Fleets, leasing companies and pricing guides have been given a major say in the development of the new Vauxhall Astra, seen here for the first time.

The new model, which will make its debut at September’s Frankfurt show before going on sale in the UK at the end of the year, is a key fleet seller for Vauxhall and accounts for nearly a third of its total UK registrations.

It is pictured here in five-door hatchback guise, the biggest seller in the range accounting for 60% of sales, and will be followed by the three-door SportHatch also due later this year.

In a series of workshops which started last September, fleets, lease companies and the pricing guides were encouraged by Vauxhall to give their views on engines, trim levels (including their names), pricing and equipment levels. This follows the successful programme Vauxhall ran in last year’s build up to the launch of the Insignia.

Vauxhall has made a number of changes as a result of the workshops, which it says will become apparent when further details of the car are released. 

Paul Adler, GM UK Fleet’s brand manager, said: “Working directly with our UK product team, fleet decision-makers have been instrumental in enhancing the Astra proposition to ensure it competes successfully in this critical fleet sector.

“While we have a great team here, we always listen to what customers have to say and I’m sure all businesses will benefit from their combined input.”

The new Astra will have a roomier cabin thanks to an all-new chassis with wider tracks and a 71mm longer wheelbase. 

Under the bonnet a new 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine offering 140bhp will make its debut, continuing the engine downsizing trend, while three further engines developing between 100 and 180bhp will be offered. On the diesel front will be four CDTi units ranging from 95 to 160bhp.

Options will include the FlexRide adjustable damping system, and AFL – Vauxhall’s adaptive lighting system which debuted on the Insignia.

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2009 Vauxhall Astra

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