Vauxhall Astra (2009-2015) review
Quick overview
- Neat design that is ageing well
- Good levels of standard kit
- 1.4 Turbo engine offers enjoyable performance
- The ride is a bit firm
- Not as practical as some of its rivals
- Interior not as modern or as good quality as the competition
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The Mk6 Vauxhall Astra is a great looking family car, as was its predecessor. The new car looks more grown up than ever before and has a very stylishly executed design.
Standard kit includes power steering, central locking, stability control, climate control, alloy wheels, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control, leather seats and an advanced stereo system with CD player and MP3 connectivity.
Some additional features still incur an extra cost however. A built-in sat nav is priced at £855 whilst Bluetooth connectivity, rear parking sensors and a metallic paint finish cost £220, £395 and £495 respectively.
Infotainment, comfort and practicality
The Astra feels quite big on the inside. There are plenty of storage spaces within the car and the boot boasts a capacity of 351 litres with the seats up and 1,216 litres with the seats folded down.
The model scored well in the Euro NCAP crash tests, achieving the full five stars for overall safety. Driver, passenger and front side airbags are all included as standard, alongside stability control and ABS.
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 their model the car also comes with a warranty for 100,000 miles with a service recommended every 20,000 miles.
2009 Vauxhall Astra (2009-2015) engines: how does it drive?
The 2.0-litre four cylinder diesel engine produces 163 bhp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This gets the Astra from 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 131mph. This is very good for a diesel family hatchback.
The ride is a little harsh despite the Astra's longer wheelbase but the handling is very composed and stable. It's not as much fun to drive as the Focus but it is a capable performer and tackles both motorways and B-roads with ease.
Value for money: how much does a 2009 Vauxhall Astra (2009-2015) cost to buy and run?
Priced at £25,170 the initial price of this Astra can be considered very steep – especially when you consider how much it would cost to add some of the luxuries which are still missing even on this top-of-the-range model.
Insurance premiums should be reasonable as the car is classed under insurance group 21 and road tax comes under band G due to CO2 emissions of 154g/km. The Astra will return 48.7mpg on the combined cycle which is very good for a car with a 2.0-litre engine but the cheaper diesels in the range are more frugal.
Overall, there are plenty of other Astra models which offer better value for money and whilst this model offers a good amount of standard kit, the cheaper models offer better value for money.
Verdict: Should I buy a 2009 Vauxhall Astra (2009-2015)?
The Astra Elite 2.0 CDTi 16v Auto offers good performance alongside decent fuel economy and is a good choice for those looking for a family car. Having said that, the Ford Focus is a better all-rounder and this model is expensive for an Astra.
