Our cars: Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer - February 2012

Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer 2.0 CDTi SRi automatic

Week ending February 17
Mileage 31,000
Driven this week 50 miles
Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer review


After spending a week behind the wheel of another of our long-term estates - the Passat - I had a spin in the Astra Sports Tourer and there was a huge gulf in the two cars, mainly down to the driving experience.

I felt the low-speed ride in the Astra was uncomfortable and didn't like the vague steering either. The Passat, on the other hand, was comfortable and enjoyable to drive.

Will - our snapper who usually runs the Astra - says the ride and handling took a turn for the worse when winter tyres were fitted. Barnaby, who is the main occupant of the Passat, says the ride actually improved when he switched to winter tryes. He also moved onto smaller wheels, which would have improved the ride, too.

It would be interesting to hear if other owners have noticed a difference after moving on to winter tyres.

Iain.Reid@whatcar.com

Week ending February 10
Current mileage 30,948
Driven this week 924 miles

The Astra’s standard ‘mood’ lighting helps make the cabin particularly welcome at this time of year. A light in the headlining shines down to gently illuminate the front of the cabin, while others around the bottom of the centre console create a soft red glow.

It’s a small thing, but when it’s dark and miserable outside, it genuinely makes me feel that bit better about spending so much time behind the wheel.

Neil.Williams@whatcar.com
Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer review

Week ending February 3
Current mileage 30,024
Driven this week 594 miles

The cold weather is highlighting an issue with the Astra’s automatic gearbox. It holds on to the lower gears around town, which makes the engine’s old-fashioned diesel grumble all-too prominent. At this time of year, it takes a while for the engine to warm through, so the noise is worse than it is in the summer.

I also wonder how much extra fuel is being consumed by using a lower gear than necessary. The engine certainly has the torque to pull a higher ratio, and with a smoother, faster-acting DSG-style semi-auto ’box, the Astra would be a far better low-speed companion.

Neil.Williams@whatcar.com