Vauxhall Astra

Vauxhall is set to launch a fierce new attack on its bitter rival Ford with this: the next Astra.Boasting a fresh look and a wide range of engines, the striking hatchback will combine style and driver appeal like never before.It goes on sale in 18 months’ time, and is the next step in Vaux­hall’s renaissance. The new Astra will follow in the footsteps of the Vectra-replacing Insignia – which debuts at July’s Brit­ish Motor Show in London – as well as the redesigned Meriva, due in deal­ers here early in 2009.As with those models, the Astra has received a style overhaul, bringing in a shape which is sleeker than before. And with replacements for big-hitters such as the Volks­wagen Golf and Renault Mégane scheduled to arrive within 12 months, that’s just as well.We told you about the new Astra in Issue 947. But now, our spies have scooped one of the first prototypes undergoing testing – and our main pictures show what’s lurking under the disguise.The nose is clearly inspired by the Insignia, and wears bold headlights and deep air intakes, while at the rear there is a squat Seat Leon-style tail, as well as distinctive C-pillars.As well as the five-door shown here, there will be a three-door Sport Hatch model. And as is the case with the current generation, this car will be completely different from its more practical brother, with a rakish tailgate and lower roofline creating a coupé-like profile.Inside, the Astra will take the fight to the Golf and Ford Focus head-on, with a quality cabin that takes a leaf out of the Insignia’s book. Soft-touch plastics are fitted throughout, while standard equipment will include Blue-tooth phone connectivity, plus integrated sat-nav and audio technology.Parent firm General Motors has conceived the newcomer as a world car, and it will share its platform with Saab’s forthcoming 9-1 (see Page 14). Astra mechanicals will also underpin several Chevrolets, including the new Volt, plus the next Aveo and Lacetti.The model will reach the US, too, wearing a Saturn badge. Diesel isn’t so popular there, but the car’s close relationship with the Volt means a hybrid petrol drivetrain will be available for the first time. A FlexFuel bio­ethanol model will be offered as well.In Europe, though, small-capacity turbocharged petrol and diesel powerplants will account for the vast majority of sales. And sitting at the top of the new Astra range will be a 250bhp 2.0-litre turbo VXR version, complete with four-wheel drive.The rest of the line-up is front-wheel drive, although engineers have developed a new multi-link independ­ent rear suspension set-up. That should ensure the Vauxhall delivers handling to match the class-leading Focus.Expect to see the first concept car previewing the new Astra at a major motor show in 2009. UK sales will then start a few months later.Source

Renault Clio Renaultsport 197 Cup

The Cup is one of the most involving hot hatchbacks money can buy.

Driving
On twisty roads, the Cup is a thoroughbred hot hatch. There’s a hard-edged, race-inspired accuracy to it. Body roll is virtually eliminated and there’s masses of grip, which makes it very reassuring to drive at the limit. It turns in quickly too, but the slightly artificial assistance isn’t as pure as other more communicative rivals. While there aren’t huge differences between this and the standard 197 chassis, either, it does feel more finely honed, and grip levels are even higher. The firmer damping hasn’t affected the ride, though: it’s still harsh around town and jittery on the motorway. The 2.0-litre engine remains inflexible, too: you have to work it hard. But the racy nature is exciting, as is the howling, buzzing engine note all the way to the 7500rpm redline.

Marketplace
With its wider front track and bulging wheelarches, the RenaultSport Clio 197 is one of the most attractive and purposeful hot hatchbacks around. To the rear diffuser and vents behind the front wheels, the Cup drops the ride height by 7mm, though our test car included the optional roof-mounted spoiler taken from the race car. Add in optional while paint and black wheels, and the Renault looks stunning. Priced £1,000 below the standard 197, the Cup is designed for those who value driver appeal above all else – and loses key standard equipment to save weight. None of this, apart from the lack of air con, matters: and that can be added for £525. More importantly, stability control is standard. Rivals include the Vauxhall Corsa VXR, Peugeot 207 GTI and MINI Cooper S, but no competitor offers such a focused, stripped-out alternative like the Cup.

Owning
The Cup’s more basic interior is the same as in entry-level Clios, which means you lose keyless entry and starting, plus the soft-touch plastics of more luxurious variants (and the standard 197). The basics are spot-on though. The seating position is excellent, with a broad range of adjustment on the wheel and well-placed pedals and gearlever. The optional Recaro seats are fantastic, too – a real must-have. As they’re mounted low, there’s ample space around the driver as well. Retained values are impressive, with the Cup holding on to over 45 per cent of its list price: that’s the same as some premium saloons. The Clio’s economy won’t win any awards, though; the official figure is 33.2mpg, and it averaged 27mpg during testing with us.Source

• Rating:
• On the road price: £14,995
• For : Well-engineered thoroughbred, enthralling experience, low price
• Against : Basic interior, lack of standard air con, uncomfortable when cruising