Dog parallel parks Vauxhall Corsa

It seems you really can teach an old dog new tricks, as Gerty the Boxer successfully parked a new Corsa.

Vauxhall put its all-new Corsa in the paws of a capable canine to test its latest Advanced Park Assist technology. The star of Vauxhall’s new #ParallelBarking video, which features the daring dog execute a parallel park, with no human assistance, left passers-by on Wimbledon High Street baffled.

Sitting in the driver’s seat of the red Vauxhall Corsa SE, Gerty shows off the advanced technology of the new easy parking feature – from how it detects a parking space to automatically computing the perfect manoeuvre into the slot – demonstrating that parallel parking can be a walk in the park.

Advanced Park Assist is now available as an optional extra in the new Corsa, available from £8,995 OTR. Watch Gerty in action here:

Vauxhall Mokka facelift adds X appeal

Vauxhall's facelifted Mokka X will debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show next month.

Incorporating cues from Vauxhall's new design philosophy, the new model is the first to introduce the "X" segment identifier for future Vauxhall SUV and crossover vehicles.

The Mokka X's refreshed interior and exterior styling is the work of a design team lead by Brit Mark Adams. A new front treatment includes a wing-shaped horizontal grille and the sharp double-wing design LED daytime running lights. The bumper features new sculpted surfaces, with fewer plastic inserts, while at the rear there's another double wing signature highlighted in the tail lamps, with LED technology an option. 

On the inside, there's a completely new dashboard inspired by the Astra's, with a new instrument panel organised around more horizontally shaped elements. The centre stack has been redeveloped around the seven- and eight-inch touchscreens of the new generation infotainment systems. There are fewer buttons, since more functions are now accessible via the touchscreen.

The engine line-up now includes the 1.4-litre Direct Injection Turbo (152PS) petrol unit which first appeared in the all-new Astra. With a six-speed automatic transmission, adaptive all-wheel drive and start/stop, it delivers 42.8mpg and CO2 emissions of 154g/km. 

The new Mokka X will be available from launch with the personal connectivity and service assistant OnStar and two versions of the new generation IntelliLink infotainment system, while LED Adaptive Forward Lighting headlamps replace the previous BiXenon AFL.

With nearly 100,000 sold in the UK since its launch in 2012, the Mokka SUV has been a big winner for Vauxhall. The new version will reach UK showrooms late this year.

Vauxhall reveals GT Concept

Vauxhall has revealed its new GT Concept ahead of a Geneva Motorshow debut.

The brands vision of a future sports car is described as ’purebred, pared down, yet unashamedly avant-garde’. The GT Concept is even shorn of door handles and door mirrors, and features a front mid-engined, rear-wheel drive chassis that will ‘appeal to driving enthusiasts’.

The GT name mirrors that of the 1964 GT Concept, the first styling model to be produced by the Vauxhall Design and Engineering Centre in Luton which opened the same year. The 2016 concept pays homage to two significant motor show cars: the 1966 Vauxhall XVR  (Xperimental Vauxhall Research) and the 1965 Opel Experimental GT - particularly with the long bonnet and central dual exhausts. Fifty years later, the GT Concept has a red signature line that splits the vehicle body horizontally and distinctive red tyres – mounted on rims with a ‘roller-skate’ design – which are a reference to an Vauxhall/Opel motorbike from the 1920s – the Motoclub 500 – which sported red-coloured rubber.

The GT Concept’s front-mid engine configuration keeps the car’s centre of gravity low and central for ‘excellent dynamics’. Beneath its stretched bonnet is a turbocharged 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine, based on the all-aluminium unit used in the ADAM, Corsa and Astra. Developing 145PS and maximum torque of 205Nm, the engine delivers drive to the rear wheels, via a six-speed sequential transmission operated by steering-wheel mounted paddle shift. Weighing under 1000kgs, the GT Concept accelerates from 0-62mph in less than eight seconds and on to a maximum speed of 134mph.

