Insurance Group: 21
MPG: 48.7
CO2: 154
0-62 Mph: N/A secs
BHP: 163 BHP
Range: 600 miles
PROS: A medium family car with a lot of style, this automatic is fluid and fun to drive.
CONS: Costs are steep for this model and this means that is not an economically viable option for families on a budget.
The 2.0-litre diesel engine produces 163 bhp which makes the Astra feel very responsive and lively. The steering, on the whole, is sharp and the body control is excellent through the bends. The engine is very good and provides a good deal of torque, making the Astra ideal for short trips around town as well as long motorway hauls.
The suspension is soft enough to allow for a comfortable ride and the Astra is very well refined. Wind and road noise are all but imperceptible and the engine is very smooth and quiet as well.
The latest generation Astra is a very handsome car indeed and is better to look at than almost all of its direct rivals.
This model comes with power steering, central locking, stability control, air conditioning, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control, an alarm, alloy wheels and a stereo system with CD player andMP3 connectivity.
Other options remain on the optional extras list, with climate control still costing £305 whilst a metallic paint finish, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth connectivity and built-in sat nav all still cost £495, £395, £220 and £855 respectively.
A leather interior costs £1,050.
There is plenty of space for driver and passengers within the car and the boot is very capacious with 351 litres on offer with the seats up and 1,216 litres with the seats folded down.
The model scored well in the NCAP crash tests, scoring the maximum five stars thanks to a wide range of safety features which are included as standard on this model. This includes driver, passenger and front side airbags.
Alongside these features, the car is also protected from theft thanks to a standard fitted immobiliser and an alarm. To reassure customers over the reliability of the model, the car also comes with a warranty for 100,000 miles with a service recommended every 20,000 miles.
£24,145 is a lot for a Vauxhall Astra, especially when you consider that it by no means has a comprehensive list of standard equipment.
Insurance premiums will be moderate under insurance group 21 and road tax comes under band G due to the high carbon emissions of 154g/km. Fuel economy isn't overly impressive either, achieving 48.7 mpg on the combined cycle.
Those who don’t mind sacrificing a few luxuries would therefore be better off selection the Astra Expression 1.7 CDTi which has a lower power output but offers more financial savings along with a lower purchase price.
An car that has become a firm favourite with families on a budget, the Vauxhall Astra range offers a great number of models. The Astra SRi 1.8i 16v is a great model and combines great performance c...
The Astra Expression 1.4i 16v (87ps) is a good option for families on a budget thanks to a bargain basement purchase price and low fuel consumption. The interior is a little basic but this is only ...
This latest offering from Vauxhall is the sixth generation of the Astra brand. The model has earned itself a reputation as being reliable and affordable, and is often the first choice when looking ...
The Astra Expression 1.7 CDTi 16v (110ps) ecoFLEX Start/Stop is a great car which offers low running costs. However, the high purchase price may put buyers looking for budget motoring off.
The 1.4 litre turbocharged engine makes this version of the Vauxhall Astra quite attractive in terms of a good balance between running costs and performance, and it has a decent trim level too. Th...
You might want to read reviews for other Medium Family cars that you can then compare to the Vauxhall Astra. Here are some popular Vauxhall Astra alternatives:
