VAUXHALL ASTRA SPORTS TOURER READER REVIEWS

My car

Unlike the previous reviewer I actually have driven the car over a sensible amount of time! I have owned the 2.0 SRI ST with Start Stop for 7 weeks now (under Motability)& have driven 3750 miles. I'm now getting 47mpg overall (60mpg on the motorway is commonplace) which is not bad for 1.5t estate car putting out 160bhp. I fully expect to get 50mpg by 10,000 miles. This makes the engine as economical as the VAG units (if you don't believe me look at the VAG reviews on this site).

The engine has loosened up over the last 500 or so miles and overall I think it's a belter. The torque is readily accessible and overtaking is rapid (which contributes hugely to a safe commuter car). All but first gear is well matched to this engine (the gearbox is notchy moving from 1st to second if your below 2k rpm) - 4th is most satisfying where it will launch the car from 50 to 70+ in what seems like 3 seconds! Stop/Start works too.

The SRI models handle superbly at speed - loads of grip & poise with good body control. At lower speeds the already light steering is completely devoid of feel, which is a shame given the helm is direct and easy to point.

The interior is simply superb & for an Astra astonishingly spacious. To give you an idea how big the load space is; if you put down the seats flat, two six footers could lie side by side in a bit of comfort! The front seats are very supportive & comfortable (although the SRI seats are known for this) and fit and finish has been faultless so

My car

This Astra is in a different league to its predecessor - it makes me wonder what GM were thinking with their previous offerings. I drove a Zafira last year and it was good to drive and practical but not otherwise appealing, with a plain jane cabin and really annoying controls for indicators and wipers. The older car's hard edge styling is now replaced with elegant swoops and curves inside and out and the cabin is far more attractive. The new car is also better to drive with loads of performance from the 2.0 TD engine and good handling at high speed. The ultimate boot space is a bit compromised by the smooth styling but it took 5 people's luggage, and the rear legroom is quite good thanks to the Sports Tourer's extended wheelbase, but the middle seat in the rear is hard and narrow, as most conventional cars' are. Why do manufacturers make 5-seaters with such a poor deal for the middle passenger? I liked the car and think it could be compared to the other best in class like the Golf or Focus but for one problem, which is price. The 2.0 TD starts at over 23 grand, which is ridiculous, putting it up against bigger and better cars like the Mondeo. If Vauxhall were more sensible on price this car could sell well.

My car

The car drove well although the 1.6 litre petrol model seemed under powered to me - I am used to a 1.8 litre petrol car.

One niggle on the automatic was that the gear indicator on the central console was on the left hand side of the gear stick. That meant that if the car was a left hand drive vehicle it would be easy to see what gear you are in. However on a right hand drive vehicle, the gear stick obstructs the gear indicator which I found annoying. The car was kitted out fairly well but with the low powered 1.6 engine it was difficult to put it through its paces. Even at roundabouts I found I had to push my rioght foot to the boards to get the thing moving.

I am planning to purchase the 2.0 litre diesel turbo and 160 bhp should get the car moving along alright.