The GT Concept uses ultra-modern projection technology, with a three-dimensional beam which allows glare-free high-beam driving. Based on Vauxhall’s IntelliLux LED matrix lighting, first seen in the recently launched Astra, the GT Concept sees the intelligent lighting system’s next stage of development. The design of the lights is completed by the three-dimensional design of the tail lamps.

A key innovation is the cars large doors with integrated side windows that show a seamless transition from glass to painted surfaces. Both driver and front passenger gain access to the spacious interior after pressing a touchpad for the electric doors that is integrated in the red signature line of the roof. The doors open into the front arches, using a space-saving and patented mounting that allows a large opening angle for tight parking spaces in urban areas. Two cameras mounted behind the wheel arches offer enhanced visibility, especially in city driving. They transmit their images to two monitors on the left- and right-hand side of the cabin, rendering external mirrors obsolete. The windscreen flows into a glass panorama roof, affording occupants a similar experience to that of a targa-topped car, according to Vauxhall.

The Geneva Motorshow runs from March 3-13.

Vauxhall teases new GT Concept

Vauxhall has revealed a teaser image of its new GT Concept car.

Set to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the company has released a two short films that reveal a little more of the car’s design. In the video, Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, CEO of Vauxhall and Opel, opens a door to show the front of the 'purebred' GT Concept, with the words: ‘Don’t miss what happens next.’

Accompanying the film is an image of the GT Concept’s central double exhaust, and while Vauxhall says the car’s design is ‘in no way retro’, this feature was a highlight of concept cars from both Vauxhall and sister brand Opel in the mid-1960s. Vauxhall presented the XVR at the Geneva Show in 1966, and Opel the Experimental GT at Frankfurt the year before. According to Vauxhall, both were ‘ultra-modern, minimalistic and uncompromising, with a sculptural shape – a philosophy which also defines the design of the new GT Concept’.

As for the GT Concept’s red tyre, seen briefly in this latest film, it pays homage in an avant-garde way to the Motoclub 500, a futuristic Opel motorcycle from 1928 wore red rubber.

The Geneva Motor Show runs from 3rd to 13th March 2016.

Vauxhall's new Astra Sports Tourer tested to extremes

Vauxhall's all-new Brit-built Astra Sports Tourer has undergone extreme climate testing to enable it to cope with the coldest of winters or the warmest of summers.

A stock production model was subjected to conditions comparable to the Sahara desert at Vauxhall/Opel's International Technical Development Centre (ITDC) in Russelsheim, Germany. In the middle of winter, the mercury was at 60 degrees Celsius and the sweat was pouring. 

One day later, same place, same time: the Astra Sports Tourer was wrapped up in a white outfit covered with a thin layer of ice. The vehicle's interior was not visible from the outside, as the windows were completely frozen over as the temperature dropped to -40 degrees. 

"We want to see how the materials in the Sports Tourer react to extreme conditions. We also check if its appearance changes and if extreme heat or cold have an effect on, for example, gap width," explains Otto Hemmelmann, Lead Engineer Test Methods, "After all, our customers around the world drive the Astra in all different climate zones."

The heat and cold test bench, also called thermal cycling testing, is part of the compulsory program in Vauxhall vehicle development, just like the acoustic and electronic lab tests. 

During the two-week phase, temperatures changed daily. "Sealing, bonding, plastic parts and materials, rubber, all this has to work properly, meaning constant elastic constricting and stretching like a rubber band, without bearing any traces of it," explains the Chief Engineer.

Even direct sunlight can be simulated in the climatic chamber. "If the Sports Tourer is parked outside in the summer, interior temperatures can reach 90 degrees," says Hemmelmann. With the help of the sun simulation, the team tests the interior materials' stress tolerance. "But we also test how long the air conditioner has to be on until the temperature is bearable again." In addition, the so-called four-post test bench moves the Sports Tourer up and down under its wheels to test whether comfort in the car is compromised under extreme conditions and to ensure the interior materials don't squeak or rattle during driving despite high strain and stress. 

After the hot/cold treatment, Vauxhall engineers look at the Sports Tourer through the customer's eyes and analyse any differences. "We look at what impression the car makes on us and take measurements to determine if anything has become distorted or misaligned," says Hemmelmann.

Only once all components, body and add-on parts are tested and cleared is the Astra Sports Tourer deemed to be fit for purpose and ready for sale.

Top Gear’s Reasonably Priced Car up for auction

Bidding has opened for a piece of motoring history – the Vauxhall Astra used by Top Gear as their ‘Reasonably Priced Car’.

With proceeds of the sale going to automotive industry charity, BEN, the five-door Power Red 1.6-litre (115bhp) Vauxhall Astra Tech Line has been added to eBay. Currently at £10,301.00, bids can placed at www.ebay.co.uk/itm/-/231786726259, with all proceeds being donated to BEN.

The mileage on the Astra stands at 2,908, and comes with front Corbeau Sprint Racing seats, 5 point safety belt harness and full roll-cage. Bidders should be aware that the airbags have all been disabled to make room for the roll-cage. To re-instate the airbags would involve removing the roll-cage and seating. So, in its current state, the car is not type-approved and should not be driven on the road. The Vauxhall Technical Team will work with the successful bidder at handover to fully explain how the vehicle has been adapted, advising that converting the vehicle back into use on the public highway would incur a ‘significant cost’.

Other features, aside from the car’s celebrity status include 17-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels, Sat-nav system with seven-inch colour monitor, and three-spoke leather-covered sports steering wheel.

With an estimated 350 million views in 170 different countries per week, the Vauxhall Astra was initiated with a star-studded barbeque, featuring celebrities including comedians Jimmy Carr and Warwick Davis, and singers Brian Johnson and Joss Stone. Celebrities such as Olly Murs, who topped the leader board, Margot Robbie, Ron Howard and James Blunt all thrashed it around the Top Gear Test Track at Dunsfold Park, Surrey.

“David Main, BEN Chief Executive commented on the auction, saying: “We are reliant on the generosity of our supporters to enable us to continue our work helping people who work within the UK automotive industry, so we are very grateful to Vauxhall Motors for this kind donation of a piece of history for a great cause.”

BEN’s goal is to make positive differences to people’s lives in the automotive industry, supporting them in times of difficulty through a wide range of free, confidential information, advice and support services.

New Vauxhall Maloo gets power-boost

Vauxhall’s new Maloo pick-up has received an all-new, supercharged 6.2-litre, 536PS V8 engine.

Vauxhall describes its only pick-up as ‘possibly not a contender for next year’s MPG Marathon’ but it will haul up to 540kgs from standstill to sixty in ‘an unfeasibly short space of time’ - 0-62mph takes 4.6 secsonds.

For 2016, the new LSA engine brings maximum power up from 431PS for the outgoing LS3 V8 to 536PS, and an increase in torque from 570Nm to 671Nm. First seen in the current VXR8 GTS launched last year, the LSA is essentially the same unit fitted to the Camaro ZL1, albeit in a slightly re-tuned form. An Eaton 4-lobe supercharger, stand-alone water-to-air charge-air cooling system and high-flow exhaust system with bi-modal exhaust function turn the Maloo into the fastest production ‘ute’ manufactured in Australia, and the fastest CV available in the UK.

To cater for the extra 105PS of power and 101Nm of torque compared with the outgoing Maloo, modifications have been made to the vehicle’s chassis. Spring and damper rates have been stiffened to reduce body-roll and further improve turn-in, while the unique rear suspension module delivers improved rear stiffness and rear braking efficiency. Also now standard on the Maloo LSA are Launch Control (manual models only), a limited slip differential, sat-nav, Bluetooth, Onyx Leather trim, and EDI (Enhanced Driver Interface).

