DOCSLIB.ORG

Vauxhall Astra VXR Andy Turner Can’T Help Smiling As He Accelerates Onto the Rockingham Circuit

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Vauxhall Astra VXR Andy Turner Can’T Help Smiling As He Accelerates Onto the Rockingham Circuit Engineroom ‘Drive it hard or don’t bother driving it at all...’ Vauxhall Astra VXR Andy Turner can’t help smiling as he accelerates onto the Rockingham circuit MY DAY with the mode gives you almost new Astra VXR everything you’ll need ended in a garage – it’s quick, planted at Northampton’s to the road, smooth Rockingham and easy to drive in Speedway. I sat, trying most daily conditions. to wipe a smile off Sport mode stiffens my face as I listened the suspension, almost to BTCC driver Paul unnoticeably, making it O’Neill dissect my lap a bit pointless. Hit the of the track. I’d just VXR button, the one finished my session that stares at you like a and was being told devil on your shoulder, where I could take and then you really 0.2 seconds here and see a difference. I there off my admittedly mean this literally, as it pretty abysmal but still bathes the dash in red. very enjoyable lap. It does indeed sharpen The VXR by definition is a track day car so how does the steering, throttle and suspension, and you know it’s it fare? Hot hatches have been popular as long as I can working when you feel nausea kicking in after a couple remember. There seems to be just as much demand of minutes’ driving on a typical UK road. It is fantastic today as there was when I was a teenager, dreaming on the track, though, with accurate steering, even on the of owning my first Ford XR3i. They are meant to be slow corners where such a high-powered front-wheel fun, to show off what can be done with a standard drive would normally understeer. It’s a blast to drive and model. The 2012 Astra VXR does this extremely well. packed with the kind of technology you would expect to Competition in this sector is fierce, with the VW Golf R see in a car three times the price. (and a rumoured 260hp GTi coming in 2013), the Ford So, should you walk past the VW, Ford and Renault Focus RS and the Renaultsport Megane 265, all strong stores? Well, that depends. Yes it is better than its options. So with this in mind, Vauxhall has concentrated predecessor; it’s handsome, has bags of power and it is on creating a car that primarily focuses on performance tons of fun to drive. However, it’s expensive when you and the driving experience, while fixing the issues with look at some of the competition, with a starting price of the last model. It looks great at first glance - but what is £26,995. Start adding options (and you will) and you most important for me is what’s on the inside... get nearer £30k and into the Golf R territory. If you are The Astra VXR really gives boy racers something to in the market for a hot hatch though, we strongly advise drool over: the highest power and torque in its class at taking a serious look at it. 276hp and 400Nm respectively (that’s 50Nm more than any rival), a 0-60 time of 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 155mph. Helping you keep that power on the tarmac is the Vauxhall HiPerStrut suspension that effectively irons FORD FOCUS ST out the massive torque-steer issues of the old model, Impressive though the new VXR a motorsport-derived mechanical limited-slip diff and is, Vauxhall’s arch-rivals at Ford VXR/Brembro bespoke brakes. The technical stuff is are determined the fast Astra won’t paired with standard 19-inch wheels, a tighter, racier have things all its own way. Step cabin with beautifully designed sports seats, a tuned forward the new Ford Focus ST. We had the chance exhaust note and a smaller flat-bottom sports steering to drive it up Goodwood’s famous hill at the Moving wheel. All this isn’t just talk either; it is a tremendous Motor Show in June. A more detailed judgement will car to drive and especially to drive hard. This is have to wait for a longer test, but the ST felt fast, agile important, of course. Otherwise, what’s the point? and grippy. The 248bhp engine sounds great, too. For Despite the refinements, you can really feel and a hot hatch, the ST rode surprisingly well, so the car utilise the VXR’s 276hp. To start, you are offered three should be easy to live with day-to-day. Prices start from driving modes: Standard, Sport and VXR. Standard £21,995. David Motton 64 www.motoringassist.com.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • QUAD-CITIES BRITISH AUTO CLUB 2017 Edition / Issue 12 5 December 2017
    QUAD-CITIES BRITISH AUTO CLUB 2017 Edition / Issue 12 5 December 2017 CHRISTMAS EDITION CONTENTS The QCBAC 1 THE QCBAC The QCBAC was formed to promote interest and usage of any and all British Christmas Puzzle 1 cars. The QCBAC website is at: http://www.qcbac.com QCBAC Contacts 1 Christmas Dinner 2 Clues and Puzzle Clues 2 word list are on Puzzle Word List 2 page 2. Board Meeting 3 Car of the Month 4 British Auto News 15 Crossword Answer 20 Question Answer 20 Thanks to the Board 20 QCBAC CONTACTS President Jerry Nesbitt [email protected] Vice President Larry Hipple [email protected] Secretary John Weber [email protected] Treasurer Dave Bishop [email protected] Board member Carl Jamison [email protected] Board member Gary Spohn [email protected] Autofest Chair Frank Becker [email protected] 2017 Santa Test Run Membership Chair Pegg Shepherd [email protected] Publicity Chair Glen Just [email protected] Page 1 of 20 QCBAC CHRISTMAS DINNER BRIT CAR QUESTION The QCBAC Christmas will take place on 10 December at Montana Jacks, 5400 27th St, Moline, IL. Bring a wrapped $5 gift for the traditional secret gift You are probably familiar exchange. with the British driver Malcolm Campbell who RSVP to Linda Weber: [email protected] held numerous land speed by 30 November so the appropriate space can be reserved. records from 1924 to 1935. The 1935 301.3 mph LSR was made in the 1931 Blue CHRISTMAS PUZZLE CLUES Bird powered by a 2,300 hp Rolls Royce V12.
