Vauxhall Astra 5-door 1.6i VVT Exclusiv | Expert Road Test Review

“Britain’s best selling UK-built car
is re-born — the sixth generation
Astra is by far the most sophisticated
and refined yet and follows the
much-improved quality path laid
down by the highly-praised Insignia
range which was voted European
Car of the Year...”

THE LATEST ASTRA uses the all-new GM Delta platform which is bigger and, significantly, 43% stiffer than the previous version. At 4.42 metres in length, the new Astra has grown by nearly seven inches and the wheelbase has been increased to improve rear seat legroom. And with extra width in the cabin, passengers will enjoy the extra room and comfort.

Vauxhall's Engineering Centre at Millbrook has been responsible for the bespoke tuning of the electrically-operated power steering specifically to suit UK roads. The widening of the Astra's front and rear tracks improves handling performance and both handling and ride comfort have been further improved using a beam rear axle design with the additional Watt's link which controls lateral forces during cornering.

This makes the handling much more predictable and allows for softer suspension bushes and settings, so improving the ride quality. The result of all this 'fettling' is that the new Astra now rides like a much larger car — well in keeping with its higher grade image.

As for prices, Vauxhall says the entry level model is increased by Ł270 with the range now starting at a modest Ł15,675 and rising to a less than modest Ł23,695.

The range of eight engines — five petrol and three diesels — are all four-cylinder units. The new and revised engines are 13.3% cleaner and more economical than their predecessors.

The most popular petrol engines will be the 1.6-litre 113bhp unit which will account for 30% of sales, followed by the new 1.4-litre 138bhp unit which should attract 18% of sales. I preferred the latter during the test drive, although it still doesn't match the VW 1.4-litre TSI 120bhp unit for response and flexibility. The new 1.3-litre 109g/km ecoFLEX diesel unit with stop/start facility (due in Spring 2010) should be the main diesel engine with 10% of overall sales, with the 1.7 108bhp and 2.0 158bhp units taking 9% each.

There are also five trim levels: S, Exclusiv, SE, Elite and SRi with Exclusiv being the most popular (35% of sales followed by 28% for the sporty SRi). All models have driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags, ESP electronic control programme, air conditioning, stereo radio/CD player, reach and rake adjustable steering column, power windows, electrically-operated and heated door mirrors, 60:40 split/folding rear seat and daytime running lights.

With the recession-hit new car market still uncertain but with green shoots showing, especially from retail customers, Vauxhall clearly wants to target new buyers who may never have considered buying a Vauxhall before; a similar plan worked well for Insignia sales.

“More premium features
than its competitors,
improved ride and
handling over the old
Astra and an
eye-catching design...”

In addition to competing against the Focus and Golf ranges, Vauxhall sees the Astra as offering an alternative choice to people who might be attracted to premium products such as the Audi A3 but, given the state of the economy, will be tempted by the much more affordable price of the Astra.

But it is the style that will first attract customers: think Insignia; see Astra. The new Astra is a scaled-down version to look at and inside it is just like being in a slightly smaller Insignia. The interior quality and twin cockpit design in the front is generally first class and the extra legroom and width in the rear will be enjoyed. On the downside, the rear visibility through the tailgate is not great, the rear seats are not as comfortable as the front ones and the controls are many, varied and their operation somewhat confusing — just like Insignia, in fact.

The test driving revealed much improved ride comfort over the old Astras, better handling, a more controlled ride and a compliant suspension which seemed well able to cope with our poor roads. Much work has been done with the steering to give better response and feedback from the modern but insular electronic systems. Mostly the Millbrook tuning has worked and customers will like the light but positive feel the system provides.

Reasons to buy the new Astra are many, starting with the fact that it's built in Britain and continuing with the swish styling and design, quality of fit and finish, roomy cabin (with boot space of 370-1,235 litres), surefooted handling, comfortable ride and the new 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Minor criticisms are poor rear visibility, unsupportive rear bench seat and confusing and not intuitive controls.

The design targets were to give the new Astra more premium features than its competitors, improved ride and handling over the old Astra and to have a product with an eye-catching design with a more user-friendly and more upmarket interior. Full marks achieved then in all of those areas. — David Miles

home | top of page | all car reviews