The Star on a reasonably priced car, a statement everyone knows, and the car, the Astra, is up for auction.

Vauxhall Motors auction BBC Top Gear’s Reasonably Priced Car for charity BEN

Vauxhall Motors has opened the bidding on a piece of motoring history – the Vauxhall Astra used by BBC Top Gear as their ‘Reasonably Priced Car’ with automotive industry charity, BEN.

The five-door Power Red 1.6-litre (115bhp) Vauxhall Astra Tech Line has been added to eBay raise funds to raise awareness and funds for the charity.  Bids can placed at www.ebay.co.uk/itm/-/231786726259 with all proceeds being donated to BEN.

BEN’s goal is to make positive differences to people’s lives in the automotive industry, supporting them in times of difficulty through a wide range of free, confidential information, advice and support services. Through the donations it receives, BEN is able to help families, for example with the cost of specialist disability equipment for children, giving emotional support through an illness, or providing guidance on how to deal with financial worries. BEN also offers a range of services from nursing to end of life care via its four residential centres around the country.

• Mileage – 2,908
• 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels
• Sat-nav system with seven-inch colour monitor
• Three-spoke leather-covered sports steering wheel
• Multi-function trip computer
• USB connection with iPod control
• Mobile phone system with Bluetooth
• Digital radio with six premium speakers
• Chrome-effect exterior side window surround
• Front Corbeau Sprint Racing seats with 5 point safety belt harness and full roll-cage

IMPORTANT NOTE: Bidders should be aware that the airbags have all been disabled making room for the roll-cage.  To re-instate the airbags would involve removing the roll-cage and seating.  So, in its current state, the car is not type-approved and should not be driven on the road.  The Vauxhall Technical Team will work with the successful bidder at handover to fully explain how the vehicle has been adapted. Please be aware converting the vehicle back into use on the public highway would incur significant cost.

With an estimated 350 million views in 170 different countries per week, the Vauxhall Astra was initiated with a star-studded barbeque, featuring celebrities including comedians Jimmy Carr and Warwick Davis, and singers Brian Johnson and Joss Stone.  Celebrities such as Olly Murs, who topped the leader board, Margot Robbie, Ron Howard and James Blunt all thrashed it around the Top Gear Test Track at Dunsfold Park, Surrey.

“David Main, BEN Chief Executive commented on the auction, saying: “We are reliant on the generosity of our supporters to enable us to continue our work helping people who work within the UK automotive industry, so we are very grateful to Vauxhall Motors for this kind donation of a piece of history for a great cause.”

BBC TOP GEAR’S REASONABLY PRICED CAR LEADERBOARD

1:44.6 – Olly Murs

1:44.7 – Nicholas Hoult

1:44.7 – Aaron Paul

1:45.1 – Brian Johnson

1:45.6 – Jimmy Carr

1:46.1 – Hugh Jackman

1:46.7 – David Haye

1:46.8 – Warwick Davis

1:47.1 – Margot Robbie

1:47.2 – Will Smith

1.47.8 – Benedict Cumberbatch

1:48.5 – Rachel Riley

1:48.5 – Gillian Anderson

1:48.8 – Charles Dance

1:48.9 – Joss Stone

1:49.2 – Kiefer Sutherland (wet)

1:49.4 – James Blunt (very very wet)

1:49.9 – Ron Howard

1:49.9 – Tom Hiddleston (very wet)

1:50.1 – Hugh Bonneville (wet)

1:51.0 – Steven Tyler

1:51.5 – Mike Rutherford

1:54.3 - Ed Sheeran (automatic) (wet)

1.54.5 – Jack Whitehall (automatic)

refreshed Peugeot 5008 gets new corporate look, enhanced spec and small increase in price.