In addition to more power and standard equipment, the 2016 Maloo also receives exterior styling upgrades with the front end featuring a re-designed fascia incorporating a subtle splitter, while the addition of pitch-black bonnet air vents help deliver ‘an even more aggressive look’. The pitch-black theme is carried through to the mirror-backs and wing-vents, with a new 20-inch, five-spoke alloy wheel design completing the styling package. Two new colours – ‘Slipstream’ (vibrant blue) and ‘Some Like it Hot’ (metallic red) - complement the Maloo’s fresh new look.

The Vauxhall Maloo is priced from £54,500 on-the-road.

Blogger Victoria Magrath teams up with Vauxhall

Vauxhall have partnered up with fashion, beauty and travel blogger Victoria Magrath for an online campaign - #ADAMYOURSELF.

Magrath, founder and editor of 'Inthefrow' will undertake a year-long pan-European collaboration, which will follow Victoria as she creates her very own Vauxhall ADAM.

The #ADAMYOURSELF campaign launched with Magrath visiting the Opel/Vauxhall headquarters in Russelsheim, Germany where Mark Adams, Vice President Design Europe opened the doors to his studio. Opel/Vauxhall Chief Marketing Officer Tina Muller said: “With #ADAMYOURSELF we are exactly in the place that’s bustling with fans and future ADAM drivers – the social media channels”. Describing the online campaign she commented, “Together with the stars of the digital lifestyle scene, we are not only very close to the style trends of the target groups, we also invite them to become a part of ADAM and express their personality and creativity in this unique car.”

As part of the campaign people are encouraged to create their own ADAM at www.adamyourself.com. A jury, including Vauxhall representatives and ten European bloggers, will each choose one country favourite which will then each be produced from Autumn 2016 as limited ‘ADAM YOURSELF’ editions. Winners will also be chosen as the “advertising face” for their ADAM in their country.

Victoria Magrath, explained: “The Vauxhall ADAM is a unique car which I couldn’t wait to design and personalise. It was a privilege to meet Mark Adams and his design team to learn more about the design process. I was even taken around a track at high-speed by their rally team – an experience I won’t forget in a hurry!”

Inthefrow was established in 2012 and within its first six months, won Company Magazine Best Newcomer Blog Award, and a year later, the award for Best Established Blog. In total, ten creative lifestyle bloggers from all over Europe will work with Opel/Vauxhall and the ADAM.

The bloggers include, Nilam Farooq (Germany), Nicoletta Reggio (Italy), Lukasz Jakobiak (Poland), Caroline Bassac (France), Joao Manzarra (Portugal), Mascha Feoktistova (Netherlands), Lorna Weightman (Ireland) as well as Vanja Milicevic and Jelena Karakas (Serbia).

Vauxhall launches Backseat Bedtime Xmas stories

Vauxhall and Radio DJ Edith Bowman have launched ‘Backseat Bedtime’ to help with long car journeys over the festive period.

The series of narrated popular children’s stories by author Tracey Corderoy aim to ease car journeys for parents, with over 12 million cars on the road during peak Xmas times. More Brits embark on long drives over Christmas and the New Year than at any other time of the year according to an 2014 RAC survey.

Unsurprisingly, three quarters of parents say they find these long car journeys stressful, with the majority (80 per cent) saying they find it hard to keep their little ones amused. To deal with this stress, half of parents (48 per cent) time long journeys to coincide with bedtime and over half (56 per cent) put their children in their pyjamas before setting off, hoping they will sleep straight through.

Narrated by mum of two, Bowman, the content, which can be streamed as audio or video content through Vauxhall’s in-car system OnStar, has been created to showcase the new levels of connectivity available across the Vauxhall range but also aims to minimise stress over the busy Christmas period.

The three stories – Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam, Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: The Cat Burglar and Hubble Bubble Granny Trouble – from author Tracey Corderoy and independent publishers Nosy Crow, were chosen for their popularity, and follow the exploits of two robber dogs who turn good, and a very peculiar granny.

Edith Bowman said: “Reading or listening to stories has always been something I've done with my kids from a very early age, both at home or on our travels. It's one of my favourite things to do as a parent, so being a bedtime storyteller was a dream for me. The idea is brilliant, using that time when kids are stuck in the car to entertain them, help them get some rest and give parents some peace!”

