Company vice-president (marketing) Rajeev Chaba said that under standard test conditions the car will give an average of 22 kms to a litre and under normal driving conditions the average will come down to 14-15 kms per litre. The company expects to sell an estimated 250 to 300 of these cars per month. This will be in addition to the sales of its petrol versions.

According to the company, the Astra 1.7TD, as the model is called, is the only car in its segment to offer the turbo intercooler to its customers. The engine delivers 68 BHP of peak power and 132 Nm of torque and is capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 16 seconds and from 0-120 km/h in 24 seconds. Besides, the car iscapable of achieving a top speed of 164 km/h.

According to the company, the diesel Astra is designed to provide a much higher fuel economy and driving pleasure coupled with all safety features at par with its petrol counterpart. It is understood that the company has made significant improvements in the car so that it suits the Indian roads, climate and driving conditions. According to the company, super noise insulation incorporated in the Astra 1.7TD ensures low sound and vibrations in the passenger compartment.

"With the introduction of the latest 1.7-litre turbo-diesel engine, we are catering to the long standing demand from all quarters including valued Opel customers to introduce a diesel Astra. Our goal is to make Opel Astra TD the most sought after car in the mid-sized diesel segment," said company president and managing director Richard C Swando.