Styling
While the Astra isn’t as eye-catching as a SEAT Leon or Ford Focus, it’s a handsome and well-proportioned machine. Taking its cues from the larger Vauxhall Insignia, the Astra has a grown-up and classy look that packs decent company car park kudos. As you’d expect, there’s plenty of showroom choice, with buyers able to choose from Expression, ES, ES Tech, Exculsiv, Excite, SRi, SE and Elite trim levels. Entry-level versions get plain plastic wheel trims, while ES Tech and above feature alloy rims and extra chrome embellishment. Vauxhall has given the cabin an upmarket feel, with quality materials and slick design dominating – although it can’t match the VW Golf for quality. Air-con, electric windows and an aux-in socket are standard across the range, while Elite models add leather trim and climate control.
Driving and Performance
It’s the refinement and comfort that most impress with the Astra. Noise levels are low and the ride does a fine job of soaking up the worst bumps and potholes. Better still, excellent seats and great driving position help make long journeys a painless experience. The entry-level 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrols are thrashy and gutless performers, but the turbocharged 138bhp 1.4-litre and 178bhp 1.6-litre are stronger. Diesel fans can pick from 1.3-litre, 1.7-litre and 2.0-litre units – all deliver decent mid-range urge, but are extremely noisy when worked hard. All models get a long throw five or six-speed manual gearbox as standard, while a six-ratio auto is an option. On a twisting back road, the Astra impresses with its grip and composure, but lifeless steering means it can’t match a Ford Focus for driving fun. The optional Flexride system tweaks the dampers, steering and throttle for sportier responses, but won’t leave you with much change from £800.
MPG and running costs
If you’re looking to keep running costs to a minimum, then the ECOflex models make a compelling choice. Best of the bunch is the 1.7-litre, which uses stop-start technology to keep CO2 emissions down to just 99g/km. What’s more, it promises to return a fuel sipping 76.3mpg at the pumps – a figure that’s nearly 4mpg better than the smaller 1.3-litre. Sadly, the petrol models are off the pace here, particularly the turbocharged 1.6-litre turbo. With CO2 emissions of 160g/km it will cost you much more to tax than a 1.6-litre EcoBoost equipped Ford Focus. The Astra also suffers from high prices. Look past the bargain basement Expression model, and the Vauxhall is one of the priciest family hatchback contenders. Still, at least range-topping versions provide plenty of kit in return for your cash.
Practicality
As you’d expect, the Astra is on a par with the VW Golf when it comes to practicality. The spacious cabin will accommodate five adults, with those in the back benefiting from decent head and legroom. Further marks are awarded for the thoughtful layout of the cabin, which includes plenty of neat cubby holes and storage boxes for all the family's odds and ends – although the door bins could be bigger. Opening the tailgate reveals a well-shaped 351-litre load bay, while folding the split-fold rear bench flat result in a healthy 1,216-litres of capacity. An optional Flex Floor system allows you to create a completely flat load area with a hidden compartment below it for valuables. However, it’s fiddly to use and not worth the extra outlay.
Safety and reliability
A five-star Euro NCAP rating means the Astra is a strong and sturdy family choice. All versions get six airbags and electronic stability control, while active head restraints are standard on SRi models and above. You can also pay extra for adaptive Xenon headlamps that respond to steering inputs for better night time vision in corners. Solid build quality suggests that the Vauxhall should be a reliable choice, plus a there’s a huge network of dealers for routine maintenance. What’s more, the first owner of the car benefits from a unique warranty that lasts the lifetime of the car or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
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