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Conference terri::cars_uk

Title:Cars in the UK
Notice:Please read new conference charter 1.70
Moderator:COMICS::SHELLEYELD
Created:Sun Mar 06 1994
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2584
Total number of notes:63384

1503.0. "Astra Mk 3" by STRIKR::LINDLEY (Strewth mate.....) Tue Jul 16 1991 11:00

    I've seen the pictures, it looks rather like the Citroen ZX.  It looks
    a bit bigger than the Mk 2, certainly a lot more glass.
    
    The only details I know are from Oracle:
    	- All cars apart from the most basic to have Cats
    	- Engine options to include 1.4 and 1.6 injection units
    	- Extra strengthening in doors to resist side impacts
    	- Radio tuning display to be separate from the unit, to deter
    	  thieves
    
    The wheelbase looks longer than on the Mk 2, so handling should be
    improved.  Launch is September/October.  The car will be called the
    Astra throughout Europe.
    
    I wonder how long it will be before the performance derivatives appear.
    (Vauxhall have described rumours of a four wheel drive Lotus version as
    "premature").
    
    Anyone know more
    
    
    John
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1503.1SHIPS::ALFORD_Jan elephant is a mouse with an oper. sys.Tue Jul 16 1991 11:104
>    Anyone know more
    
    
Yes. The Cabrio version is not due out until next year :-(
1503.2WOTVAX::HARRISCNot very nice at allTue Jul 16 1991 11:215
    There are picys of the cabrio and GSi (16v) in this months CAR mag.
    
    Also a spy-shot of the new nova...
    
    ...Craig  
1503.3Astra V6 ?CEEOSI::WILTSHIREDave - Networks Conformance Eng.Tue Jul 16 1991 11:218
    I believe there's going to be a model with a V6 engine - not sure when
    it'll be available though.......
    
    Car magazine has a picture of the new Astra taken from the rear.  It
    looks a little like a VW Golf !!!
    
    -Dave.
    
1503.4ZX copy cat..NEWOA::BOSLEYWhat time to go, Nah cant be...Tue Jul 16 1991 11:219
    re .0 
    	
    	The resemblance to the ZX is quiet uncanny.  Lots of flush glass. 
    Looked OK, but nothing Special. The Sports versions have a roof
    spoiler, plus a VW Golf areial.....
    
    Take a look..
    
    Stu..
1503.5Not just the cabrioDOOZER::JENKINSseriously 'ken shabbyTue Jul 16 1991 11:523
    
    
    GSI 16v wont be available before 1992 either.
1503.6New OPEL ASTRADUCK::TAYLORGBodybuilders do it till it hurtsTue Jul 16 1991 16:466
re.0

Is the Astra you are talking about the new Opel Astra or the replacment for the
current Vauxhall Astra ?

Grant
1503.7NEWOA::SAXBYA light bulb lasts longer?Tue Jul 16 1991 16:553
    Isn't it the same thing?
    
    Mark
1503.8RE: -.2 New Vauxhall Astra = New Opel AstraNSDC::SIMPSONTue Jul 16 1991 16:551
1503.9COMICS::FISCHERIan Fischer - UK Graphics SupportWed Jul 17 1991 13:355
What's happening to the Kadett then? Is that being 
discontinued?


Ian
1503.10More infoSTRIKR::LINDLEYStrewth mate.....Wed Jul 17 1991 13:3741
    More info, From Autocar & Motor.  This is from memory, so I may miss
    bits or get them wrong.
    
    The new car is only a couple of inches longer than the MK 2.  It is one
    inch higher, and a bit wider.  The Wheelbase is actually about .1 of an
    inch shorter, but the track is wider both front and rear.  The Mk 2
    floorpan is retained.
    
    The interior is much improved, with more headroom and rear legroom.
    
    The Front suspension set up is derived from the Cavalier, the rear set
    up is new.  The body shell has 34% more torsional strength than the
    MK2.
    
    The car is slightly heavier than the Mk2, due to extra safety features
    and the slightly larger size. Cd ranges from .30 for the GSi to .33 for
    the estate.
    
    Apparently the car is considerably quieter than the Mk2, and handles
    10% better (how can you quantify how well a car handles ??).  The first
    models available will be two versions of the injection 1.4, and the 8
    and 16 valve two litre cars.  The rest of the range will follow over
    the next year or so.
    
    Prices and Equipment levels are not yet decided
    
    More on the GSi, which is what I'm most interested in.
    
    Performance is 0-62mph in 8.0 secs, max 135mph.  It will be fitted with
    ETC (Electronic Traction Control) that will work from the ABS - cant
    remember how.  The Driver can switch ETC off if required.  It sits on 
    205 width 50 profile 15 inch tyres.  Its got some sort of suspension 
    mods, but I cant remember what they are. The Wider track and increased
    (negative ?) camber of the wheel settings apparently improves grip. 
    Engine and Gearbox are unchanged.
    
    The GSI in Red pictured in the mag looks good.  Not fantastic, but
    good...
    
    
    John 
1503.11STRIKR::LINDLEYStrewth mate.....Wed Jul 17 1991 13:409
    Forgot to say, Autocar & Motor promise road tests against the main
    rivals in "a couple of months".
    
    Re .9, yes, the Kadett name is being dropped after 50 odd years.  The
    Belmont name is also to be dropped, though there will be an Astra
    saloon.
    
    
    John
1503.12More on the GSISTRIKR::LINDLEYStrewth mate.....Tue Sep 03 1991 17:3014
    Read the first brief road test (A&M) in Smiths the other day...  I only 
    read the bit about the GSI.
    
    Steering much improved, with more feel than in the old 16V.  Handling
    better.  Much quieter and more relaxing when cruising.  Better
    visibility.  Felt a bit slower than the (pre cat) 16V they last tested. 
    Sumary, much improved in key areas, but maybe a little less exciting
    than the old car.
    
    The first comparative road tests should be out in the next month or so.
    
    
    
    John
1503.13TASTY::JEFFERYMake a new plan StanWed Sep 04 1991 20:493
I don't know, I still reckon the new Astra felt as fast as the older 16V.

Mark.