Towing with the New Vauxhall Astra

[Lutz]

For anyone considering towing with the New Astra, I would thoroughly recommend ordering the Towing Pack for £350 as this not only includes a factory-fitted detachable towbar but, in addition, the Trailer Stability Programm feature - in effect an electronic stabiliser which senses any sway induced by the caravan and automatically cuts back on the accelerator and applies the brakes, thus bringing a snake under control immediately. As an added bonus, the Towing Pack also includes cruise control and tyre deflation detection, albeit only for the car, not the caravan.

 

[RogerL_5041474]

I've always been taught that braking during a snake is a no-no. If the car does it automatically then that's a recipe for disaster!

 

[Lutz]

Moderate braking is a recognised way of catching a snaking outfit. Anyone who has experienced one will confirm. You can be sure that Vauxhall are providing a feature that has been tested and works. By the way, BMW have the same feature on their X5.

 

[RogerL_5041474]

The reason that a tyre deflation monitor is included is that the spare wheel is DELETED in this option pack. This may work when a slow puncture occurs but will cost mega-money if you have a blow out on a motorway since you couldn't then drive to a tyre dealer. It's best to avoid the Vauxhall option and have a reputable third-party towbar fitted. Brink actually make towbars for Vauxhall/Opel and several other car manufacturers.

 

[Lutz]

There is no technical reason why the Astra with a factory fitted towbar has to have a tyre repair kit instead of a regular spare wheel. The space saver spare wheel is, however, a production option which Vauxhall has decided to include as part of the standard specification. If it's not included on vehicles fitted with a towbar then this would appear to be an oversight.