Vauxhall Astra Review

The latest iteration of the Vauxhall Astra, was inspired by the Monza Concept car. From first glance, it has certainly helped the design of the car. It looks much more athletic than ever before, however, will it be a case of style over substance?

Depending on the model and trim level, the new Astra is up to 200kg lighter than its predecessor, meaning that this new sporty look may not just be for show. The reduction in weight should help the driving dynamics, so has the griffin badged car got what it takes to take top spot from the Ford Focus in the sector? 

Vauxhall has been working hard on its engine line-up on the new Astra with every unit a new-generation. The petrol range spans from a 1.0-litre Turbo to the 1.6-litre Turbo unit.

Previously seen in both the ADAM and Corsa, the 1.0-litre ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo engine produces 103bhp and delivers maximum torque of 170Nm at only 1,800 rpm.

Performance figures are on par with rivals – mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, the engine will get from a standing start to 60mph in just 10.5 seconds.

Move up to the more powerful 1.4-litre ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo. Vauxhall claims that this unit is one of the highlights of the range. The four-cylinder petrol engine has a maximum torque of up to 245Nm and produces 148bhp.

This unit can get from zero to 7.8 seconds and has a top speed of 134mph where permitted. While the lower powered 123bhp engine will complete the benchmark sprint in 8.6 seconds and will go on to a top speed of 127mph.

The 1.4 ECOTEC comes mated to a six-speed gearbox as standard while an optional six-speed automatic is available from early next year on the 148bhp version.

The flagship petrol unit is the 1.6-litre ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo producing a heady 197bhp with 300Nm of torque. This means that this version of the Astra will reach 60mph from zero in 7.3 seconds and has a top speed of 146mph.

On the diesel front there is one engine, however, it comes with three power outputs including 108bhp, 134bhp and a BiTurbo producing 157bhp.

The most popular model on the diesel front is likely to be the 134bhp 1.6 CDTi. Thanks to the benefits of the new model’s diet, the benchmark sprint time has been reduced from 9.7 to 9.0 seconds when comparing with the previous model with the same engine. This engine is available with both a six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission.

The Vauxhall Astra is in great shape thanks to aforementioned weight loss programme. The latest version of Vauxhall’s family car has come of age in terms driving dynamics. The Astra has been tweaked to suit the unique demands of British roads and it has worked. The Astra feels great to drive, the steering is much better weighted than previously although it a little more assisted than this tester would like and there is much more feedback than ever before. Blast through the twisty stuff and you can feel that the car is much more nimble, while the grip when cornering is also very good. This Astra is the best version yet but the Ford Focus and VW’s Golf edge it in the handling stakes, however, it’s now only by a smidgen whereas before it was a chasm. 

The Astra is a little on the firm side for some but for those that enjoy good driving dynamics then this is the trade-off that one must pay. Noise levels are good too, tyre, wind and engine roar are all acceptable inside the cabin, so you will not need to raise your voice to be heard.

Vauxhall has added new technology including OnStar, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Astra is the first all-new Vauxhall model that will be available with OnStar’s technology from launch. OnStar enables the new Astra to become a 4G LTE mobile Wi-Fi hotspot and it can connect up to seven devices, from smartphones to tablets. Customer s do not need a smartphone to use this system as OnStar uses an independent SIM card to connect to its services.

OnStar’s module comprises of three buttons, the blue Service Button gives access to comfort services such as Vehicle Diagnostics and Destination Download. The Privacy button allows the subscriber to mask the position of their car and become invisible to the system, ensuring OnStar subscribers are in complete control of their data. To provide maximum safety for subscribers, OnStar will automatically overrule the privacy command if an airbag is deployed.

In addition, OnStar subscribers can also download the MyVauxhall Smartphone App. It allows them to contact OnStar from anywhere via their smartphone, for example, if their car has been stolen, needs to be located and the ignition blocked at some point. The app also enables the subscriber to remotely access important vehicle data such as oil life and tyre pressure, or to remotely lock or unlock their car. The entire OnStar service portfolio is available on the new Astra and free of charge for the first 12 months after registration.

Seven trim levels are available on the new Astra. The entry-level trim starts with Design. Standard kit includes 16-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, six airbags, aircon, R4.0 IntelliLink audio system with digital radio, seven-inch colour touchscreen, USB & aux, Bluetooth connectivity, multi-function trip computer, cruise control and steering wheel controls and electrically operated front and rear windows.

Move up to Tech Line and it adds Navi 900 satellite navigation system with eight-inch colour touchscreen, Leather steering wheel and adjustable front armrest.

While Energy comes with 17-inch 10 spoke alloy wheels, heated front seats and heated leather steering wheel.

The sporty SRi trim adds 17-inch five twin-spoke alloy wheels, driving assistance Pack (Front Camera System, Traffic Sign Assistant, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indication, Forward Collision Alert with Collision Imminent Braking), OnStar, Sight & Light Pack, Sports seats, sports switch, leather steering wheel and front foglights.

SRi Nav adds Navi 900 satellite navigation system with 8-inch colour touchscreen

Choose the Elite trim and this adds 17-inch multi spoke alloy wheels, leather ergonomic sports front seats with extendable seat cushions, tilt and four-way electrical adjustment, heated steering wheel, front and rear outer seats, OnStar, sight & light pack, electronic climate control, front foglights, electrically foldable door mirrors and two USB chargers for rear seat passengers.

The flagship Elite Nav adds Navi 900 satellite navigation system with 8-inch colour touchscreen.

The Astra is certainly not the biggest in the sector but it offers 370 litres with the rear bench in place, which is about average for the class. Volkswagen’s Golf is larger by 10 litres while the boot in the Peugeot 308 is 100 litres greater in size. Fold the seats in the Astra and the boot expands to 1,210, however, the Golf and Peugeot offer more boot space.

On the inside there are plenty of storage solutions, the cubbies are of a decent size and there’s even a flat surface low on the centre console, which is a handy space for storing smartphones.

Starting at £15,295, Vauxhall has priced the Astra competitively against its rivals in the class. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder Turbo Start/Stop ecoFLEX model priced from £15,995 and mated to an Easytronic five-speed automatic transmission emits 96g/km of CO2. Company car drivers looking for an eco-friendly diesel will be attracted to the 1.6-litre ‘Whisper Diesel’ (108bhp) Start/Stop ecoFLEX model as it has a claimed average of 91.1mpg and class-leading CO2 emissions of 82g/km.

The new version of Vauxhall’s Astra certainly looks and more importantly feels the part. The interior is much better, the material is of a better quality than in the previous car – the interior may not yet be top of the class, however, this is a vast improvement on what has gone before. Vauxhall has claimed that its new engines are more frugal and more efficient – with many of the engines being used in other models, the future in terms of reliability looks good as there have been very few negative reports as of yet. 

Vauxhall expects the Astra to be awarded with five stars when tested by the boffins at Euro NCAP.

Standard safety kit includes six airbags

Choose the Astra in SRi or Elite trim and it also comes equipped with the Driving Assistance Pack as standard. This package includes a forward-facing camera and traffic sign recognition with an accompanying display on the dashboard. A lane departure warning system is complemented by lane keeping assist and there’s also collision mitigation, which warns the driver if the car suspects an impact impending, it applies the brakes to try and avoid it if it can.

The OnStar system, (which we mentioned above) also offers customers a broad range of safety and comfort services. If an airbag deploys, OnStar will be alerted automatically. An advisor will then contact the vehicle to determine whether help is required. If there is no response, emergency responders are immediately sent to the exact location of the vehicle.