Vauxhall Astra 1.7CDTi EcoFlex

wez130 said:
Some of this may be the case, but it's not just about getting round the track fastest, it's about feeling involved in the process, like the Vectra VXR (old one), yes it was fast, but it lacked any handling whatsoever, whereas the ST220 always handled well in the corners which makes driving it a much more enjoyable experience.
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So when EVO mag did a group test with the VXR, Impreza STi, EVO and 330i and where very very impressed with the VXR and it's capabilities, how does that tie in with your comment of 'lacked any handling whatsoever'.. ?? :)

What would be interesting, is what your feeling is on how bad the Vx's are..

For example if we said the Ford was the benchmark, and represented 100%, then what percentage do you 'feel' the Vx should get in the following categories
1. Chassis feedback (Only comparing comparable models)
2. Mechanical Grip
3. Composure over rough ground
4. Interior design
5. Interior quality
6. Build Quality
 
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Most of them probably don't, what I am pleased about is the fact that over this last page their has actually been a decent conversation about VX vs Ford and not just the usual rubbish. Tear in the eye proud moment.... :p
 
BigglesPiP said:
It's a replacement for the N/A, yes. Although technically speaking, it's air pump for the air injection might be called a turbo.
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If this is the 2 cylinder Multiair engine you are talking about then even Fiat refer to it as turbocharged. It seems to be taking a long time to make an appearance though, I can remember press releases for this engine back in 2007.
 
Demon said:
So when EVO mag did a group test with the VXR, Impreza STi, EVO and 330i and where very very impressed with the VXR and it's capabilities, how does that tie in with your comment of 'lacked any handling whatsoever'.. ?? :)

What would be interesting, is what your feeling is on how bad the Vx's are..

For example if we said the Ford was the benchmark, and represented 100%, then what percentage do you 'feel' the Vx should get in the following categories
1. Chassis feedback (Only comparing comparable models)
2. Mechanical Grip
3. Composure over rough ground
4. Interior design
5. Interior quality
6. Build Quality
Click to expand...

Firstly, i said the old vectra VXR was devoid of any handling, the newer one is apparently much better.

Secondly, i'll admit, i like the look of both the astra and Vectra VXR and would have considered one when i was looking for my last car, however, i wasn't looking for a fast car particularly, i wanted some luxury too and i got exactly what i was looking for in my newest car.

However, i'll go even a step further, i sat in the new insignia the other day and Vauxhall have stepped up on the interior department, the materials are much better than last gen and i dare say the Insignia VXR will be quite some car when it comes along.

So there you go, i'm not a Vauxhall hater, i just don't like the normal astra, the coupe doesn't look as bad as the hatch though.

I also have to admit, i've driven the Astra but not the focus so i cannot personally compare the two, to be honest, i don't even like the interior of the old shape focus, that's not to say it's built badly though. However, i know lots of people who own / have driven a focus and they like it.
 
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Dogbreath said:
If this is the 2 cylinder Multiair engine you are talking about then even Fiat refer to it as turbocharged. It seems to be taking a long time to make an appearance though, I can remember press releases for this engine back in 2007.
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Not the multi-air, there are 2 interesting air inlet engines coming:

- 900cc multiair, no inlet camshaft, but regular valves, turbocharged, 2cyl.
It looks like the exhaust camshaft operates some hydraulic valves which control the inlet valves. a little like the Dolly Sprint, but with hydraulics instead of levers.

- 1400cc something, air injection, seamless gearbox, probably will wear a turbo badge.

I don't expect to see either soon.



Edit: multiair:
multiairbp5.jpg


Seems the exhaust cam provides the hydraulic pressure and something electronic controls the valve.
 
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wez130 said:
Firstly, i said the old vectra VXR was devoid of any handling, the newer one is apparently much better.
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Sorry, simple confusion, the VXR has only been available in the latest Vectra guise, the older 'GSI' used to be the sports moniker..

In which case, fair point.. although 'devoid' of handling is a little strong, more 'barely more then adequate' would be my interpretation ;)
 
The (1.4 I think) multiair design I have seen does have an inlet cam, but it doesn't drive the valves directly but uses a hydraulic mechanism with a solenoid valve to control opening/closing points. The cam still does the work of opening the valves however. If the 900cc unit going to be different? Either way they are very interesting engine designs.

I'm sure I read that the multiair will be released in the 500 this year?
 
I thought the 1.4 was doing away with traditional inlet valves completelty, injecting the air at high pressure like they do with fuel in the JTS???

the 900cc definitely does it as you described there (see img above), going to be the best 500, simply for the authentic sound.

Edit: Looks like VVT on the exhaust too, that'l be for the recirculation thingy.
 
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ScottehBotteh said:
Aimed at only one brand in particular when most manufacturers are trying to cash in on cars like these. Why has Vauxhall been singled out for this topics opening post ?
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Because there was a little 'First Drive' article in this weeks Autocar which made me think HOW MUCH!?!?!? LULZ and post a thread. We've done the 116i before.
 
Get someone to sit in the passenger seat with a camera, and drive it about on the moors and through town.

I would volenteer, but the idea of spending a few hours in the passenger seat of an EcoFlux CDTIDDTIST thingy scares me.
 
Demon said:
I read the autoexpress first drive, and was amazed at how they don't remotely challenge the economics at all, in fact they seem to praise these things!!

Anyone interested, read it here
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/233289/astra_ecoflex.html
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Not all that keen on the changes to facelift Astra shown there. The rear lights are alright but I actually prefer the previous ones, and the shiny plastic on the centre console and steering wheel look tacky and out of place.
 
I hate Auto Express. I mean just the way that article is written, it's so... so... crap? The grammar sounds so wishy washy for a start.
 
LOL "muscular".

The journalist is clearly very old, head stuck in the "OMG, diesel with 100bhp" days. The kind that mistake, flat 4 with boxer, and twin spark with wasted spark.
 
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