New astra estate

Making its world debut at the Madrid Motor Show this week (20 May), the Astra Estate continues with the elegant and dynamic design that characterises the hatch, while at the same time adding extra space and versatility. And just like its hatchback stable mate, Vauxhall is promising the new model will be a rewarding drive. The Astra Estate goes on sale in November.

A 2700 mm wheelbase, (compared with 2614 for the hatchback) gives the new Astra Estate ample space for passengers and luggage. In addition the cargo space can be made even more versatile through the optional FlexOrganiser system, first introduced on the Vectra.

With a wheelbase which is around nine centimetres longer than the five-door and Estate predecessor, the new Estate offers a load volume of up to 505 litres under the luggage cover. Folding down the rear bench seat (standard 60:40 or optional 40:20:40 split), cargo volume is expanded to an exceptional 1570 litres.

Astra Estate's boot has straight side walls and storage areas both beneath the floor and in either side. A stainless steel rim protects the conveniently low boot sill from scratches.

Opel has enhanced FlexOrganiser, which can be ordered as an option in the new Astra and now features horizontal side rails in anodised aluminium. An extensive range of accessories with FlexOrganiser allows for a wide range of individual arrangements of the loading space to meet every driver - or family's needs.

However, while an estate car is always going to be about luggage carrying capabilities at some time in its life, this should not preclude it from being a good drive. Astra Estate has the same excellent road manners as the five-door hatchback, and again can be ordered with the option of the adaptive IDS suspension and electronic Continuous Damping Control.

Estates don't need to be dull to look at, either. The front end of Vauxhall Astra's new Estate will be well recognised from the dynamic look of the hatchback. At the rear, eye-catching three-dimensional lights feature while the profile of the Estate is distinctive in the design of the windows which taper towards the rear.

Flat roof rails, familiar from the Vauxhall Signum, are available in black or silver, and accentuate the Estate's elegant appearance.

The Astra Estate will be available with the same excellent choice of ECOTEC engines as the five-door, which means four petrol and three diesel engines with displacements from 1.4 to 2.0 litres and power outputs from 90 to 170 hp.

The diesel offering is now particularly strong with two 1.7 litre CDTi engines (80 and 100 hp) and now two 1.9 CDTi diesels as well in 120 and 150 hp versions, all of which comply with Euro 4 emissions legislation.

Transmissions range from a six-speed manual gearbox (for both of the 1.9 CDTi engines and the 2.0 turbo petrol), a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic (optional for 1.8 ECOTEC) as well as the latest version of the Easytronic which is available in combination with the 1.6 TWINPORT.