Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch full 9 point review
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Performance
Petrol buyers should avoid the breathless 1.4 and go for the smooth, flexible 1.6. You also have the choice of a 138bhp 1.8 or a turbocharged 2.0 with 237bhp in the nutty VXR. Diesel choices include a 99bhp 1.7, which comes in two versions, inlcuding an Ecoflex version with low CO2 emissions. There's also a strong 1.9 that's exclusive to the SRi.
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Ride & Handling
A lower and stiffer suspension set-up and quicker steering responses make the Sport Hatch a more sporty drive than the family-oriented five-door, but it still rides well, even on 17- or 18-inch wheels and tyres. Computerised damping, linked to the stability and traction control, is optional on some models.
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Refinement
A bit of engine noise is acceptable – even desirable – in a sporty car, and the Sport Hatch’s petrol and diesel units are always audible under acceleration, though they’re barely noticeable at steady speeds. However, wind noise around the screen builds to quite high levels by the time you’re at the UK’s 70mph limit.
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Buying & Owning
Generally, three-door cars are cheaper than five-door models, but the Sport Hatch comes with standard sports suspension so has been priced the same as its larger brother. It has the same fuel consumption and will cost the same to service but should have stronger resale values.
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Quality & Reliability
Astras are mechanically sound (fleet managers don’t buy cars that spend a long time off the road) and the Sport Hatch isn't any different. They’re also among the best-built small family cars, with excellent fit and finish. The materials are almost as good as those in the highly rated Volkswagen Golf.
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Safety & Security
Some Sport Hatches have stability and traction control to boost active safety, but too many models miss out. Six airbags are fitted but they don’t protect rear passengers. The five-door Astra managed a maximum Euro NCAP crash-test rating but its door locks kept our testers out for only 46sec in our security tests.
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Behind The Wheel
Sport Hatch occupants sit lower and in more supportive seats than their counterparts in the five-door Astra. However, the cabin layout and range of adjustment of the driving position are unchanged, which is no bad thing. The cabin is dark (there’s an optional panoramic screen that stretches over your head to the middle of the roof) and rear visibility is terrible.
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Space & Practicality
The Sport Hatch aims to seat five, but its sides taper towards the rear and mean it’s only wide enough for two people in the back, though legroom and headroom are fine. The boot is smaller than the five-door Astra’s.
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Equipment
The Sport Hatch comes in Sport, Exclusiv and SRi trims; all have at least air conditioning, front electric windows, sports suspension and a CD player with MP3 input socket. Exclusiv models get cruise control, automatic lights and wipers, and tinted windows, but only the sportily-trimmed SRi models have standard stability control - and even then, only on the larger-engined versions.
Astra used rivals
Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch 1.6 16v 115 SXi 3dr
If it’s a frugal petrol engine you want, then this smooth but willing 1.6 is the best option; for something more punchy, consider the 138bhp 1.8
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