Vauxhall Astra review
The Vauxhall Astra is a no-nonsense hatchback that’s spacious, good to drive and stylish. Its interior has luxurious touches with plenty of standard kit. It also won't cost you a fortune to run.
Pros
- A good range of efficient diesel and petrol engines
- Reliable and comfortable to drive
- Spacious with plenty of leg and headroom
Cons
- Not the most luxurious interior
- Used Astras don’t hold their value very well
- It doesn’t have the biggest boot compared to rivals
Summary
“Ideal for families, it’s reliable and practical without compromising on power or efficiency.”
The Vauxhall Astra is practical, roomy and reliable, which makes it a great choice for all the family.
It has a good choice of engine sizes in both petrol and diesel. Vauxhall has mastered the art of making smaller engines that deliver power as well as energy efficiency. The 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine is economical to run but still gives good speed and acceleration.
There’s currently no three-door model in the range. However, the five-door versions are hugely versatile and, if you want more room, you could check out the Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer estate version.
What's the interior like?
“The Astra’s interior is good on quality and well-designed. There are plenty of positives.”
The steering wheel features several buttons so you have all the main controls at your fingertips. The shiny ‘piano black’ panels on the dash and the chrome detailing give the Astra a more luxurious feel.
It also offers plenty of space. The Astra has as much room for passengers and luggage as its competitors, as well as lots of leg and headroom, even in the back.
The 370-litre boot is similar in size to most of its main rivals and has enough room for two large suitcases. The boot lid is low so it’s easier to lift up heavy bags and put them in.
What's it like to drive?
“The Astra rides comfortably, feels agile and is good to drive on different types of roads.”
The Astra handles well on twisty country roads and also runs really well as a motorway cruiser. It's a good all-rounder.
All of Vauxhall’s turbocharged engines work well in the Astra. There are a variety of engines so you should find one to suit your needs. The latest 1.0-litre petrol or 1.5-litre diesel engine are the best for efficiency. They still have sufficient power so they won’t strain when you push them a bit further. The 1.6-litre ‘Whisper Diesel’ is very good on long journeys and really comes into its own when you’re cruising on a motorway.
The Astra drives and handles similarly to its rivals, the VW Golf and the Ford Focus.
Is it cost-efficient to buy and run?
“Running costs are competitive while insurance and servicing costs are comparatively low.”
The Astra is good value to buy as a used car and its running costs are extremely competitive.
The cost of servicing should be relatively low and there won’t be any major surprises when it comes to insurance premiums. The engines are also fuel-efficient.
Vauxhalls have been around for a long time and their used values have dropped, which makes them not only a bargain but affordable to own.
How reliable and safe is it?
“You can expect your Astra to be reliable. Any issues are ironed out pretty quickly.”
The Astra is safe with a comprehensive suite of safety technology that’s among the best. You’ll benefit from forward collision alert and emergency braking. These clever systems work independently of the car to warn you of an impending collision and stop the car to avoid an accident. They also have a top-rated 5-star Euro NCAP rating.
If you ever did have a problem with your Astra, it’s more likely to be electrical than mechanical like the majority of cars today.
Which one is best for you?
Best for fun - Ultimate 1.4i Turbo S/S
Best for families - Tech Line 1.0i Turbo S/S ecoTEC
Best for economy - Tech Line 1.6CDTi S/S ecoTEC
The Vauxhall Astra range comprises of four basic models. The entry-level Design has a seven-inch colour touchscreen Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The SRi Nav version has everything you need and the style is really appealing. The 1.4i turbo is great as it's punchy enough to overtake safely but is smooth and fuel-efficient.
Among other good features on the SRi Nav are the upgraded in-car entertainment and advanced driver assistance. This does a number of things to keep the driver and passengers safe, such as warning you if you’re drifting out of your lane without signalling or if there’s a car in the blind spot to the side and rear of the car. There are also various luxury upgrades, such as 17-inch five-spoke alloys for a sporty look. If you can find one you could find yourself a bargain.
