91³ÉÈË

A Vauxhall Astra that broke several speed endurance world records last year has gone on display at 91³ÉÈË’s Westminster headquarters.

Still covered in more than 3,000 miles of bug splatter and road dirt, the model on display – an Astra 2.0 CDTi 165PS – averaged more than 125mph as it pounded round the two-mile high-speed bowl at Millbrook Proving Ground (Bedfordshire) 1,500 times in 24 hours. The feat achieved was an astounding 18 records set or broken: 12 internationally, in the FIA’s* 1600-2000cc forced-induction diesel production car class, and six in the MSA’s** 1500-2000cc equivalent.

Most significantly, the world average speed records for one, six and 12 hours were broken comprehensively, with the UK benchmark for 24-hour average speed beaten by 25mph. The car only had to stop for fuel and a single precautionary tyre change.

Vauxhall is one of the UK’s most prominent car manufacturers, producing more than 70,000 Astras at its Ellesmere Port plant in 2013. The firm recently announced a £125 million investment into the facility, which will build the next-generation Astra into the early 2020s.

*FIA: Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile

**MSA: Motor Sports Association