The New Astra takes yet another gong, gaining the Fleet News Lower Medium car Of The Year Award.

Vauxhall’s all-new Astra has been recognised in the Lower Medium category at the Fleet News Awards.

Announced at an awards ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, the Astra topped its extremely competitive category. The judges, made up of influencial decision-makers and journalists within the fleet industry, praised the model for its efficiency, running costs and technology. 

This year has already proven to be a positive year for the model, with this award the latest in a list that also includes a Family Car category win at the What Car? Awards and being named European Car of the Year.

The Fleet News Awards judges commented: “The new Astra has made a huge leap forward over the previous model. Highly competitive on running costs, emissions and fuel efficiency, it is packed with technology that has been designed with fleet and driver needs in mind. It ticks all the rational boxes but will also attract drivers. It is Vauxhall’s most appealing model for a generation.”

“We’re delighted the Astra has been recognised at the Fleet News Awards, as the fleet market is an important sector for the all new Astra,” said James Taylor, Vauxhall’s Fleet Sales Director. “It’s great to see how well-received it has been so far by both our customers and the media.”

The all-new Astra is available with the new-generation IntelliLink infotainment system and OnStar, a comprehensive package, which includes a high-speed 4G LTE mobile network, emergency response notification and stolen vehicle recovery technology. OnStar has received plaudits of its own recently, winning the Auto Express Technology and the BusinessCar Techies Awards.

UKCOTY - Not only did the Astra take the European car of The Year, it takes UK Small Hatch of the year too.

Vauxhall’s all-new Astra has been recognised in the Small Hatch category at the UK Car of the Year Awards.

The Astra topped its extremely competitive category, with the judges (made up of 27 influential UK motoring journalists representing fleet, consumer and trade titles) praising the model for its design, performance and equipment. 

This year has already proven to be positive for the model, with this award the latest in a list that also includes a Family Car category win at the What Car? Awards and being named Scottish Car of the Year.

John Challen, UKCOTY co-founder, commented: “Vauxhall has shaken up the C-segment with the Astra. Big improvements in refinement, quality and driving dynamics are to be applauded.” Elsewhere, the Astra was described as “a consummate all-rounder thanks to space, comfort and quality in combination with a refined drive and great handling,” by consumer motoring journalist and also co-founder of the UK Car of the Year Awards, Alisdair Suttie.

“We’re delighted the Astra has been recognised by the UK Car of the Year judges, as they reflect all areas of the UK motor industry,” said Rory Harvey, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. “This year is the new model’s first full year of sales, and it has already been well-received.”

The all-new Astra is available with the new-generation IntelliLink infotainment system and OnStar, a comprehensive package, which includes a high-speed 4G LTE mobile network, emergency response notification and stolen vehicle recovery technology. OnStar has received plaudits of its own recently, winning the Auto Express Technology and the BusinessCar Techies Awards.

The All-New GMC Acadia weighs less, costs less has more standard kit and looks better than the model it replaces.

Drives to heart of midsize SUV segment with lower starting price, more features

GMC announced today pricing for the all-new 2017 Acadia will start at $29,995 when it goes on sale this spring.

The base price is $1,905 less than the 2016 base model and the new Acadia offers more standard equipment, including a new IntelliLink system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility (User interfaces are products of Apple and Google and their terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible smartphone and data plan rates apply.)

It also offers an expanded range of active safety features, including Front Pedestrian Braking, Safety Alert Seat and the Surround Vision camera system.

“Acadia takes GMC’s proven SUV experience to the heart of the midsize crossover segment with a compelling package of great design, the latest technologies and the brand’s signature capability,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing. “Building on the momentum of 2015’s record sales, it will introduce Acadia to a new generation of customers.”    

The new Acadia is 700 pounds lighter than the 2016 model and offers three rows of seating on most models. The premium Acadia Denali returns, along with a new All Terrain model offering enhanced off-road capability.

The lineup and starting at MSRPs include:

• Acadia SL FWD – $29,995
• Acadia SLE FWD – $33,375
• Acadia SLE AWD – $35,375
• Acadia SLT FWD – $39,275
• Acadia SLT AWD – $42,375
• Acadia All Terrain AWD – $40,040
• Acadia Denali FWD – $45,845
• Acadia Denali AWD – $47,845

The All Terrain model features an advanced AWD system with Active Twin Clutch. An SLE-based All Terrain model will be offered Spring 2016.

A new, 2.5L engine is standard and expected to offer an estimated 28 mpg highway for FWD models (Official EPA estimates not yet available. Fuel economy estimate based on GM testing.). City fuel economy offered is GM-estimated at 22 mpg (FWD) and is bolstered with Stop/Start technology, which enhances efficiency in stop-and-go driving.

There’s also an available 3.6L V-6 engine that is more powerful and efficient than the 2016 model, while offering 4,000 pounds estimated trailering capability (with the available towing package). It is GM-estimated at 310 horsepower (231 kW) and expected to offer 25 mpg highway (FWD models – EPA estimates not yet available).

