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The start point for the best source of fleet information |
Category: Light van Price: £9995 - £14,570
On sale: 2 October Key rival: Fiat Doblo Cargo
Instead of the old model's sole engine choice of a 1.7-litre diesel, this generation has three diesels to choose from, of which Vauxhall reckons the 90PS 1.3-litre will be the biggest-seller, provided it can persuade people to drive it before making the choice. There's a worry that drivers won't believe the 1.3 is powerful enough for a van of this size, hence the entry model not being badged 1.3, just CDTi. The rest of the volume will be split mainly between the 100PS 1.7 and the 120PS 1.9, though in time the 1.7 may be dropped from the range as bosses expect most buyers to go for either the cheaper, more economical 1.3 or the top-end 1.9. There's also a 1.4-litre petrol, aimed almost exclusively at the diminishing LPG market.
The interior's lifted straight from the passenger car Astra, which means decent quality materials well put together, though it's a shame that aircon still isn't standard in the van range. From the B-pillar backwards the van's been completely re-engineered, Vauxhall was at great pains to emphasise that this is more than an Astra Estate with the rear doors filled in.
The load bay is also well thought-out, with hidden compartments where the rear seats would have been, and for extra security a solid tailgate will be a £100 option from next year. Vauxhall also fits a heavy-duty floor cover as standard, and a flexible bulkhead with folding passenger seat is a £130 option for the option of carrying extras-long loads.
Vauxhall was always going to be onto a winner with the new Astravan, because of its highly-rated donor car, but it hasn't ignored the details that should make the latest generation as popular as its predecessors.