Most Economical Opel Astra ecoFLEX Announced

German automaker Opel today announced it has added a new engine variant to the Astra ecoFLEX family, one that is praised as the most economical in the lineup. The model in question is a 1.7 CDTI turbo-diesel engine developing 130 horsepower and 300 Nm (221 lb.ft.) of torque available at 2,000 - 2,500 rpm. The unit is mated to a friction-reduced six-speed manual transmission especially tuned to the new engine.

But these are not the figures that speak for how green this Astra is but the fact that it consumes 3.7l/100km (64 mpg US) in the combined cycle and emits just 99 g/km of CO2.

The car is equipped with a Start/Stop system to reduce engine idling times and consequently fuel consumption as well as the emission of greenhouse gases and noise. Also fitted is a braking energy recuperation system which recovers kinetic energy via the generator in engine overrun mode.

In addition, a clutch only activates the air conditioning compressor when it is actually needed. The standard LED daytime running lights also reduce energy consumption.

“The new Astra ecoFLEX is another milestone in Opel’s strategy for leading the industry in reducing fuel consumption and environmental effects while providing our customers with great performance and driving pleasure,” said Karl-Friedrich Stracke, CEO of Opel/Vauxhall. “We will continue to pursue this strategy, which includes the launch of four new ecoFLEX models over the next six months, as well as the revolutionary electric Ampera that we will start to deliver by the end of the year.”

Pricing for the new Astra ecoFLEX will be announced closer to the market launch this fall.