• Seven-seater PEUGEOT 5008 benefits from contemporary new look and additional equipment
• Versatile family vehicle with adjustable seating that folds, slides or can be hidden in the boot floor
• Higher-specification combines high-driving position with high comfort levels for all occupants  

The versatile PEUGEOT 5008 Compact MPV is the latest model in the brand’s extensive line-up of passenger cars to benefit from a comprehensive makeover, bringing it into line with the rest of the range of recent models that includes the 208, 2008, New 308 and 3008 Crossover.

The mid-life, re-styled update features significant external changes to enhance the visual appeal of the practical seven-seater. It includes external and internal upgrades, a higher specification, new equipment and revised pricing.

Key to the 5008’s appeal will be the latest PEUGEOT family ‘face’ with the striking ‘floating’ front grille that’s already proved such a hit with buyers choosing the recently-launched Peugeot 208 and 2008. It’s flanked by redesigned headlamps with a bold new LED signature built into the lower portion. On each side of the lower air intake, chromed trim emphasises the fog lamps with its C-shape design.

Nine colours are available among which are the new Rich Oak and Artense Grey, enhanced with extra chrome trim around the windows. Alloy wheels are available from 16” to 18” with a new 17” diamond Anthra Grey alloy wheel design.

Enhanced specification is now available at every level and though there is a small increase to price, £200 on Access, £300 on Active and £350 on Allure, the value of the new specification, when combined with the re-styled exterior, easily outweighs the cost.

Starting from £18,800 with the ACCESS 1.6-litre VTi 120bhp petrol, the entry level diesel model is the 1.6-litre HDi FAP 115bhp at £20,495, with the e-HDi FAP EGC (Electronic Gearbox Control) version having the lowest CO2 emissions of 113g/km and priced at £21,345.

Reversing camera

To go a step further, the front and rear parking assistance can be supplemented by a reversing camera. Installed on the tailgate, its image is reproduced on the dashboard screen and indicates the outline of the vehicle in its surroundings using coloured markings. Reversing becomes easier, as does looking for a parking space! The available space measurement system informs the driver when the size of a parking space is suitable.

Head up display

Without taking your eyes off the road, a single glance at this equipment is all it takes to know the speed of the vehicle and the distance from the vehicle in front, thanks to the Distance Alert. The angle and brightness of the polycarbonate strip are controlled by means of switches arranged within easy reach on the centre console. Close-by, on the dashboard, the screen for the audio-navigation and the trip computer is retractable. Now covered with an attractive laser etching effect, the centre console groups together all of the controls.

Engines

CO2 emissions start from 113g/km and the range consists of six engines/transmission combinations, two petrol and four diesels, with manual, automatic or ETG gearboxes:

Diesel range:

• 1.6-litre e-HDi FAP 115bhp, ETG6 (Efficient Tronic Gearbox), 65.7mpg and CO2 at 113g/km
• 1.6-litre HDi FAP 115bhp, 6-speed manual gearbox, 56.4mpg and CO2 at 128g/km
• 2.0-litre HDi FAP 150bhp, 6-speed manual gearbox, 53.3mpg and CO2 at 138g/km
• 2.0-litre HDi FAP 163bhp, 6-speed automatic gearbox, 44.8mpg and CO2 at 164g/km

Petrol range:

• 1.6-litre VTi 120bhp, 5-speed manual gearbox, 40.9mpg and CO2 159g/km
• 1.6-litre THP 156bhp, 6-speed manual gearbox, 40.4mpg and CO2 163g/km

Within a compact size, the 5008 is one of the UK’s most practical and comfortable family cars. With an elevated seating position, the driver has a clear view in every direction. Behind, the interior takes versatility to a new level. Five individually retractable seats – three in the second row and another two behind – fold to create a flat floor. It means the modular cabin can be adapted to take any load shape, and the folding front passenger seat means longer cargo isn’t an issue.

The PEUGEOT 5008 has won numerous awards notably in the UK it was DieselCar ‘Best MPV’ and Overall ‘Car of the Year’, What Car? ‘Best MPV’ and ‘Green Car’ and Scottish Motoring Writers ‘Best MPV’.