Vauxhall Antara Crossover full 9 point review

  • Performance

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The Antara is available with a choice of two 2.2-litre diesel engines, with either 161- or 181bhp. Both are smooth and flexible, with plenty of pulling muscle to call on. There are six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes to choose from, as well as the option of front- or four-wheel drive.

  • Ride & Handling

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The Antara makes light of its bulk on country roads. There’s decent grip and, because the suspension keeps body movement firmly in check, it's surprisingly nimble. The downside is a rather stiff ride, but it’s a compromise most drivers will be happy with. The steering responds quickly enough, but it doesn’t provide a huge amount of feedback.

  • Refinement

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad Whichever version you choose, the Antara’s 2.2-litre diesel engine is smooth and quiet. It’s a shame that manual versions have a rather notchy gearshift, but the automatic gearbox provides a slicker alternative. There’s a bit of road noise at speed, but on the whole the Antara is a civilised cruiser.

  • Buying & Owning

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership Higher-spec versions cost significantly more to own, but the entry-level, front-wheel drive Antara makes most financial sense. It has much lower CO2 emissions and superior fuel consumption to the four-wheel drive versions. It’s keenly priced, too, undercutting key rivals like the Ford Kuga and VW Tiguan. We don’t expect resale values to be particularly strong, however.

  • Quality & Reliability

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership The Antara’s cabin is easy on the eye, with an attractive design lifted by lots of metallic inserts and circular air vents. Everything feels solidly built, and most of the materials are appealing, but overall the interior isn't quite as classy as a Nissan Qashqai’s.

  • Safety & Security

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership The Antara comes with all the safety kid you’d expect, including front, side and curtain airbags. There’s also a stability control system to help keep you out of trouble in the first place and a hill descent system to help on slippery slopes. As well as the reassurance of extra traction, all four-wheel drive models also have a trailer stability program to aid safe towing.

  • Behind The Wheel

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin The Antara's high-set driving position gives the king-of-the-road feel that many 4x4 fans love, although it's hard to judge where the steeply sloping bonnet ends. The dash layout is sensibly arranged, but the stereo controls are fiddly. There's a good range of adjustment for the seats and steering wheel, but the seats could do with extra thigh support.

  • Space & Practicality

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin There's plenty of space for five in the Antara's cabin, with lots of head- and legroom all-round. A reclining seat back and flat floor make life comfortable for those in the back, and access is easy. The Antara's boot is smaller than many rivals', and the high floor makes it comparatively shallow. It's easy to fold the rear seats flat for extra space, however.

  • Equipment

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin All Antaras are well equipped. Exclusiv trim includes air-con, alloys, heated door mirrors, six airbags and stability control. Exclusiv 4WD models add extras like automatic headlights, a trailer stability system, dark tinted rear windows, heated front seats, climate control and larger alloys. Top-spec SE cars have extra chrome trim, automatic wipers, leather upholstery, xenon headlamps and larger alloys.

Antara rivals

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