    [Show full text]
  • PRESS RELEASE 13:00 BST, 25Th August 2016 London, UK
    PRESS RELEASE 13:00 BST, 25th August 2016 London, UK EUROPEAN CAR REGISTRATIONS IN JULY FELL FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 34 MONTHS . New car registrations dropped by 2.3% in July compared to the same period last year . Volkswagen continued to be the best-selling brand despite a reduction in overall market share . The SUV segment continued to grow, posting an 11.9% increase New car registrations in the 29 markets analysed by JATO Dynamics dropped by 2.3% in July, falling from 1.18 million in July 2015 to 1.16 million for the same period this year. This fall in registrations marked the end of 34 months of continuous growth, the last time European registrations fell was August 2013. The two fewer working days in July may have been a contributor to this result, along with the significant decline of two of the largest European car groups, PSA and VW, who recorded a 13.2% and 8.8% fall in registrations respectively. The UK posted a slight increase of 0.1% which is an improvement on June’s figures. Of the large markets, France and Germany recorded significant drops of 9.6% and 3.9% respectively, whilst the others recorded modest increases, with Italy posting a 2.6% rise and Spain a 4.4% increase. Volkswagen was the best-selling brand, with 136,393 units registered, accounting for 11.8% of the total market. But in comparison, in July 2015 its volume of 152,863 accounted for 12.9% of the total market. Despite still leading the market in terms of sales, Volkswagen recorded the highest drop of any brand in the top ten, falling by 10.8% compared to the same period last year, closely followed by Skoda and Peugeot who both recorded a 10.5% drop.
    [Show full text]
  • The Astra Is Easily the Best Car Vauxhall Has Produced in the Past
    Ford Focus vs Skoda Octavia vs Vauxhall Astra Triple test OUR VERDICT STATS, SPECS AND RATINGS Vauxhall Astra 1.6 CDTi 136 Tech Line List price £18,880 Britain’s biggest and best car buyer’s guide Reprinted from What Car? Measurements November and December 2015 Internal figures in bold are best in test Dimensions in cm 1 Space 370-1210 litres 199 Vauxhall Astra 97 93 78 1.6 CDTi 136 Tech Line 108 70 266 NEW ASTRA 103 For Strong performance; good 59-83 156 149 to drive; lots of infotainment kit; smart cabin; practical by class 71 standards 204 SHINES IN Against Engine refinement; ‘The Astra is easily the best Turning overly light steering; no lumbar circle(m) 139 136 support car Vauxhall has produced 11.1 in the past decade’ 437 Verdict At this price point, diesel hatchbacks don’t get any better Economy HATCHBACK True MPG 55.1mpg Average (Govt) 76.3mpg Tank 56 litres Skoda Octavia Ford Focus Emissions 99g/km, Euro 6 2 1.6 TDI 110 SE Business 3 1.5 TDCi 120 Zetec Safety Euro NCAP crash rating Not tested TRIPLE TEST Engine and performance The Astra is easily the best car Vauxhall Size 1598cc, 4cyl diesel Peak power 134bhp@3500rpm Peak torque 236Ib ft@2000rpm has produced in the past decade 0-60mph Top speed 8.7 127 sec mph Performance figures Acceleration 30-70mph through the gears Weather conditions Dry For Class-leading space; lots of kit; For Great to drive; most refined; 8.8sec high-quality cabin big discounts 30–50mph in 3rd/4th/5th/6th (sec) Against Performance; contract hire rates; Against Cramped, cheap-feeling interior; 3 3.5 4 4.8 5 9.0 6 10.2 gearshift not much kit 50–70mph in 3rd/4th/5th/6th (sec) 3 5.2 4 5.3 5 6.3 6 8.3 Not the best Octavia, but still a Not rounded enough to challenge Braking 30–0mph/70–0mph Verdict Verdict 8.2m 44.9m fine choice here Buying Website www.vauxhall.co.uk Car pictured Vauxhall Astra 1.6 CDTi 136 SRi Nav in THE NEW ASTRA is hugely the Astra has more work ahead in last place.
