The Vauxhall Astra Mark 4: A Review of Its Performance and Features
The Vauxhall Astra Mark 4 was available with a range of petrol and diesel engines:. Fuel economy of the Vauxhall Astra Mark 4 ( petrol engine) Fuel economy of the Vauxhall Astra Mark 4 ( diesel engine)
Vauxhall Astra Mark 4: A Comprehensive Review
The Vauxhall Astra Mark 4, also known as the AD platform, was produced by Vauxhall, a British automaker, from 2004 to 2010. It was the fourth generation of the Astra model, a popular compact car in Europe. In this comprehensive review, we'll delve into the key features, specifications, and performance of the Vauxhall Astra Mark 4.
Overview The Vauxhall Astra Mark 4 was launched in 2004, and it marked a significant departure from its predecessors. The new platform, code-named AD, was designed to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance overall driving dynamics. The Astra Mark 4 was available in a range of trim levels, including the most basic SE, the mid-range SRi, and the top-of-the-line Elite.
Design and Features
The Astra Mark 4 had a more aggressive and futuristic design compared to its predecessors. The front grille, headlights, and bumper were redesigned to give the car a more modern look. The rear bumper, taillights, and boot lid were also updated, while the overall dimensions remained similar to the previous generation. The interior was also revamped, featuring a more modern design, improved ergonomics, and better materials.
Some notable features of the Astra Mark 4 included:
- Driver Information System: A colour screen display that provided important information such as navigation, telephone, and audio settings.
- Air Conditioning: A dual-zone air conditioning system that allowed separate temperature control for the driver and passenger.
- Cruise Control: An electronic cruise control system that allowed drivers to set and maintain a constant speed.
- ABS and ESP: Advanced braking and electronic stability control systems that improved road safety.
Engine and Transmission The Vauxhall Astra Mark 4 was available with a range of petrol and diesel engines:
-
Petrol engines:
- 1.6L VVT (103 horsepower)
- 1.8L VVT (145 horsepower)
- 2.0L Turbo (170 horsepower)
-
Diesel engines:
- 1.7L Diesel (101 horsepower)
- 1.9L Diesel (125 horsepower)
- 1.9L Diesel Bi-Turbo (150 horsepower)
The engines were paired with a range of transmissions, including:
- Five-speed manual: Standard on most models
- Five-speed automatic: Available on some models
- Six-speed manual: Available on high-performance models
Performance The Vauxhall Astra Mark 4 was praised for its improved driving dynamics, thanks to the new AD platform. The car was more agile and responsive, with better handling and braking performance. The top-of-the-line Elite model featured a 170 horsepower 2.0L Turbo engine, which provided a 0-62 mph time of just 8.2 seconds.
Safety The Astra Mark 4 was equipped with a range of safety features, including:
- Dual airbags: Front airbags and side airbags for added protection
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS): Prevented wheel lock-up during hard braking
- Electronic stability program (ESP): Improved vehicle stability and traction
Warranty and Maintenance The Vauxhall Astra Mark 4 came with a comprehensive three-year/100,000-mile warranty, which provided peace of mind for new owners. Maintenance costs were competitive with other cars in its class, and the car was generally reliable.
Conclusion The Vauxhall Astra Mark 4 was a significant improvement over its predecessors, offering improved driving dynamics, better fuel efficiency, and enhanced safety features. With a range of engine and transmission options, it catered to a wide range of drivers. While it may not have been the most exciting car on the market, it was a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and practical compact car.
Specifications
| Engine | Petrol 1.6L VVT | Petrol 1.8L VVT | Petrol 2.0L Turbo | Diesel 1.7L | Diesel 1.9L | Diesel 1.9L Bi-Turbo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 103 horsepower | 145 horsepower | 170 horsepower | 101 horsepower | 125 horsepower | 150 horsepower |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 175 Nm | 210 Nm | 254 Nm | 230 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual | 6-speed manual | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| 0-62 mph | 11.9 seconds | 9.5 seconds | 8.2 seconds | 11.9 seconds | 10.5 seconds | 9.2 seconds |
Colors
| Available colors on the Vauxhall Astra Mark 4 |
|---|
| Onyx Black |
| Arctic Silver |
| Sebring Silver |
| Rio Blue |
| Mirage Red |
| Silk Metallic |
| Avid Red |
| Azure Blue |
| Costa Brava Silver |
| Champagne Gold |
Trim Levels
| Available trim levels on the Vauxhall Astra Mark 4 |
|---|
| SE |
| SRC |
| SRi |
| Elite |
Dimensions
| Dimensions of the Vauxhall Astra Mark 4 |
|---|
| Length |
| Width |
| Height |
| Wheelbase |
| Boot space |
| Kerb weight |
Fuel Economy
| Fuel economy of the Vauxhall Astra Mark 4 ( petrol engine) |
|---|
| Combined fuel economy |
| Urban fuel economy |
| Extra-urban fuel economy |
| CO2 emissions |
Fuel Economy
| Fuel economy of the Vauxhall Astra Mark 4 ( diesel engine) |
|---|
| Combined fuel economy |
| Urban fuel economy |
| Extra-urban fuel economy |
| CO2 emissions |
Note: The fuel economy figures mentioned above are for the standard EU test cycle and may vary depending on real-world driving conditions.
Sadean Areas
