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
