Vauxhall Astra gets new 1.6-litre diesel engine

The big-selling Vauxhall Astra is now available with a new ‘Whisper Diesel’ – an economical 1.6-litre CDTi diesel engine, boasting low emissions and impressive mpg.

The engine, previously available only on the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer MPV and the Vauxhall Meriva mini-MPV, will be unveiled in the Vauxhall Astra at the Geneva Motor Show 2014 in March.

Stuart Harris, Vauxhall Head of Carline Brand, said: “We are delighted to introduce the 1.6-litre ‘Whisper Diesel’ to the top-selling Astra range. The new 1.6-litre engine is Vauxhall’s cleanest ever mid-size diesel,”

In 2013, the Vauxhall Astra was Britain’s fourth best selling new car, thanks to its mix of value, practicality and low running costs. Vauxhall hopes to build on this success with the new engine choice.

Vauxhall Astra engines

Both the Vauxhall Astra hatchback and Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer estate will get the engine – with two power outputs available. Vauxhall claims each one offers good economy, with the 108bhp version returning 76.3mpg and emitting 97g/km of CO2. The higher-power 134bhp engine will do 74.2mpg, but emits 104g/km of CO2. The engine is also has technology to trap harmful exhaust fumes and a turbocharger for increased power.

Vauxhall has invested €50million into the engine’s parts, claiming the 1.6-litre CDTi diesel is the best in its class for noise and vibration and the improved six-speed gearbox is now faster, slicker and requires less effort to use.

Vauxhall Astra reliability

Although the Vauxhall Astra ranked 103 out of 150 in our 2013 Driver Power survey, we praised it as a reliable, comfortable and fun car to drive. Vauxhall’s comprehensive lifetime warranty covers the car for up to 100,000 miles and it scored a maximum five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash safety tests.

The Vauxhall Astra with the new 1.6 CDTi engine is available to order for first deliveries in April, with prices starting at £17,635 for the basic Vauxhall Astra Design model. Top-spec Elite models with the more powerful engine, cost from £23,670.

To read all the latest road tests from the Vauxhall range, visit the Carbuyer Vauxhall reviews page.