VAUXHALL ASTRA

STYLING

Curvaceous, contemporary and ever-so-subtly muscular, this Astra is as stylish as the very first Astra was in 1980. The estate version, or Sports Tourer is also a triumph; successfully banishing the memories of its van-like predecessor.


HANDLING
Vauxhall has worked hard to make this Astra more entertaining for keen drivers - and has largely succeeded. It scoots through corners with the same incisive grip as its Ford and VW rivals, with a little more refinement besides. It's let down, though only slightly, by steering that could turn the car a little more sharply away from the straight ahead, and by a slight shortage of feel. Few will notice these small deficiencies however, or the 1.6 Turbo's mild waywardness when you turn the ESP off.



COMFORT
This is one of the most improved aspects of the new Astra, its low-speed ride over bumpier roads is exceptionally absorbent and very quiet. In this respect, it's probably top of its class. The cabin is also roomier in the front and rear, but the rear seat is notably less supportive than the excellent backbench in the Ford Focus. The Vauxhall is impressively quiet at speed too, if not quite reaching the levels of the Golf.


QUALITY & RELIABILITY
This is a well-assembled car, with interior materials and plastics of noticeably higher quality than those of Vauxhalls past. That ought to earn it more than three stars, but Vauxhall's below-average performance in the JD Power owner satisfaction surveys must mark it down, unless and until its latest models fare better.


PERFORMANCE

Vauxhall seemingly offers every engine you could ever want in the Astra, and some besides. The 180bhp 1.6 Turbo performs very well, the turbo responding pretty promptly from low revs to deliver an entertainingly fat stream of pulling power. The frugal 1.7-litre diesel is an acceptable performer but is a little behind the curve compared with the best of its competitors, and a little noisier too. A smaller capacity 13-litre diesel renders it slightly pointless though. Avoid the petrols unless the


ROOMINESS
The Astra's longer, wider cabin is noticeable, the old car being a little cramped in both the front and rear. There's also an excellent array of on-board storage, including cubbies for phones, iPods and drinks. The 500-litre capacity in the estate is equal to its peers, and there is no lip to the boot or awkward intrusions at the side to hinder the loading of large items.


STEREO / SAT NAV
It would be four stars, but the sat nav controls are not the most intuitive, even if the mapping is colourfully clear. The stereo musters very decent quality too and, in most models, is easily manipulated from the wheel. iPod/MP3 compatibility is also standard on all but the fleet market-oriented S trim level.


RUNNING COSTS
Lower insurance groupings mean running costs will fall, with improved efficiency also resulting in lower fuel costs. However, the biggest cost of all - depreciation - remains a risk, with Vauxhall's old habit of over-producing and discounting guaranteeing poor residual value. The company's financial travails may still alter that strategy, but for now, other makes fare better on this critical score.


VALUE FOR MONEY

More equipment for a modest price increase is good news, and the basic Astra now comes with everything you really need, including six airbags, air conditioning and ESP. Surprisingly, however, the VW Golf is more keenly priced, while making a Korean choice in this class (which would be no hardship) will save you thousands.


ENVIRONMENT
This model emits 13 per cent less CO2 across the range than the last generation, but some petrol engines are only average performers.