HARTWELL Southampton is anticipating a surge of interest in the new Vauxhall Astra following the announcement of its 24-Hour Test Drive campaign, intended to lure customers behind the wheel of the smart new hatchback which goes on display in Southampton next weekend.

And with a range of five petrol and three diesel engines, and a starting price of just £13,294, the new Astra is already set to reinforce its position as one of the most popular cars in its class, says Hartwell.

“We are inviting customers to test drive the new Astra for 24 hours and even take it home to show their family. We are confident that the Astra’s stunning looks and performance will win over quite a few hearts!” said Hartwell general manager Steve Alexander.

The Astra’s engine efficiency has improved by more than 13 per cent on the outgoing range, meaning that drivers will not only benefit from cleaner emissions but also a reduction in fuel costs, VED and Benefit in Kind tax for fleet users. Petrol engines range from an 87PS 1.4-litre to a 1.6-litre turbocharged unit producing 180PS, while diesels span from 110 to 160PS in either 1.7 CDTi or 2.0 CDTi form.

The Astra also offers customers a range of options not normally found in this class. AFL (Adaptive Forward Lighting) offers drivers no less than nine headlight functions that automatically adapt to road conditions, while the addition of FlexRide brings a choice of three suspension settings which drivers can manually control or leave for the car to select automatically.

Hartwell will display the New Astra on the ground floor mezzanine at the WestQuay Shopping Centre, Portland Terrace, Southampton on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14, February, and all are invited to come. For further information about booking a test drive contact Hartwell Southampton on 0870 904 9830.