Our cars: Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer - December

Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer 2.0 CDTi SRi automatic

Week ending December 9
Current mileage 26,110
Miles driven this week 1212

I knew the Astra’s standard-fit stereo sounded good, but it’s always nice to have your impressions confirmed by an expert. Andy Kerr, editor of What Hi-Fi Sound and Vision Ultimate Guides, had a listen to the Astra’s system and came away impressed.

He said it’s a natural-sounding system, whose well-controlled high-frequency tones help flatter MP3 tracks; in many other systems, they sound harsh. There is far too much bass and the mid-range is a bit heavy-handed, but you can tailor the settings to your preference and improve the sound. Other positives are an effective central speaker and a clear interface that’s easy to use on the move.

Considering I spend so long driving the Astra listening to my iPod and CDs, having a good stereo is a godsend.
Neil.Williams@whatcar.com

Week ending December 2
Current mileage 24,898
Miles driven this week 351

The Astra is currently at a Vauxhall dealer having its various electrical issues investigated.

Hurrah! The Astra’s electrical gremlins seemed to have been banished.

Now Vauxhall Kingston replaced the headlight bulbs and, once the correct passkey had been found (it’s specific to each Astra and allows the dealer’s diagnostic equipment to talk to the car properly), the engine stopped cutting out.

I’m especially glad because the Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer I had as a hire car wasn’t nearly as good as the Astra at load-carrying duties. The Astra’s got a shorter bumper to lift things over and a far lighter tailgate. It has less road and wind noise, too, so is better on the motorway as well.

Neil.Williams@whatcar.com