Vauxhall Astra Twintop (2006 – 2011) Review

May 2006

Astra Twintop goes on sale

Vauxhall's coupe cabrio (likely to become known as the 'Twintop'). 105bhp 1.6 twinport petrol engine, 140PS 1.8 petrol, 200PS 2.0 turbo petrol or 150PS FIAT/Alfa 1.9 diesel. Taking UK orders from February 2006 for delivery from May 2006. Good looking and sensibly priced.

• Astra TwinTop 1.6 £16,995
• Astra TwinTop Sport 1.6 £17,795
• Astra TwinTop Sport 1.8 £18,295
• Astra TwinTop Sport 1.9 CDTI (150PS) £19,995
• Astra TwinTop Design 1.8 £18,995
• Astra TwinTop Design 2.0 Turbo (200PS) £20,695
• Astra TwinTop Design 1.9 CDTI (150PS) £20,695

Incentives for advance orders placed before 31-3-2006 include 'free' alloy wheels and pop-up roll bars worth £500. TwinTop 1.6 pack includes an upgrade from fixed to automatic pop-up roll over bars. These offer all the protection of the standard fixed hoops but also maintain a smooth, uninterrupted profile with the roof down. Early buyers will also be offered the opportunity to opt for smart 16-inch alloys for no extra cost,

Sport models gain the pop-up roof bars, along with 17-inch twin spoke alloys rather than the standard 16-inchers. Buyers who splash out on the range-topping Design will get an upgrade to 18-inch alloy wheels and a CD auto changer.

Exclusiv Black Special Edition from May 2007 has charcoal leather seats, cruise control and 18" alloys. 1.8 VVT petrol engine, 150PS 1.9 CDTI diesel and 100PD 2.0 petrol turbo, from £18,725.

Two new models, Exclusiv and Exclusiv XP, from May 2008. Same three-piece electro-hydraulic roof which can be raised and lowered in less than 30 seconds – even while the car’s moving at up to 18mph.

In addition to the TwinTop Exclusiv (which replaces the Exclusiv Black edition), the Exclusiv XP model gains VXR Styling Pack as standard, with a body-coloured lower front spoiler, rear lower skirt, lip spoiler and side sills. And for the first time, the TwinTop Exclusiv – along with the Exclusive XP – can be specified in two new colours, Star Silver and Panacotta, as well as the existing Power Red and Black Sapphire body colours.

Exclusiv and Exclusiv XP have unique 18” alloy wheels, heated leather front seats and keyless entry standard. Also heated power mirrors, a 3-spoke leather steering wheel and Sport switch, which quickens throttle and steering response, while allowing sportier gearchanges on automatic models.

Both models come with the choice of 1.8VVT (140PS) and 2.0-litre Turbo (200PS) petrol engines, along with the frugal but powerful 1.9CDTi (150PS) diesel engine.

Prices start at £19,295 for the manual 1.8VVT Exclusive, with the 1.9CDTi costing £21,265. The same engine choices for the Exclusiv XP cost £19,995 and £21,965 respectively. A 1.8VVT engine with automatic transmission is also available on both models at an additional cost of £1035.