Opel and its sister company Vauxhall are expanding the availability of the firm’s new 2.0-liter BiTurbo CDTI diesel engine in the recently updated Astra range.

First offered on the Astra GTC three-door hatch, the oil-burner is now available for order on the Astra five-door hatchback and the Astra Sports Tourer station wagon with deliveries expected towards the end of 2012 (for both the Opel and Vauxhall brands).

Launched in early 2012 in the Opel flagship Insignia, the twin-turbocharged four-cylinder unit churns out an output of 192hp (195PS) and a peak torque of 400Nm (295 lb-ft).

The five-door Astra BiTurbo CDTI reaches a top speed of 140mph (226 km/h), making it the fastest Astra diesel ever, while the Sports Tourer maxes out at 138mph (222 km/h. The automaker says both models can achieve a 0-60mph (96km/h) in under eight seconds.

Fitted with a standard Start/Stop system, both the five-door hatch and the more practical estate return a combined fuel consumption of 5.1lt/100km, equal to 55.4mpg UK and 46.1mpg US.

The new BiTurbo high performance diesel variants sport a more aggressive look than the regular models with a revised front grille, new front indicators and fog lamps, bespoke front bumper, refreshed rear-panel styling, 18-inch wheels, twin rear exhausts and chrome window surrounds.

The interior of the two models are upgraded with two-tone upholstery, a new flat bottom leather steering wheel, alloy pedals and special floor mats.

Vauxhall said it will begin accepting UK orders on Thursday, August 2, with prices starting from £24,095 for the Hatch and from £25,110 for the Sports Tourer versions.

PHOTO GALLERY

Opel-Vauxhall-Astra-BiTurbo-1Opel-Vauxhall-Astra-BiTurbo-2Opel-Vauxhall-Astra-BiTurbo-3Opel-Vauxhall-Astra-BiTurbo-4Opel-Vauxhall-Astra-BiTurbo-5Opel-Vauxhall-Astra-BiTurbo-6Opel-Vauxhall-Astra-BiTurbo-7Opel-Vauxhall-Astra-BiTurbo-8Opel-Vauxhall-Astra-BiTurbo-9