    [Show full text]
  • Vauxhall Enthusiasts
    Factfile - Edition Number 5, Summer 2001 Vauxhall Enthusiasts A publication from Vauxhall’s Education Service The Vauxhall Education Service Contents Vauxhall Enthusiasts 1 - 2 The Vauxhall Enthusiasts factfile is just one of the The Vauxhall Heritage Centre 3 - 4 topics available in Vauxhall’s extensive range of edu- cational material. The Vauxhall Bedford Opel Association 5 - 6 Our educational factfiles and other corporate Vauxhall 4x4 Club 7 - 8 material are also available to those who have access Vauxhall Performance Car Club 9 to the internet. Simply go to www.vauxhall.co.uk and navigate to the ‘about us’ area of the site. Here Vauxhall Owners Club (1903-1957) 10 documents can be downloaded and viewed later Vauxhall Viva Owners Club 11 using Adobe Acrobat reader. Droop Snoot Group 12 The Vauxhall Education Service also operates a dedicated helpline for those who prefer to discuss The Vauxhall Cresta Club 13 their requirements or receive guidance on industry The 30-98 Register 14 related matters. The Victor Owners Club 15 Available during normal office hours with an answer service at other times, the helpline is staffed The Bedford Owners Club 16 by specialists who have a wealth of experience in the The Vauxhall-Opel Drivers Club 17 motor industry and educational matters. Calls to the The Autobahnstormers 18 helpline can be made at any time for the cost of a Performance Car Clubs Ltd 19 - 20 local call. Increasingly, educators are finding this aspect of the service of great assistance particularly The Vauxhall VX4/90 Drivers Club 21
    [Show full text]
  • Minicar Subcompact Compact Coupe Mid-Sized Convertible & Roadster Medium Minivan Small Minivan
    AUTOMOTIVE NEWS EUROPE DATA MINICAR SUBCOMPACT Fiat maintained its minicar dominance with the Panda The Ford Fiesta, down 13% to 303,822, became on top and the 500 at No. 2. The new VW Up was the Europe’s best-selling subcompact model, ahead only model in the top 5 that increased sales, which of the VW Polo, which slipped 20% to 285,389. The helped it overtake the Renault Twingo to finish in Toyota Yaris, up 25% to 171,523, was the only mod- 3rd place. The Toyota Aygo ranked fifth. el in the top 5 that increased year-on-year sales. 2012 2011 % change 2012 2011 % change 1. Fiat Panda 184,772 188,383 -2 1. Ford Fiesta 303,822 349,406 -13 2. Fiat 500 146,617 155,756 -6 2. VW Polo 285,389 355,924 -20 3. VW Up 113,662 4,595 - 3. Opel/Vauxhall Corsa 263,428 313,841 -16 4. Renault Twingo 92,271 133,694 -31 4. Renault Clio 242,258 293,558 -17 5. Toyota Aygo 72,287 88,477 -18 5. Toyota Yaris 171,523 137,361 +25 Segment total 1,137,813 1,162,070 -2 Segment total 2,754,703 3,119,687 -12 COMPACT MID-SIZED The VW Golf was the best-selling compact in Eu- The VW Passat strengthened its leadership in the rope and the best-selling model overall. VW sold mid-sized segment, beating its closest rival by a combined 403,238 units of the sixth-genera- a 2-to-1 margin. VW sold 194,455 Passats while tion Golf, which debuted in 2008, as well as of the Opel/Vauxhall sold 95,095 units of the Insignia.
