New Car Reviews / Vauxhall / Vauxhall Astra Review
Vauxhall Astra Review & Road TestReview by www.new-car-reviews.co.uk
Drivers
The Astra is a car that likes to be driven. Excellent steering and Lotus suspension set up allows the car to be thrown safely around corners. This is allied with engines of high quality to deliver above average performance relative to the car's peer group. The 1.8 litre engine is a particularly muscular performer. A full range of diesel engines is available but Vauxhall have still not fitted common rail injection, which lets them down compared to their more refined competitors. Driving position is excellent and the console is well set out and easy to use if a little dull.
Passengers
Five adults and their baggage can travel happily in the spacious interior, even on longer motorway journeys. Internally the cabin is well fitted out and feels quite refined but the styling is a little boring and still trails the class leading VW Golf.
Practicality
The car comes with a large boot and 60/40 splitting rear seats as standard. Combined with the spacious cabin this makes the Astra a very viable family car. It is only let down by environmental noise at higher speeds.
Equipment
Even basic models come with power steering, twin air bags and remote control locking. The stereo systems are of excellent quality.
Safety & Security
The car secures highly in the NCAP test but side air bags and ABS are not standard. Although the car is quite secure some little additions to entry level models, such as deadlocks and window etching would be a significant improvement to prevent theft.
Quality & Reliability
Overall this Astra is a high quality offering. The car is solid, reliable, well put together and comes with excellent performing Vauxhall engines.
Owning
Low servicing and running costs are characteristic of the Astra. Like other Vauxhall models popular with fleet buyers, high depreciation is a downside but high demand will ensure a quick resale.
Review ©2006 New-car-reviews.co.uk Do you agree? Do you disagree? Click here to submit your own review of the Vauxhall Astra >>
| 