Sara Nicholson, OnStar Program Lead for Europe commented, “Vauxhall OnStar is a personal on-board assistant available across our vehicle range. It offers Wi-Fi capability for up to seven devices, vehicle data visible on your phone, stolen vehicle assistance, automatic crash response and much more.  Technology needs to enhance our customers everyday lives and for us at Vauxhall, the little things like quiet, hassle-free car journeys with young children are worth every penny.”

The backseat bedtime stories are available to view through the Vauxhall website: www.vauxhall.co.uk/backseatbedtime

Vauxhall signs Police deal

Vauxhall signs Police deal

Vauxhall signs Police deal

Vauxhall signs Police deal

Vauxhall signs Police deal

Vauxhall signs Police deal

Vauxhall signs Police deal

Vauxhall has signed one of the UK's biggest Police fleet deals with over 2,000 vehicles destined for official Police business.

The deal includes 1,200 Brit-built Astras for Police forces nationwide, with the two-year multi-million pound contract also including Corsas, Insignias and Brit-built Vivaro vans. This order cements Vauxhall's position as the largest provider of low and intermediate performance cars to the UK Police, with a 60 per cent share of competitive markets.

All Astra models can be equipped with OnStar technology which keeps the car connected via satellite and cellular networks, turning the vehicle in to a 'high-speed 4G LTE mobile hub with connectivity for up to seven smartphones or tablets' says Vauxhall. The OnStar system includes a Police-spec ignition block, which can be triggered remotely in the event of a vehicle being stolen.

Procurement for the mammoth sale was led by West Midlands Police with vehicles set to join 28 Police forces. Six fire and rescue services are also included in the agreement which sees vehicles heading to East and West Sussex, Northamptonshire, Shropshire, Surrey and Staffordshire.

David Wilkin, West Midlands Police's Director of Resources and the national policing lead for the procurement of vehicles commented: "A vehicle purchasing collaboration between police forces and partners on this scale has never been seen before and I am delighted to say that it has been a huge success in terms of the savings made and how well the organisations have worked together.

"The success of this group builds on the achievements of a large scale vehicle procurement project led by West Yorkshire Police earlier in the year. While cost is clearly a driving factor, the most important aspect is that these vehicles need to be the safest ones available for our staff and the public."

"We are delighted to supply the Police with this huge order," said Rory Harvey, Vauxhall's Chairman and Managing Director. "Efficiency is a top priority for all Police forces and the investment made in these Vauxhalls will mean officers spend more time preventing crime."

Vauxhall to investigate Zafira fires

Vauxhall to investigate Zafira fires

Vauxhall has confirmed it will take further action following reports of a fire onboard some Vauxhall Zafiras.

The company says it has carried out an investigation following the reports of fire in the area of the heating and ventilation system in a number of Vauxhall Zafira B models launched in 2005, not the current Zafira Tourer.

Vauxhall is keen to point out the number of incidents is 'very low' in proportion to the number of vehicles on the road, but that it takes this issue very seriously saying; "The safety of our customers is the number one priority. Our investigations have found that a number of incidents have occurred due to previous repairs being performed improperly or using certain non-genuine parts."

For the time being, Vauxhall provides the following advice to Zafira B owners: If you are concerned about operating your vehicle or if you notice any unusual characteristics with the heating and ventilation system (for example a squeaking noise from the dashboard) you should contact your Vauxhall dealer and arrange for your vehicle to be inspected. This will be done at no cost.

Vauxhall also says it will consider further actions as appropriate.

Vauxhall confirms pricing for new Astra Sports Tourer

Vauxhall confirms pricing for new Astra Sports Tourer

Vauxhall confirms pricing for new Astra Sports Tourer

Vauxhall confirms pricing for new Astra Sports Tourer

Vauxhall's all-new Astra Sports Tourer will be in showrooms in March priced from £16,585 on-the-road.