    [Show full text]
  • Guide to Assembly Plants in Europe
    Guide to assembly plants in Europe station wagon, S-class sedan and B Lieu Saint-Amand, France (Sevel 3 Ruesselsheim, Germany – hybrid, CL, CLS, SLS AMG; Nord: Fiat 50%, PSA 50%) – Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, KEY Maybach (ends 2013) Citroen C8, Jumpy/Dispatch; Fiat Opel/Vauxhall Astra 5 Ludwigsfelde, Germany – Mercedes Scudo, Scudo Panorama; Peugeot 4 Luton, UK – Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro; BMW GROUP Sprinter 807, Expert Renault Trafic II; Nissan Primastar (See also 2 , 20 ) 6 Hambach, France – Smart ForTwo; 5 Ellesmere Port, UK – Opel/Vauxhall 1 Dingolfing, Germany – BMW ForTwo Electric FORD Astra, AstraVan 5-series sedan, station wagon, M5 7 Vitoria, Spain – Mercedes Viano, (See also 7 ) 6 Zaragoza, Spain – Opel/Vauxhall station wagon, 5-series Gran Vito 1 Southampton, UK – Ford Transit Corsa, CorsaVan, Meriva, Combo Turismo, 6-series coupe, 8 Kecskemet, Hungary – Next 2 Cologne, Germany – Ford Fiesta, 7 Gliwice, Poland – Opel/Vauxhall convertible, M6 coupe, convertible, Mercedes A and B class Fusion Astra Classic and Notchback, Zafira 7-series sedan 3 Saarlouis, Germany – Ford Focus, 8 St. Petersburg, Russia – Chevrolet 2 Leipzig, Germany – BMW 1-series FIAT GROUP Focus ST, Focus Electric (2012) Captiva, Cruze; Opel Antara, Astra (3 door), coupe, convertible, i3 AUTOMOBILES first-generation Kuga A Togliatti, Russia (GM and AvtoVAZ (2013), i8 (2014), X1 (See also 33 , 34 , 35 , 45 ) 4 Genk, Belgium – Ford Mondeo, joint venture) – Chevrolet Niva, Viva 3 Munich, Germany – BMW 3-series 1 Cassino, Italy – Alfa Romeo Galaxy, S-Max sedan, station wagon
    [Show full text]
  • The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Motor Industry Facts 2011 Contents
    THE SOCIETY OF MOTOR MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS MOTOR INDUSTRY FACTS 2011 CONTENTS INDUSTRY PERFORMANCE COMMERCIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS KEY ISSUES Sector profile 04 Annual UK totals and best sellers 22 The Automotive Council Research and development 05 Bus and coach 23 33 Vehicle security and road safety 34 UK AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING VEHICLES IN USE RoadSafe and accident prevention 35 Key manufacturing sites 06 Used car sales 24 Fuel costs and Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) 36 Car production annual totals 08 Age of cars on the road 24 Skills 37 CV production annual totals 09 Number of cars on the road 24 UK top five producers 10 Colours of cars on the road 25 SMMT INFORMATION Glossary of terms Engine producers 11 Commercial vehicles on the road 26 39 Segment definition Car and CV production by model and manufacturer 12 39 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE SMMT companies 40 NEW CAR REGISTRATIONS UK production site performance 27 SMMT publications and useful links 41 Annual UK totals and best sellers 14 Average new car CO2 emissions 28 About SMMT 42 Alternatively-fuelled vehicles 15 New car market by VED band 28 Eco innovations 15 Lowest emitters 29 Registrations by sales type 16 Change in average new car CO2 emissions by segment 29 Segment totals and market share 17 Electric vehicles 30 Best sellers by segment 18 End-of-life vehicles 31 Overseas registration data 21 New car life cycle CO2 31 LEGISLATION IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY New car and van CO2 legislation 32 www.smmt.co.uk/mif2011 2 SMMT Automotive Information Services (AIS) is the primary source for motor industry data.
