With an official urban mpg figure of 58.9mpg, the Corsavan ecoFLEX 1.3 CDTi (75PS) Start/Stop is more than 18 per cent more economical than the outgoing Euro 4 van without the new technology.

But the package of improvements to Corsavan ecoFLEX’s doesn’t end there. To ensure Start/Stop is reliable during the vehicle’s life, an enhanced starter motor is used, along with a high performance battery and Electric Power Management system, for efficient re-starts. An additional water pump keeps the cabin warm in cool weather during the stop phase, and owners have the ability to turn off Start/Stop completely via a dashboard button.

Vauxhall Corsavan Pricing & Options (Click to view larger)

Vauxhall Astra ecoFLEX For UK Market

Arman Barari — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 07:54:27 +0000

The new generation of Vauxhaull/Opel Astra is a very fine car and has already attracted a lot of attention. And the company has just made it more desirable by introducing an ecoFLEX variant for the British market. Equipped with a 1.3 CDTi diesel engine, the Astra ecoFLEX averages 67.3mpg while emitting only 109g of CO2 per every kilometer.

As its the case with ultra-eco cars, they are a bit a short on power and the Astra is no exception. Its engine only develops 95 hp mated to a five-speed transmission with new ratios to optimise economy, so it’s not what you call a performer. But it suits the modern British drivers who spend most of their time in traffic jams where they don’t really need performance! This car is less damaging to the environment, and you pay much less tax for it than a regular petrol-powered hatchback.

2010 Vauxhall Astra ecoFLEX is priced at £17,920 for the SRi trim level.

2010 Opel Corsa ecoFLEX

Arman Barari — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:55:04 +0000

Small and efficient diesel engines have turned out to be a very good replacement for hybrid systems because in real life they can be, if not better, equally clean and economical. You have already learned about the VW’s BlueMotion technology which is offered in the Golf,Polo and Passat here, now check out the new Opel Corsa ecoFLEX, GM’s answer to VW which is awesomely clean!

2010 Opel Corsa ecoFLEX is powered by a 1.3 liter CDTI diesel engine boosted by a turbo with a variable geometry.It generates 70 kW/95 hp and 190 Nm of torque, and has an average fuel consumption of 3.7 liter per 100 KM while releasing 98 g/km CO2 as a three-door and 99 g/km as a five-door. Pretty good, they are now equal with the Golf BM, but still behind the Polo BM with 87 g/km!

Many factors are considered in the Corsa ecoFLEX to make it so efficient. The turbo unit in its engine has variable turbine geometry, which significantly improves the engine’s performance. To support the higher turbo pressure, engineers slightly reduced the compression ratio from 18 to 16.8: 1.They’ve also optimized the calibration on the engine and greatly increased low-end torque and the peak power, and adjusted the gear ratio. Aerodynamics has also played its part, the car is lower by 20mm than the other models and it’s fitted with special 175/70 tires that are roll-resistance-optimized and fitted to lighter, flow formed , 14″ steel wheels (15″ optional) which has newly designed, more efficient wheel caps.

The only downside of this engine is indeed the performance: it took the Corsa ecoFLEX 12.3 seconds to hit the 100 from nought and it only has a top speed of 177 km/h, but that does not matter really becasue this car is made to be economical not quick!