2012 Vauxhall Astra review
29 August 2012
- Face-lifted Vauxhall Astra driven
- Updated 1.4 petrol engine and new Biturbo diesel
- On sale now; range starts at £12,995
The Vauxhall Astra five-door hatch and Sports Tourer models have been given a bolder, more aggressive appearance as part of a mid-life update.
The changes include a new front grille, and restyled front and rear bumpers inspired by those on the three-door Astra GTC.
However, mechanical upgrades are limited to a new overboost function for the 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine and a new range-topping Biturbo diesel.
Vauxhall is also offering several new optional extras across the range.
Astra buyers can now have a £750 Driver Assistance Pack, which includes Forward Collision Alert, Lane-Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition and a Following Distance Indicator.
A Rear View Camera Pack, Winter Pack (heated steering wheel and seats) and LED daytime running lights can also be specified.
In addition, there are three new exterior colours and the Astra’s standard DAB radio has been upgraded to a DMB (Digital Media Broadcast) system.
Prices are largely unchanged, with the entry-level hatchback (an 86bhp naturally aspirated 1.4 petrol) costing £12,995 and the cheapest diesel (a 94bhp 1.3) priced at £17,980.
The Biturbo hatch costs £24,095 and the Biturbo Sports Tourer is £25,110.
What’s the 2012 Vauxhall Astra like to drive?
Thanks to its new overboost function, the 1.4-litre turbo engine can produce an extra 14lb ft of torque for brief bursts to help with overtaking, but it still feels surprisingly weak.
The 1.4 turbo engine might struggle when the Sports Tourer is heavily loaded
The new BiTurbo engine is much stronger, because it has a small turbo that spins up quickly to give good low-speed responses, and a larger one that joins in later to provide lively mid-range performance.
Unfortunately, refinement disappoints; the Biturbo engine transmits quite a lot of vibration through the pedals and sounds gruff under acceleration.
In other respects the driving experience is unchanged, which means the Astra has a supple ride and plenty of grip. However, it doesn't handle as well as a Ford Focus or VW Golf, because its steering is less precise and there’s quite a bit of body roll.
Biturbo models get particularly aggressive front styling
The Biturbo that we drove was fitted with Vauxhall’s Flexride adaptive suspension system (a £790 option), which lets you tighten things up at the touch of a button, but comfort suffers and the car still doesn’t feel particularly sporty.
What’s the 2012 Vauxhall Astra like inside?
Vauxhall is offering some new interior trim options, including an all-brown colour scheme, but otherwise it’s a case of as you were.
The Astra’s boot is one of the biggest in the class and there’s space for four six-footers in the cabin. What’s more, the cabin is a pretty appealing place to sit, thanks to chrome detailing and a swoopy dashboard design.
True, some of the plastics aren’t as tactile as they look, but everything feels like it’s built to last.
You’re more likely to be frustrated by the fussy centre console layout and compromised visibility.
Should I buy one?
The new Biturbo model undercuts its closest rival, the Golf GTD, by almost £1500, but it won’t hold its value as well and is still a seriously expensive Astra.
Some of the cheaper models in the range make far more sense. Unfortunately, these cost more than equivalent versions of the Focus and Golf, let alone the new Hyundai i30 and Kia Ceed.
You wouldn’t feel hard done by if you were handed an Astra as a company car, but it remains a good small family car rather than a great one.
Read the current Vauxhall Astra review >>
Rivals:
Ford Focus
VW Golf
What Car? says…
Steve Huntingford
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