USED Vauxhall Astra Hatchback (04 - 12)

My car

I currently own the Corsa 1.7 Diesel SXi. Now with another nipper on the way and nearly paid up for the Corsa I decided to take a test drive in the new Astra. They didn’t have the SRi 150bhp diesel I want, only the less powerful 100bhp 1.7 Diesel.

I won't go on about the look because we all know it must be the most stylish car in its class! The first thing I noticed which I thought was cool was the flip-out key. Popped the door open climbed in with ease and we were off down the open road.

Having been a bit of a boy racer in the past, I was looking for some improvement over my Corsa and there is, even from really low down in the rev-range without a lot of lag like the Corsa. It even liked being revved to the red line - the salesperson didn’t though! I instantly said to the salesman 'this is good enough for anyone so the 1.9 diesel must be a monster'.

We got back to the showroom and I ordered the Astra 1.9 CDTi SRi (150bhp) with External Pack. I’m a bit gutted because I will not get my hands on it until May but I think it will be well worth the wait! I’ll post another review when I get my new motor!

My car

This car replaced a 2.2-litre diesel Vectra, and the biggest compliment I can pay is that it feels neither underpowered, or underequipped by comparison. The standard spec is comprehensive, I added the obligatory metallic paint and the CD autochanger which also includes DAB digital radio.

On the road, it is excellent to drive and still distinctive to look at although I'm sure future popularity will lessen the visual impact.

My only slight concern is the fuel consumption which at present is hovering around 41 mpg, compared to 44 for the Vectra. Hopefully this will improve with time though.

My car

A fairly good all-round car. As with all new cars it takes sometime to break the car in as it were. But having now covered 6000 miles in my 54-plate Astra, it is a very responsive car which is a joy to own and drive.

I was very disappointed however in not being informed of the impending introduction of the SXi digital with digital radio, which would have been a definite buy as the signal in my area is very poor. Poor marketing by Vauxhall me thinks!!

The dealer was great, but Vauxhall customer services were very poor.

My car

I sold my 2002 Toyota Celica and bought the 1.6 Astra Design. Not only is the Astra good looking, spacious, refined, solid and very comfortable but also a better drive than the Celica!

The engine also feels much more powerful than the figures suggest and always has plenty of urge available.

I cannot fault this car other than for the lack of oddment storage space in the cabin. Many road tests have criticized the narrow boot opening, but I have not found this to be a problem; the boot easily accomodates my cricket bag and has plenty of space for more.