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Vauxhall Astra01 October 2009

Recommended.

A much-improved Astra, especially in terms of interior finish, space, ride, handling and refinement. Small diesels apart, it's up there with the Ford Focus and VW Golf class best.

Our rating:

4
Vauxhall Astra
 
 

Fifth Gear Vauxhall Astra review

 
 
1) Stylish, inviting and roomy interior
2) Excellent ride quality
3) Good to drive

WE DON'T LIKE

1) Small diesel engines off the pace
2) Rear seat could be more supportive
3) Some minor controls less than intuitive
 
 

The Vauxhall Astra, now reaching its sixth generation in three decades, has often been the nearly car: sometimes nearly good enough to match the class best, but not quite. That was the case with the original Mk 1, back in 1980; just about with the fourth edition; and that bit closer with the fifth, which this latest model replaces.

This time, General Motors Europe (that's Vauxhall in the UK and Opel on the continental mainland) has redoubled its efforts, serving up an Astra with sexier styling, a far classier interior, a clever new rear suspension and some downsized, more efficient engines. It's bigger too: the distance between its axles has been lengthened to yield more cabin room and its wheels have been pushed outwards to improve stability, which also lends it a purposeful new look.

There are eight engines and five trim levels on offer in a range that is a little more expensive than the outgoing line-up, but provides more standard equipment, including air conditioning, six airbags, ESP anti-skid control and anti-whiplash front head restraints.

The engines include five petrols and three diesels, starting with two 1.4 petrols of 87bhp and 100bhp, while a turbo version of this engine delivers an impressive 140bhp. There's also a naturally aspirated 115bhp petrol 1.6 and a 180bhp turbo version of that engine. Diesels start with two 1.7s of 110bhp and 125bhp, plus a 160bhp 2.0-litre. Automatic transmission is available on the 1.4 Turbo and 2.0 diesel. This new, refreshed engine range achieves a 13% average reduction in CO2 emissions.

Vauxhall is also claiming a big step forward in terms of ride, handling, steering and refinement compared to the old model, the Astra's new rear suspension now featuring the sophistication of a Watts linkage system, which has been designed to allow greater absorbency over small bumps without compromising the car's handling accuracy. The springs, dampers and steering resistance have also been tuned specifically to suit UK roads.

Fifth Gear overall car ratings

STYLING

Curvaceous, contemporary and ever-so-subtly muscular, this Astra is as stylish as the very first Astra was in 1980. True, it looks very like a Mazda3 in the side glass area (which Vauxhall is big enough to admit to), but it just about musters enough character of its own. There are also no bad angles, something that can't be said of many cars.

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

We've sampled only two engines so far, but 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 110bhp 1.7 CDTi diesel was the other and, though an acceptable performer, it is a little behind the curve compared with the best of its competitors, and a little noisier too. All the other engines should deliver acceptable performance for their type, particularly the 1.4 turbo and the 2.0 diesel.

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 boot is big, too, and some models get a folding false floor (called FlexFloor), though its usefulness is limited.

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 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% less CO2 across the range than the last generation, with the 1.6 Turbo 33% less profligate than the 1.8 that it replaces, despite offering the same power output. All models comply with latest, very stringent, Euro V emission regulations for pollutants, and an ecoFlex model emitting 109g/km will arrive in 2010. However, the base 110bhp diesel (at 124g/km) still lags behind its key rivals in CO2 terms, as well as fuel consumption and performance.

This review has been tagged with: Vauxhall | Vauxhall Astra

 

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