    [Show full text]
  • FSR Report –February 2016 Update
    FSR Report –February 2016 Update DISCOVER VAUXHALL FLEET Vauxhall Fleet Update – February 2016 Contents Fleet Press Releases • New Mokka X arrives in showrooms late 2016 after Geneva Motor show debut • Vauxhall celebrates first Astra Sports Tourer built at Ellesmere Port • Vauxhall Astra wins European Car of the Year 2016 Fleet E-bulletins • New Astra Valentines eDM • Movano – available now eDM • B2B Movano Offer Fleet Press Adverts • New Astra Campaign Fleet Events Motability • Q1 2016 Motability Pricing • Q1 Motability Marketing DISCOVER VAUXHALL FLEET 2 Vauxhall Fleet Press Releases – February 2016 Vauxhall’s all new Mokka X set for Geneva reveal - 4th February. Vauxhall’s new Mokka X, which reaches UK showrooms late this year, will debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show next month with a fresh interior and exterior design, a new powertrain and featuring OnStar and Apple CarPlay. Incorporating cues from Vauxhall’s new design philosophy, the new Mokka X will be the first model to introduce the “X” segment identifier for future Vauxhall SUV and crossover vehicles. The Mokka X’s bold new look is thanks to work carried out by a design team lead by Brit Mark Adams. Its new front treatment is aligned with Vauxhall’s new design philosophy including a wing-shaped horizontal front grille and the dominant, sharp double-wing signature of the LED daytime running lights. After introducing the much-lauded 1.6-litre ‘Whisper Diesel’ engine last year, the Mokka range is now extended further to include a new generation 1.4-litre Direct Injection Turbo (152PS) petrol unit which first appeared in the all-new Astra.
    [Show full text]
  • Guide to Assembly Plants in Europe
    AN_071112_16_17.qxd 3/13/08 4:11 PM Page 16 PAGE 16 · www.autonew seurope.com November 12, 2007 Guide to assembly plants in Europe BMW GROUP A San Benedetto Val di Sangro, Italy (Sevel Sud: Fiat 50%, (2008). Note: GM has temporary plant on site until 4 Flins, France – Renault Clio III, Clio II (See also 3 , 25 ) PSA 50%) – Citroen Jumper/Relay; Fiat Ducato; permanent plant opens in 2008. 5 Maubeuge, France – Passenger cars: Kangoo, new 1 Dingolfing, Germany – BMW 5-series sedan, station Peugeot Boxer 11 Asaka, Uzbekistan (UzDaewoo: joint venture of GM, Kangoo; LCV: new Kangoo Express, new Kangoo Express wagon, 6-series coupe, convertible, 7-series sedan, B Lieu Saint-Amand, France (Sevel Nord: Fiat 50%, PSA GM Daewoo and Uzautosanoat) – Daewoo Tico, Matiz, Compact; Nissan Kubistar M5 sedan, station wagon, M6 coupe, convertible 50%) – Citroen Atlante/C8, Dispatch/Jumpy; Fiat Scudo, Damas, Nexia, Lacetti; (from kits** starting in 2008) 6 Sandouville, France – Renault Laguna III Sport Tourer and 2 Leipzig, Germany – BMW 1-series 3 door, coupe, Scudo Panorama, Ulysse; Lancia Phedra; Peugeot 807, Chevrolet Epica, Tacuma, Captiva hatchback, Espace IV, Vel Satis convertible, 3-series sedan Expert, TePee A Togliatti, Russia (joint venture of GM and AvtoVAZ) – 7 Palencia, Spain – Renault Megane II hatchback, sport 3 Munich, Germany – BMW 3-series sedan, station wagon Chevrolet Niva, Viva; Opel car (2008) hatch, sport station wagon 4 Regensburg, Germany – BMW 1-series 5 door, 3-series FORD B Warsaw, Poland (FSO: UkrAvto 60%, GM Daewoo 40%) – 8 Valladolid,
    [Show full text]
  • Astra Hatchback & Sports Tourer
    ASTRA HATCHBACK & SPORTS TOURER 2015 Models Edition 3 WELCOME TO A LIFETIME OF FORWARD THINKING 1957 – The PA Cresta introduced 1903 – Forward thinking has been in our nature Americana styling from the very start. The 6HP, our first ever car, to the UK. had two forward gears. And no reverse. 1937 – The Vauxhall ‘10’ H-type, the first British car to have integral construction. 1984 – The MkII Astra introduced class-leading aerodynamic styling that still looks good today. The Formula Vauxhall Lotus ran a modified version of the Astra GTE’s 2.0i 16v engine. 1922 – The Silver Arrow OE 30-98 was capable of speeds 1971 – The formation of Dealer Team Vauxhall of over 100mph, this model was built for shipping magnate (DTV). The track car was the precursor to our Sir Leonard Ropner to race at Brooklands. enormous success in touring car racing. 2012 – The ‘RAK e’. A radical looking electric concept car for the future. Our forward thinking continues. 1999 – The Zafira introduced the revolutionary Flex7 ® seating system inventing the seven-seat compact MPV. 2012 – Ampera. The first ever Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV) that redefined electric vehicle innovation leading to it being voted European Car Of The Year 2012. 1990 – The Calibra was the world’s most aerodynamic production car. 1989 – The Lotus Carlton was Scan this QR code with The world was a very different place in 1903 when the world’s fastest production your smartphone for more four-door saloon. information on the last 110 Vauxhall made its first car. We steered with tillers, not years of Vauxhall innovation.