As a contemporary crossover designed for families on the go, the 2017 Acadia offers the latest active safety features. They’re designed to help drivers avoid potential crash situations. They are available depending on the model and include:

• New Front Pedestrian Braking
• New Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking (standard on SLT-2 and Denali)
• New Forward Automatic Braking (available on Denali)
• New Following Distance Indicator
• New IntelliBeam automatic headlamp high-beam control
• New Surround Vision camera system
• New Safety Alert Seat
• New Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
• New Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
• New Front and Rear Parking Assist
• Forward Collision Alert

There’s also a new, standard rear seat alert on all models that can remind drivers about items left in the second- and third-row seats.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices include the destination charge of $925, but tax, title, license, dealer fees, and optional equipment are extra.

Cleaner, more efficient and more comfortable, they will be the new commercial vehicles from Vauxhall/Opel.

• More performance, less consumption: Euro 6 diesel for Vivaro, Movano and Combo

• Increase safety and comfort: more assistance systems on board

• Immediately available: the 2016 model year versions are already ordered

Modern diesel engines to Euro 6, further assistance systems for enhanced security and other equipment on request here is the main new commercial vehicle Opel model year 2016. Opel Vivaro, Movano and Combo are so perfectly equipped to deal with all the challenges that They await them. 

"The new diesel-edge further increase the efficiency of our commercial vehicles. These engines and more equipment on request make Vivaro, Movano and Combo increasingly attractive to customers, "said Steffen Raschig, Commercial Vehicles Director of Opel / Vauxhall.

Vivaro Combi with the new engine and more equipment on request

The second generation Opel Vivaro commercial vehicle Opel sold more than 50,000 units produced annually, was launched in the fall of 2014. Beginning in model year 2016, Vivaro Combi will be available with the new diesel engines. The 1.6 CDTI with 70 kW / 95 hp with a torque of 260 Nm is the motor input. The combined fuel consumption is 6.2 liters per 100 km, equivalent to CO2 emissions of 164 grams per kilometer, ie the same level as the previous model, but boasted 5 bhp less.

The new 1.6 CDTI BiTurbo will be available with 92 kW / 125 hp and 107 kW / 145 hp - in this case an increase of 5 bhp over the previous model. These engines generate respectively a pair of 320 and 340 Nm - enough power for even the most demanding situations. The consumption remain low: the 125 hp version consumes only 5.7 liters of fuel, equivalent to CO2 emissions of 149 grams per kilometer. The most powerful version consumes 6.4 liters, equivalent to 167 grams of CO2 per kilometer. All three engines come with start / stop technology and manual six-speed. Thanks to SCR BlueInjection Opel, are all in accordance with the Euro 6 emission standards.

Vivaro is available with new features like "Keyless Open-and-start" for added comfort, support for tablet or the IntelliLink infotainment system 50 Ships, further developed. The elegance of the cabin is further emphasized by padding "Connect Black" anthracite.

Driver assistance systems and Euro 6 engine for Movano

Movano Movano Combi and Bus are also available with the new 2.3-liter BiTurbo diesel with two power levels. Thanks to BlueInjection to the treatment system, the engines meet the stringent Euro 6 emissions.

The most powerful engine on Movano Combi output of 125 kW / 170 hp and 380 Nm of torque. This is an increase of 20 Nm and 7 CV compared to the previous Movano Combi. At the same time, its fuel consumption of 0,1l / 100km. BiTurbo The new 2.3-liter, 145 hp for Movano Combi generates a torque of 360 Nm despite recording lower consumption, now at an average of 6,3l / 100km.

Opel has also put two engines BiTurbo high efficiency available Movano Bus. The 2.3-liter BiTurbo with 163 hp will replace the current 150 hp to the top of the range. The new unit will deliver a torque of 380 Nm, an increase of 9%. For the model year 2016 will also be available BiTurbo 107 kW / 145 hp with a torque of 360 Nm. 

All new engines are equipped with Start / Stop technology and an additional selectable ECO mode and are matched to six-speed manual transmission . The package of driver assistance systems now available for Movano offers comfort and security. Highbeam Assist, fog lights, Lane Keep Assist and the onboard computer makes driving more enjoyable and relaxing.

A new diesel Combo with higher performance and lower fuel consumption

Better performance associated with lower consumption and greater ecology are also the hallmarks of the new engines of Opel Combo Tour. The two 1.6-liter CDTI turbo diesel Euro 6 from 70 kW / 95 hp and 88 kW / 120 hp versions will replace the outgoing 66 kW / 90 hp and 77 kW / 105 hp. Version 88 kW / 120 hp is available with or without technology ecoFLEX, which includes the Start / Stop (70 kW / 95 hp only without). 

The engineers were able to increase the power of 5 hp and reduce fuel consumption by 95 hp ecoFLEX version, which goes down on average from 5.0 to 4.7 liters of fuel, equivalent to 124 grams of CO2 per kilometer. 

The engine power above has been increased by as much 15 hp. Consumption fell from 5.2 to 4.7 liters and CO2 emissions have dropped from 138 to 124 grams per kilometer in the ecoFLEX version. Apart from the Start / Stop technology ecoFLEX new engines include a new intelligent alternator with braking energy recovery, adjustable oil pump, low friction oil, tires with low rolling resistance - all of which contribute to the reducing emissions.