Vauxhall Astra review
The Vauxhall Astra is one of Britain's most popular cars for a reason. It's a stylish, practical, and affordable family hatchback that's great to drive.
Author: Charlie Harvey
27th Jan 2026 – 9 mins read
The Vauxhall Astra has been a household name in the UK for decades, and this latest version (first launched in 2015 and updated in 2019) is arguably the best one yet. Built right here in Britain, it’s a car designed for our roads and our lives. It’s a fantastic all-rounder, offering sharp looks, a comfortable cabin, and a range of efficient engines that are cheap to run. It competes with heavy hitters like the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf, but often provides better value for money. Whether you need a reliable car for the school run, a comfortable commuter, or a spacious hatchback for weekend adventures, the Astra has you covered.
Pros
- Great value for money, especially on the used market
- Stylish and modern design
- Good to drive and comfortable on long journeys
Cons
- Interior is starting to feel a little dated compared to newer rivals
- Doesn't have the same premium badge appeal as some competitors
- Entry-level models miss out on some key safety kit
Interior
Dashboard & tech
The Astra’s dashboard has a simple and clean layout that’s easy to get along with. There aren't too many buttons, which gives it a modern, uncluttered feel. Even the entry-level models come with a 7-inch touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can plug in your phone and use your favourite apps for navigation and music. It’s a doddle to use.
Higher-spec models get a larger 8-inch screen and sometimes even a digital instrument display instead of traditional dials, which adds a nice touch of tech to the cabin.
Comfort
Vauxhall did a great job making the Astra a comfortable place to be. The seats are supportive, even on long drives, and there’s plenty of adjustment to help you find the perfect driving position. The ride is smooth, soaking up most bumps and potholes without fuss, making it a relaxing car for both town driving and motorway cruising. The sporty SRi models have a slightly firmer ride, but it's never harsh or uncomfortable.
Quality
The interior feels solid and well put together. You’ll find plenty of soft-touch materials on the dashboard and doors, which gives it a more premium feel than you might expect for the price. It might not have the same posh feel as a Volkswagen Golf, but it’s durable and everything feels like it’s built to handle the rigours of family life.
Practicality & boot space
Interior space
For a family hatchback, the Astra is impressively spacious. There’s lots of room up front, so you won’t be bumping elbows with your passenger. In the back, there’s enough legroom and headroom for two adults to sit comfortably, even on longer journeys. The sloping roofline looks great from the outside but doesn't compromise on space inside as much as you might think.
Boot space
With 370 litres of space, the Astra’s boot is a great size. It’s on par with its main rivals and offers plenty of room for a big weekly shop, a pushchair, or luggage for a family holiday. The boot floor has a handy ribbed texture, which is a clever little touch that helps stop smaller items from rolling around.
Versatility
All models come with five doors, so access to the back seats is easy. The rear seats also split and fold down, which is perfect for those occasional trips to the DIY store or for carrying bulky items. It’s a practical and flexible car that’s designed to fit easily into your life.
Driving
Driving experience
This generation of Astra is much lighter than its predecessor, and you can really feel it on the road. It feels nimble and agile, making it fun to drive on winding roads. The steering is light and accurate, which makes manoeuvres like parking in tight spots feel easy.
While the Ford Focus might still have the edge for pure driving fun, the Astra is very close behind. It offers a great balance of comfort for long, straight roads and agility for when the road gets twisty.
Performance
The updated Astra (from 2019 onwards) features a new range of engines. The 1.2-litre petrol engines are turbocharged and come in a few different power outputs (108bhp, 128bhp, and 143bhp). They are all punchy and efficient, providing plenty of get-up-and-go for everyday driving. If you’re after an automatic, there’s a 1.4-litre petrol that’s paired with a smooth CVT gearbox.
For high-mileage drivers, the 1.5-litre diesel engines are incredibly economical. They are quiet, refined, and will save you money at the pumps.
Running costs
Fuel economy & CO2 emissions
The Astra is a very cheap car to run, whichever engine you choose. Thanks to being lightweight and having efficient engines, both petrol and diesel models offer excellent fuel economy. The diesels are the champions of frugality, with some versions capable of over 65mpg. Even the petrol models can easily return over 50mpg, which is great for your wallet.
Value for money
This is the Astra’s trump card. It’s often more affordable to buy than its main rivals, and it depreciates more quickly from new. That might sound like a bad thing, but it makes it a fantastic used buy, allowing you to get a nearly-new car for a fraction of its original price. You get a lot of car for your money.
Reliability & Warranty
Vauxhalls are generally reliable, and the Astra has a solid reputation. Some earlier 1.4-litre petrol engines had known issues, but these were discontinued in the 2019 facelift. As always, look for a car with a full service history to ensure it has been well-maintained.
Safety
Safety features
The Astra received a full five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP when it was tested. It’s a very safe car for you and your family. One small point to be aware of is that automatic emergency braking (a system that can help prevent low-speed collisions) isn't standard on the entry-level models. It's included in the 'Driver Assistance Pack', which comes as standard on popular SRi models and above, so it’s worth looking out for.
Trims & Engines
Trim levels
There are plenty of trim levels to choose from, so you can find an Astra that fits your needs and budget.
- SE: The entry-level model is well-equipped, with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
- Business Edition Nav: Adds satellite navigation, a leather steering wheel, and an armrest.
- SRi: A very popular and recommended trim. It adds sportier looks, 17-inch wheels, sports seats, and the all-important Driver Assistance Pack with extra safety kit.
- Elite Nav: This trim focuses on luxury, adding an 8-inch screen, heated leather seats (front and back!), and dual-zone climate control.
- Ultimate Nav: The top-of-the-range model, loaded with features like a premium Bose sound system, bigger wheels, a heated windscreen, and advanced Matrix LED headlights.
Engines
The engine range is focused on efficiency and low running costs.
- 1.2-litre Turbo Petrol: Comes in 108bhp, 128bhp, or 143bhp versions. These are the sweet spot for most drivers, offering a great blend of performance and economy.
- 1.4-litre Turbo Petrol: Available only with an automatic gearbox.
- 1.5-litre Turbo Diesel: Comes in 104bhp or 120bhp. The perfect choice for those who cover a lot of motorway miles.