Opel Astra ecoFLEX now with Start/Stop and only 104 g/km CO2

* Astra now also available with Start/Stop technology
* Only 3.9 l/100 km and 104 g/km CO2 for cleaner air and lower taxes
* In Germany, prices start at 19,780 euros for the 5-door version

Rüsselsheim. Now available with Start/Stop technology, the Astra 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX brings even greater efficiency to Opel’s recently launched compact car: The 5-door hatchback version with Start/Stop reduces its CO2 emissions from 109 to just 104 g/km and its combined fuel consumption from 4.1 liters to 3.9 liters per 100 km. Thanks to this technology, which combines with a raft of mechanical and aerodynamic improvements, customers can profit from additional tax benefits in many European countries. Prices of the new Astra 1.3 ecoFLEX with Start/Stop start at 19,780 euros in Germany.

The Astra ecoFLEX is powered by the economical, multivalve 70 kW/95 hp 1.3 CDTI turbo diesel engine. Offering a comfortable torque of 190 Nm between 1,750 and 3,250 rpm, it uses a common rail, multiple fuel injection system working at a pressure of 1,600 bar and a turbo charger with variable geometry. It also receives a new E59 control unit, and its improved exhaust gas recirculation module (EGR) is now water-cooled to help reducing emissions. In addition, it is fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) as standard. The Astra 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX is mated to a five-speed manual transmission optimized to obtain great fuel economy.

While the 5-door hatchback 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX version is available with and without Start/Stop system, the new Sports Tourer always receives it. Its fuel consumption is of 4.1 l/100 km for emissions of 109 g/km CO2.

All Astra 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX improve their aerodynamic performance using an active aero shutter fitted to the front grille: It opens to allow air to pass the engine at low vehicle speeds and then automatically closes at higher speeds to smoothen the airflow at the front of the car. This system is complemented by carefully-tuned underside aerodynamics. To optimize fuel economy, a ‘shift-up’ indicator is fitted in the main instrument cluster. This item is offered on all Astra versions equipped with a manual transmission.

The Astra ecoFLEX is part of Opel’s ecoFLEX diesel range of low CO2-emitting cars, which include the 94 g/km Corsa 1.3 CDTI (70 kW/95 hp) and the Insignia 2.0 CDTI (118 kW/160 hp) with just 129 g. Opel is investing some one billion euros in new powertrains on its way to establish clean mobility. This starts with optimizing and right-sizing the engine line-up, offering alternative fuels like LPG and CNG and popularizing Start/Stop technology. It continues with new, alternative propulsion systems like extended-range electric vehicles including the Opel Ampera due to late 2011, as well as hybrid and all-battery electric vehicles.