Used Vauxhall Astra cars

The style of the car

The Vauxhall Astra has evolved into a very stylish model with elegant curves and a premium look and feel. Whether you want the five-door hatchback, spacious Sports Tourer estate or something more sporty, there’s an Astra to suit you.

How it drives

The Astra is good to drive, giving a great balance of comfort and fun. The turbocharged petrol engines and efficient diesels all provide effortless motoring, even on long distance drives. The ride is smooth on most roads and all models have cruise control. The Astra is easy to park with its light steering and parking sensors – some models even have a parking assist feature which can steer the car into tight spaces for you.

The interior

The Astra is about the same size as rivals such as the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf, and is similarly practical. All versions have five doors, and offer enough space to suit the needs of most families. The boot is bigger than the one in a Ford Focus and is large enough for three medium suitcases while the Sports Tourer’s is larger still. The interior has a well-designed feel throughout and equipment levels are generous including a touchscreen infotainment system.

Looking for a hatchback? Here’s our guide to the best used hatchbacks around.

Running costs and reliability

Competitive pricing is one of the Astra’s greatest strengths and its running costs are similarly low. The petrol engines are almost as economical as the diesels and all are comparable to rivals when it comes to tax and insurance costs. Unlike some rivals, however, there’s no hybrid option. Vauxhall has a solid reputation for reliability and achieved sixth place out of 24 brands in the latest J.D. Power UK Vehicle Dependability Study. Safety is a strong point and the Astra achieved a maximum five-star rating when tested by safety organisation Euro NCAP in 2015.

How the Vauxhall Astra compares with similar cars

The Astra is larger and more practical than the Vauxhall Corsa. It’s a match for the rival Ford Focus in style and the way it drives. A long list of standard equipment is a bonus and the Astra is available with a range of petrol and diesel engines that meet most requirements.

Which is better, the Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra? Our used car comparison guide tells you everything you need to know.