    [Show full text]
  • Isofix Base ­­- Car Fitting List
    Isofix Base ­­- Car Fitting List Select the first letter of your vehicle model A B C D F H I J K L M N O P R S T V vehicle model year in production seat position ALFA ROMEO MITO 2009 > REAR ALFA ROMEO GUILIETTA 2010 > REAR AUDI A1 SPORTBACK 2012 > REAR AUDI A3 HATCH 2012 > FRONT AUDI A3 HATCH 2012 > REAR AUDI A3 S3 2012 > FRONT AUDI A3 S3 2012 > REAR AUDI A3 1996 - 2003 REAR AUDI A3 SALOON 2014 > FRONT AUDI A3 SALOON 2014 > REAR AUDI A4 AVANT 2008 > REAR AUDI A5 SPORTBACK 2009 > REAR AUDI A6 ALLROAD 2011 > REAR AUDI A6 AVANT 2011 > REAR AUDI A8 2011 > REAR AUDI A8 S8 2011 > REAR AUDI Q5 2009 > FRONT AUDI Q5 2009 > REAR Isofix Base ­­- Car Fitting List Select the first letter of your vehicle model A B C D F H I J K L M N O P R S T V vehicle model year in production seat position AUDI Q7 2006 > FRONT AUDI Q7 2006 > REAR AUDI A7 SPORTBACK 2011 > FRONT AUDI A7 SPORTBACK 2011 > REAR AUDI Q3 2011 > FRONT AUDI Q3 2011 > REAR BENTLEY CONTINENTAL FLYING SPUR 2005 > REAR BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT 2003 - 2012 FRONT BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT (2 SEATS ONLY) 2003 - 2012 REAR BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT CONV. 2006 - 2012 FRONT BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT CONV. (2 SEATS ONLY) 2006 - 2012 REAR BENTLEY MULSANNE 2012 > REAR BMW 1 SERIES (F20) 2011 > REAR BMW 3 SERIES (F30) 2012 > REAR BMW 5-SERIES 2003 - 2010 REAR BMW 5-SERIES (F) 2011 > REAR BMW 7-SERIES 2010 > REAR BMW X3 (F25) 2011 > REAR Isofix Base ­­- Car Fitting List Select the first letter of your vehicle model A B C D F H I J K L M N O P R S T V vehicle model year in production seat position BMW X 5 2007 - 2013
    [Show full text]
  • Astra Hits the Top Spot As European Market Holds Firm
    October 15, 2007 ASTRA HITS THE TOP SPOT AS EUROPEAN MARKET HOLD FIRM VW still Europe’s top selling brand Opel/Vauxhall Astra is top selling model September market slightly down in September Market still up, Year-to-Date JATO Dynamics, the world’s leading provider of automotive data and intelligence, reports today that the total European car market has increased by 0.3% (33,553 units) to 12,035,103 units for the first nine months of the year, although a 1.5% drop in September 2007 compared to 2006, with a total volume of 1,404,043 units. “The post-holiday period is traditionally a month of strong car sales in Europe,” says Nasir Shah, Global Business Development Director at JATO. “Many buyers return from holiday and finally make their purchase decision. The UK market peaks due to a registration-plate change and this leads to popular UK brands and models moving up the list of top-sellers list in September.” Brand Performance Volkswagen, although decreased slightly in volumes, was once again Europe’s top-selling car brand in September, beating a strong monthly performance from Opel/Vauxhall (up 4.6% in September, up 0.8% YtD). Ford sits in third place (up 1.0% YtD), while Peugeot and Renault complete the top five. The top five brands Year-to-Date are Volkswagen, Opel/Vauxhall, Ford, Renault and Peugeot. Top Ten Brands % Change Sep Sep % Change Make Sep_07 Sep_06 Sep YtD_07 YtD_06 YtD VOLKSWAGEN 136,199 146,805 -7.2% 1,220,655 1,264,427 -3.5% OPEL/VAUXHALL 127,806 122,192 +4.6% 1,032,216 1,023,589 +0.8% FORD 127,171 129,120 -1.5% 1,001,329
    [Show full text]