Vauxhall Astra Hatchback


For: New Astra has the measure of its rivals to drive, providing a supple ride and composed handling. Good interior space and quality.
Against: Access to the boot is compromised and not all models come with electronic stability control.



Smooth petrol and punchy diesels Looks set to be the benchmark Some diesel grumble at low speeds

Performance

Four petrol engines are offered, including a 170bhp 2.0 turbo, and three turbodiesels. The 1.6 is smooth and full of verve, while the diesels are strong performers thanks to their broad spread of power. The 1.9 turbodiesel feels easy-going yet delivers the clout of a steam-hammer. The petrol turbo is a credible rival for Ford’s Focus ST170.


Handling

This is where the Astra more than has the measure of its rivals. It blends excellent comfort and fine low-speed ride with superb agility through corners while not compromising body control. Broken surfaces are dismissed with ease. The electrically assisted steering has fine feel at all speeds.


Refinement

Around town, there’s no disguising the 1.7 diesel’s grumble, although it’s not as obvious as in some rivals and fades into the background on faster roads. The 1.6 petrol is much quieter, only becoming intrusive if revved hard. Road noise is largely absent, although a little wind flutter from the rear of the driver’s door is noticeable.



Body type Hatchback

• Number of doors 5
• Number of seats 5
• Engine (cc/type) 1998/4
• Fuel type Unleaded
• Max power (bhp/rpm) 170/5200
• Max torque (lb ft/rpm) 184/4000
• Max speed (mph) 134
• 0-60mph (sec)
• 30-70mph (sec) no data
• In Gears 30 to 50 (sec) no data/no data/no data
• In Gears 50 to 70 (sec) no data/no data/no data
• Braking distance (m) no data/no data
• Engine position F
• Driven wheels Front
• Length (mm) 4249
• Width (mm) 1753
• Height (mm) 1460
• Front headroom (mm) 1010
• Front legroom (mm) 960
• Rear headroom (mm) 1070
• Rear kneeroom (mm) 870
• Boot space (min ltr) no data
• Boot space (max ltr) no data
• Turning circle (m) no data
• Turning circle lock to lock(m) standard
• Towing weight (kg) 1500
• Kerb weight (kg) 1230
  
  
  
  Signs are good Strong on both counts Decent provision in both areas
  Buying
  
  The previous Astra suffered heavy depreciation, but Vauxhall hopes the new car will hold on to its value more tenaciously. An excellent drive, good cabin space and fine build quality help here. The 100bhp 1.7 diesel makes sense for company drivers because it avoids the usual tax penalty, while private buyers should be able to haggle a good discount.
  
  
  Quality
  
  The Astra’s build quality appears to be first-rate. All of the plastics and materials that occupants come into contract with are sturdy and soft to the touch, lending an air of quality that was absent in its predecessor. Vauxhall has a reputation for strong, reliable engines and we see no reason for this to slip with the latest Astra.
  
  
  
  Safety and Security
  
  Every Astra model is fitted with twin front and side airbags and anti-lock brakes. An electronic stability programme is standard on SRi trim and optional elsewhere. Security provision matches the best in class.
• Urban 22.6mpg
• Extra Urban 40.9mpg
• Combined 31.0
• Tank Capacity no data
• Insurance Group 9
• Contract Hire Rate 369
• Cost per mile 47.8p
• Service Cost 824
• Servicing 24/20,000
• Warranty 3/60 000 + 6 yr Perforation + 3 yr Breakdown
  
  Equipment
  Excellent driving position Big boot; compromised load entrance All are well kitted out
  Behind the Wheel
  
  The Astra has an excellent driving position thanks to ratchet seat-height adjustment and a two-way moveable steering wheel. Vision all round is very good.
  
  
  
  Space and Practicality
  
  The Astra has a larger boot than the VW Golf or Ford Focus, but the tapered tailgate makes it hard to load bulky items. There’s also a drop from the load sill to boot floor. The rear seats split 60/40 and fold, but not completely flat. In the rear seats, there’s plenty of space for three adult passengers.
  
  
  Equipment
  
  Every Astra has electric front windows and mirrors, remote central locking and electronic power steering, and all but the base trim have a CD player. Club trim adds alloy wheels, electric mirrors and air-con; Design gains leather trim and bigger alloys and Elite adds climate control and cruise control. SXi models have lowered sports suspension and front foglights.
  
  
• Central Locking standard
• Remote Locking standard
• Adjustable Steering Reach standard
• Adjustable Steering Rake standard
• Electric Steering Adjustable not available
• Seat Height Adjustable standard
• Power Seats Adjustable not available
• Air Conditioning standard
• Climate Control 250
• Seat Belt Tensioners standard
• Driver Airbag standard
• Passenger Airbag standard
• Side Airbag standard
• Side Impactbars standard
• Centre 3 Pointbelt standard
• Traction Control standard
• Antilock Brakes standard
• Auto Gearbox not available
• Alloywheels standard
• Deadlocks standard
• Immobiliser standard
• Alarm standard
• Visible Vin standard
• Secure Spare Wheel standard
• Marked Parts standard
• Etched Windows no data
• Satellite Navigation 750
• Handsfree Phone 50
• Leather Seats 1000
• Locking Wheelnuts standard
• Metallic Paint 325
• Split Fold Rear Seats standard
• Electric Front Windows standard
• Electric Mirrors standard
• Heated Mirrors standard
• Manual Sunroof not available
• Electric Sunroof 600
• Cruise Control 200
• Multi CD no data
• Radio not available
• RDS Radio no data
• Unique Fit Radio standard

What can i say ? .... speaking from experience i love this car. Mine is the 1.6 16v petrol Club model, pretty quick.

0 - 60 just under 9 secs.
Top Speed 125 - 130.
Handling as said above is very nice once you get the hang of it.

Brilliant car in my opinion, very nice to drive.

Fair play.

wud rarther buy a mazda 3, but astra still is nice enough car! mazda is just bit more different. the 3 still has stunnin mazda build quality equal to more expensive cars and also has style of the mazda 6 who every1 will agree is gr8 car!

But then again i do sell mazda so im showin bit o favortism

Just bought the astra sport hatch. absolutly fantastic. best buy of my life!!!!!!

I really like the look of the Astras with the body kits, SRI???

Don't think i would buy one as i think they are becoming very common. Good choice for a company or small family car. Don't need to compromise to much on it being boring or practical.

Ignore this one.

at the end of the day if people like them they will go out and buy on what you think is crap other people might like

i agree mate but as i said its peoples personal choice as for me i dont want a new car am happy with my mondeo for now