Vauxhall Astra Hatchback full 9 point review
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Performance
The two 1.4s, with either 86 or 99bhp, are a bit out of their depth, but the turbocharged version with 138bhp is punchy and refined. Below that sits a smooth-but-slow 113bhp 1.6. The petrol range is topped by a very nippy 1.6 turbo with 178bhp. The diesel range includes two flexible 1.7-litre units with either 108bhp or 123bhp, a pacy 158 bhp 2.0, and a 1.3 that we haven’t driven.
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Ride & Handling
The Astra's ride is super-smooth on standard suspension, but although there’s lots of grip in bends, it’s not as sharp to drive as the best cars in the class. There’s too much body roll and the steering feels lethargic. The sports suspension on SRi models gives even better body control, but maintains a healthy measure of comfort. The optional Flexride adaptive suspension feels appreciably different in its various modes, but it doesn't make the Astra any better.
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Refinement
You'll barely hear a peep out of the Astra's suspension over a bumpy road, and road noise is also extremely well suppressed. Wind noise can be an issue at high speed, though, and some of the engines, particularly the 1.7 diesel, can be a little boomy. You can occasionally feel vibrations through the pedals, too.
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Buying & Owning
The Astra is priced on a par with the Ford Focus, so it’s far from cheap. Big discounts are available, but these have to be weighed against the fact that the Astra won’t hold its value particularly well. The fuel economy, CO2 emissions and leasing rates don’t match the class leaders, either, but insurance costs should be comparatively low.
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Quality & Reliability
The Astra's cabin has big wow-factor, but once you start poking at the plastics, you'll realise that they aren't quite as sumptuous as they first appear. It's still very smart, though, and the slick switchgear helps the general feeling of high quality. Vauxhall's reliability record is reasonable, too, so it should prove to be dependable.
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Safety & Security
All models get stability control to help you avoid getting into a pickle, but in case you do, there's also front, side and curtain airbags to help keep you safe from harm. Active head restraints should help minimise whiplash injuries in a rear-end shunt as well. All the security measures you'd expect are present and correct, too.
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Behind The Wheel
The swooshy dashboard design is interesting to look at, and with all the gadgets on show, it looks quite high-tech. However, that does mean there are lots of buttons on the dash, and some of them are small and poorly marked. Visibility isn’t great at either end of the car, either. At least there's plenty of adjustment for the seats and steering wheel to help you get comfortable.
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Space & Practicality
The Astra's sleek shape comes from a roofline that plunges towards the back, but don't go thinking that it means any shortage of passenger space. Head- and legroom are generous in both the front and the back, and the wide cabin means decent shoulder space, too. The boot is big, and split-folding rear seats give extra versatility.
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Equipment
Exclusiv trim has cruise control and remote audio controls as well as the kit in S cars, including air-con, electric front windows, remote locking and a CD player with MP3 socket. ES Tech has a good-value pack of high-tech kit, while SRi trim adds alloys, an electronic parking brake and, on all but the 1.4, sports suspension. SE trim gets powered rear windows, as well as automatic lights and wipers, while Elite cars have climate control and heated leather seats with electrical adjustment.
Astra used car reviews
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Vauxhall Astra Hatchback 1.4T Exclusiv 5dr
The 1.4T is our favourite engine in the Astra, and this is one of the cheapest model with it. Throw in a fine package of kit at a good prioce, and it's our favourite Astra.
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