The new Sports Tourer, built at Vauxhall's manufacturing plant in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, follows the five-door model and is up to £1,870 less expensive than the outgoing ST with a simplified range. The new line-up includes Design, Tech Line, SRi and Elite, with Nav versions of the SRi and Elite trims also available.

Range highlights include the 1.0-litre three-cylinder Turbo Start/Stop ecoFLEX model priced from £17,285 OTR. With an Easytronic five-speed automatic transmission, the same model achieves a 'class-leading' 96g/km CO2 emissions.

The range-topping 1.6-litre (200PS) is available in SRi trim priced from £21,710 OTR.

The diesel offering includes the 1.6-litre 'Whisper Diesel' (110PS) Start/Stop ecoFLEX model (prices start at £18,785 OTR) that achieves 85.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 86g/km.

Vauxhall's Scrappage Allowance scheme returns

Vauxhall's Scrappage Allowance scheme returns

Vauxhall has re-launched its Scrappage Allowance scheme, offering £2,000 for your old banger.

Customers can take advantage of the £2,000 (including VAT) scrappage trade-in against most new Vauxhall passenger cars in its range. To qualify for the scheme, customers must have owned their trade-in vehicle for a minimum of 90 days, there is no upper age limit for cars and any manufacturer's vehicle will be accepted.

"Vauxhall's Scrappage Allowance scheme makes buying a new car even more affordable," said Leon Caruso, Vauxhall's Retail Sales Director. "Even customers who think that their current car is only worth a few pounds can now turn it into a £2,000 contribution towards the cost of a new Vauxhall - and that's over and above any other deals they negotiate with the retailer, including free insurance on ADAM SLAM and Corsa Limited Edition."

As part of the scheme, vehicles must be traded-in and scrapped to be eligible for the allowance. All surrendered vehicles will be handled by Vauxhall's official contracted end of life vehicle partner Autogreen through their online platform www.rewardingrecycling.co.uk. The offer is available across Vauxhall's passenger car range excluding VIVA, Corsa Sting and Sting R and ADAM JAM. The Scrappage Allowance scheme is available at participating Vauxhall retailers.

Hyundai Tucson scores 5-star safety rating

Hyundai Tucson scores 5-star safety rating

Hyundai Tucson scores 5-star safety rating

Hyundai Tucson scores 5-star safety rating

Euro NCAP has revealed the all-new Hyundai Tucson scored a maximum safety rating in recent tests.

The European car safety performance assessment programme also tested the Vauxhall Viva supermini and Mazda's MX-5 roadster, revealing that while the Tucson topped the latest results, the Viva and and MX-5 fail to reach the 5 stars.

The new generation compact SUV achieved high scores in all areas of assessment, and when compared to its predecessor tested in 2006, the new model showed a 'worthy evolution' in terms of safety all-round, and more specifically in safety assist. Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) technology is offered as option on the Tucson but it was not included in the rating as the uptake is not estimated by Euro NCAP to be high enough.

The Vauxhall Viva was awarded four stars, resulting in a 'commendable' score for a car in this popular segment, yet the crash tests revealed the car's lesser-seen side. In the frontal offset test, the head bottomed out the airbag and in the side pole impact the chest was protected poorly. Chest protection offered to the rear small female passenger dummy in the latest full-width rigid barrier test was also weak while the driver slipped under the seatbelt, resulting in elevated risk at knee and femur injuries. Euro NCAP concluded that perhaps with better optimised restraint systems the Viva would have made a bigger impression.

The Mazda MX-5 also achieved a four star rating, as did the Audi TT tested earlier this year. The Mazda combined good all-round performance in crash tests with exceptional pedestrian protection thanks to the deployable bonnet fitted as standard. However, like for the TT, the fitment of the latest crash avoidance technology was felt to be unnecessary by Mazda for the fourth generation roadster. In particular the absence of AEB 'disappoints' says Euro NCAP as many similarly-priced cars in other segments offer this safety equipment at least as option.