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Mild-hybrid tech boosts Vauxhall Astra economic system and efficiency

The Vauxhall Astra has gained a brand new 48V mild-hybrid powertrain for a 19% discount in gasoline consumption and decrease CO2 emissions. 

Available in each the hatchback and property variants, it is the primary such powertrain to be provided within the in style household automobile. It combines a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine with a 0.89kWh battery and an electrical motor, producing a complete of 151bhp and 169lb ft.

That energy is shipped to the entrance wheels by way of a six-speed dual-clutch automated gearbox that was developed particularly for this powertrain. 

The Miller-cycle engine makes use of a variable-geometry turbocharger, which permits the driving force to entry its efficiency at decrease bands of the rev vary.

Vauxhall claims gasoline consumption has been improved by 19% over the pure-ICE Astra, with WLTP economic system of as much as 60.1mpg. CO2 emissions in the meantime are as little as 112g/km, matching the Volkswagen Golf eTSI.

As properly as bettering economic system, the brand new powertrain will increase efficiency, significantly round city or when manoeuvring. 

The 0-62mph time has been slashed by 0.7sec for the hatchback, which completes the dash in 9.0sec. The property takes 0.3sec longer.

The Astra is the third mannequin in Vauxhall’s vary to make use of this powertrain, after the Corsa and Grandland. It’s additionally utilized by different fashions underneath the Stellantis umbrella, together with the Peugeot 3008 and Jeep Avenger.

Sleek new Lexus LF-ZC concept previews 2026 electric saloon

The new Lexus LF-ZC concept is a preview of a premium electric saloon set to launch in 2026, designed to rival the BMW i4 and the forthcoming Audi A4.

Lexus has unveiled two EV concepts at the Tokyo motor show: the LF-ZC and the LF-ZL. The LF-ZC represents the future of Lexus with its sleek design and a focus on delivering an exhilarating driving experience, while the LF-ZL previews a future flagship SUV.

Both models carry the LF – Lexus Future – nameplate, a designation used by the company for its concept cars and the production LFA.

The LF-ZC saloon measures 4750mm in length, 1880mm in width, and 1390mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2890mm. This makes it slightly wider but around 200mm shorter than the current Lexus ES, the smallest saloon offered by the brand in the UK.

The LF-ZC features a low-slung and aerodynamically optimized design, boasting a drag coefficient of less than 0.2. This focus on aerodynamics enhances efficiency and range.

The exterior design showcases the latest iteration of Lexus’s design language, with aerodynamic optimization taking center stage. The front end retains the signature Lexus ‘spindle’ design, while the flared rear wheel arches contribute to the car’s assertive stance.

Inside the LF-ZC, the driver is presented with a bold steering yoke, reflecting the use of a steer-by-wire system first seen on the Lexus RZ. The main controls are spread across the cockpit area on digital pads. The left pad handles operation functions such as safety systems, driver assistance features, and drive mode selections, while the right pad groups audio, climate control, and other functions.

The windscreen features a ‘distant view meter’, which projects information onto it similar to a head-up display. The car also includes digital side mirrors designed to minimize distractions by reducing shifts in the driver’s focus.