The new model is being built alongside the Astra five-door hatchback at GM’s manufacturing facility in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. The plant was home to the current Astravan until 2004, when the line was transferred to Poland to make way for car production.
The greater commonality between the Astravan and the current Astra means it can once again be built in Britain.
Although based on the platform of the Vauxhall Astra estate, every component of the new Astravan has been reassessed or redesigned for commercial duties.
Initially, it will be available with a choice of three diesel engines and one petrol. The flagship model uses the 118bhp 1.9-litre CDTi engine that is found in the Astra car range. An uprated 98bhp version of the current Astravan’s 98bhp 1.7-litre CDTi unit is also on offer, along with an 88bhp version of Vauxhall’s 1.3CDTi engine.
All three diesel units are Euro IV compliant, as is the 88bhp 1.4-litre petrol addition to the range. Active safety features include ABS, EBD and optional tyre deflation detection system. Driver and passenger airbags are standard, while side airbags are offered as an option.
All models will have remote central deadlocking, with tamper-proof protected door locks, while a perimetric alarm system and a solid rear tailgate will be offered on the options list.
The Astravan is covered by a comprehensive three-year warranty and a 20,000-mile/one-year service interval.
Club models come with electric windows, a CD30 stereo-radio CD player, body coloured bumpers with black insterts, black side protection mouldings, central locking, dark tinted tailgate glass and a height-adjustable driver’s seat as standard.
The range-topping Sportive models get 16-inch structure wheels, air conditioning, sports seats, electric door mirrors, roof rails, body-coloured door mirrors and handles, a sports leather steering wheel, chrome-effect fascia inserts and metallic paint.
A full list of prices is as follows:
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