The Vauxhall Astra Wins The Golden Steering Wheel Award
Published: 5th November 2009
The Vauxhall Astra
European car buffs have handed the Vauxhall Astra its first major trophy in Berlin, by winning the Golden Steering Wheel in the compact class. It is the most prestigious award issued by Auto Bild magazines group. This year's election involved readers in 26 European countries, representing more than 40 million readers overall.
The all new Vauxhall Astra won by a comfortable margin, getting top marks in the engine, fuel consumption, chassis, braking, steering and driver assistance safety systems categories. Race drivers and technical experts ranked the Astra number one, awarding the Vauxhall Astra seven out of eight points while technical experts awarded the compact car five out of eight.
"This is terrific news and a real feather in our cap," said Andy Gilson, Vauxhall's Marketing Director. "Not only has the new Astra been shortlisted for the European Car of the Year, which we won last year with the Insignia, but it's now taken an important award from an international jury of readers. And all before the car hits showrooms on 11th December>"
The Golden Steering Wheel election is organised in two phases. In the first round, European readers voted for their favourite vehicles, selecting a total of 46 in six categories (small, compact, mid-upper, luxury, supersport and vans). Next, a panel of 50 experts including technicians, race drivers, chief editors and VIPs tested and judged the nominees on dynamics, comfort and quality. Racing drivers who participated in the voting, included two-time World Rally Champions Walter Rohrl and Isolde Holderied, and DTM pilots Mattias Ekstrom and Ralf Schumacher.
Vauxhall last won the Golden Steering Wheel in 2005 with the Vauxhall Zafira.
Vauxhall Astra
Our Vauxhall Astra Guide lists the full specification of the current UK Astra range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £15,405 - £22,520
Body Style:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 74
We have road tested the Vauxhall Astra, to read our in-depth car reviews:
Vauxhall Astra Review - Jul 2006
Vauxhall Astra Review - Apr 2005
Vauxhall Astra Review - Jul 2006
Vauxhall Astra Review - Jun 2007
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 14th Oct 2009
