Nice New Vauxhalls

It’s an uncertain time in the car market with many sellers reporting sluggish business. However, some areas are performing well with certain models proving highly popular. Such is the case for Vauxhall dealers who have been reporting a significant increase in sales last year.

What brings this on? Well, many of them are putting it down to the launch of the Astra. The old model had been performing relatively modestly running well down its class. However in December 2008 we saw a new model, the British built MK 6 and that has been fairly flying out of show rooms.

The result is a renewal of the brands image within the UK market, something that can’t come a moment too soon for hard pressed Vauxhall Dealers. Some of them have been reporting sales up by nearly 40 to 50%.

So what is this growth down to? Well, customers are increasingly migrating to versatile small hatchbacks. Ideally, anything that can offer good fuel consumption, and low emissions as well as the flexibility to be a good all-use car will perform well, and that’s what the Astra offers. It’s unspectacular but reliable and that seems to be very much in vogue at the moment.

During a recession as severe as this consumer behaviour can be termed with one simple phrase: ‘back to basics’. Reliability and dependability become the most sought after characteristics, replacing performance and luxury.

Economists refer to this as the Mummy syndrome. When times are tough we crave stability. We want the state to offer the security of a mother, rather than the aggression of a father. It’s a cheap analogy, but economists love them and there’s no reason not to follow them.

The same principal applies when analysing trends in the car market. On a subconscious level people are craving the stability in their lives. Remember; we’re in a time in which the banks, pillars of our society have proved to be built on sand. Our politicians have let us down and major retail names are disappearing by the day from the highstreet. At times like that we’ll migrate to anything solid.

Vauxhall dealers are tapping into this desire and presenting their car as the ideal solution to all life’s turbulent problems. It may seem ridiculous to think that a car can provide that, but when you consider the amount of time most people spend driving you can recognise the huge significance they place on the vehicle they drive.

For Vauxhall dealers, and indeed their competitors, the challenge is to find ways of presenting their products as being perfect anti-recession vehicles. For some that will prove difficult. Prestige cars such as Jaguar may have to suffer for the time being, but for the more run of the mill manufacturers, this is their time in the sun.

Dom Donaldson

Driving has become such a mundane necessity, something rather to be avoided if possible. In fact, it’s become such a drudgery that most people in metropolitan areas feel that the day would go so much better if driving to work could just go away. With traffic congestion, unbearable air, road hazards and even the occasional road rage, what is there to look forward to out on the roadways? Put those thoughts and anxiety totally behind on the day there is a Vauxhall Astra in the driveway. It’s not uncommon to see people bounce right out of bed, eager to hop into their Astra for the stimulating jaunt in to work.

How does the Vauxhall Astra stimulate such enthusiasm? Many reasons come to mind. This article is only going to list a few standouts. Just look at the Astra. Those bold curves in the body design only serve to draw attention to this beauty. There’s a certain dynamic in the air when this car approaches. It’s not impossible to imagine that mouths drop open when that 2 door hatchback model streams past unsuspecting pedestrians. Don’t they wish they had one? That eye catching body style speaks volumes about the status, popularity, and good sense of the driver.

Whether it’s a turbo diesel fuel engine or the petrol engine, this car is extremely stingy in fuel consumption. Don’t be surprised at 60 mpg even just cruising around the city in whichever Vauxhall Astra is on the roadway. Vauxhall has built a reputation around a superb engine and drive train with continual improvements to keep that special market edge. The Astra could also be termed a “green” machine, even though green is not one of the 11 standard colors available from the dealership. CO2 emission levels average around 115 g/km which is impressive considering the power output from this 16v engine.

The interior of the Vauxhall Astra is the real joy in driving one of these exquisite vehicles. The standard tone is black and inviting. The roominess inside is surprising if one is only looking from the outside at the Astra. Day after day driving to work, looking forward to the ‘grind,’ the Astra is the most pleasurable part of the day. That bucket seat is so comfortable, outside sounds are literally in another world, and that console has more buttons, options and settings for comfort that it’s not unlikely that the driver of the Vauxhall Astra [http://www.drivevauxhall.co.uk/] chooses to drive to work twice that morning.

Pete J Ridgard

The car market may be slow to get back on its feet, but the job market seems to be seeing ‘green shoots of recovery.’ This should mean that soon the car market should be thriving again and the man with a van will become a more common sight.

Regarding choosing the right van if you’re a decision-maker, here is a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best vehicle for your purposes.

What will you use it for?

- City driving
- Long haul (mostly motorways)
- Large loads
- Off-road
- Transporting colleagues

For each of these uses, you would require a different type of van depending on the nature of your business.

City Driving
The Corsavan is perfect for city driving. It’s as small as a normal corsa therefore easy to park in towns where space is somewhat limited. Interestingly enough, it is rather spacious inside so it will comfortably fit two fully grown men in the seats. Exceptionally taller drivers (6ft 4″ tall +) may disagree with this statement.

Fuel efficiency is often a problem for city vehicles as constant gear changes and stopping and starting is not great for fuel consumption. If this is an issue, it is helpful to know that car-derived vans such as the Corsavan are well suited to such driving. The clutch and gearbox are likely to wear quickly from lots of gear changes that is unfortunately necessary with city driving. It is advisable that drivers be alert to changes in these parts that may signal that they may soon require replacing. Corsavans are not suitable for delivering bulky or heavy items but they’re perfect for moving small loads or for tradesmen working on smaller jobs and typically attracts favourable reviews.

Alternatives include the Daihatsu Hijet or the Piaggo Porter although they are poor alternatives as they are more like small trucks rather than vehicles designed for running around town. Radio stations have chosen Corsavans for their out and about vehicles as they are small, nippy and surprisingly spacious. If you need more space, the Astravan is a larger alternative but not an equivalent due to the vehicle not being small enough to be described as a city car.

Long Haul
In fact, the Astravan is more suitable for long haul journeys than it is going around the city due to the length of the vehicle making it harder to park in crowded city centres but owners of these vans will happily admit that they would choose an Astravan again and again. Not only is it complimented for having a comfortable cab that is on par with the typical domestic vehicle, it handles well and is cost-efficient. The 2009 Astra which the Astravan is based on has fantastic NCAP safety results for an adult which is a big bonus although the pre-2009 models received very respectable ratings. Still, if you are transporting smaller goods across the country, the Astravan is the sensible choice for fuel economy but realistically, a bigger van may be needed for the job. In which case, the next step up is the Vauxhall Vivaro.

Unfortunately, the Vivaro has attracted less glowing reviews compared to the smaller Astravan. Main faults appear to be a weak gearbox and various other complaints relating to bearings on older models. Yet, the Vivaro has won the top award for ‘Best Medium Van’ seven times since 2001 in the Van Fleet World Awards which is an impressive feat which could indicate that only a vocal minority have experienced real problems. Often hailed as roomy and comfortable, the Vivaro does appear to be a great contender for long drives when you require space. Reviewers report that the engine can be rather noisy but quietens down once fifth gear is selected which suggests that the vehicle was intended for motorway use.

However, if you are planning on hiring a vehicle like the Vauxhall Vivaro, please check your driving licence. Drivers who passed their test before January 1997 are entitled to drive this vehicle but drivers who have passed their test since January 1997 need to pass an extra test to add the C1 classification to their licence. The Vivaro and its bigger brother, the Movano both are capable of carrying large loads but very large loads should be left to specialist fleets e.g. HGVs.

Off Road
If you are intending to do a lot of agricultural work or mostly operate in the country, the Vauxhall Frontera is a good choice. For those who do not have deep enough pockets to cover the purchase of a Jeep or Land Rover, the Vauxhall Frontera is a sensible and logical choice. Vauxhall have not made the Frontera since 2004, but second hand models are available for good 4X4 entry level vehicle. The cab is set lower than traditional 4X4s which gives it reasonable side protection. Unfortunately, the 2002 model that was tested by Euro NCAP described pedestrian safety as “dire” and that child occupant safety was questionable. Adults fared better but driver safety was impaired with front passenger results being marginally better. 2003 models are often recommended. Similar vehicles for similar money would be up to five years older for the same money but alternatives include the Mitsubishi Shogun and the Ford Maverick.

Transporting Colleagues
If you work with one other colleague, any of the aforementioned vans are suitable for two people, possibly with the exception of the Corsavan for two exceptionally taller occupants. The Vauxhall Movano seats 3 passengers and similar vehicles include the Ford Transit and the Mercedes Sprinter.

Other questions you need to consider:

- How much can you afford? Businesses have been known to collapse due to unwise vehicle choices which also include road tax, servicing and insurance.
- How long do you expect to keep it? If you only need a van for a short term, it may be best to consider rental as you will not have to cover the cost of depreciation or servicing etc.
- Will the van be used for towing? In which case the Frontera or the Vivaro/Movano are the better choices but may require extra classifications being added to your driving licence.
- How much time will be spent in the vehicle? If you are intending to drive the vehicle for many hours then comfort should be a big consideration.
- If something goes wrong, do you know where you can take your vehicle for genuine Vauxhall van parts?