Vauxhall Astra Review

Vauxhall Astra

All the controls are easy to use even at night when the headlights are switched on the window switches, door handles and centre control panel all feature subtle lighting for ease of use.

Standard features include Auto Lock which automatically re-locks the vehicle 5 minutes after the doors are unlocked without being opened and Speedlock which automatically locks the doors when road speed exceeds 7 mph (the boot is locked at speeds up to 4 mph).

Safety and Security

The following safety & security equipment is standard on the Vauxhall Astra SRi:

Driver's airbag, Front passenger's airbag, Front seat side-impact airbags, Electronic Stability Programme-plus (ESP-plus), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Driver's seatbelt reminder light, Height-adjustable front and outer rear seat head restraints, Pyrotechnic front body-lock seatbelt pre-tensioners systems, Front and outer rear seatbelt force limiters, Height-adjustable inertia-reel front seatbelts, Inertia-reel outer rear seatbelts, Centre lap and diagonal inertia-reel rear seatbelt, ISOFIX child seat restraint system for outer rear seats (does not include child seat), Anti-submarining ramps in all seats, Electronic park/brake pedal safety interlock on models with automatic transmission, Energy-absorbing column, Pedal release system, Front brake pad wear warning, Laminated windscreen, Side-impact protection beams, Integral protective side door padding, Reinforced passenger safety cell, Child-proof locks on rear doors, Remote control central deadlocking (doors/tailgate/fuel filler flap), Visible Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate, Key left in ignition audible warning, Freewheeling door locks, Electronic engine deadlock immobiliser, Security code and remote display protection for audio equipment, Driver's internal central locking switch, Door-to-door illumination, Locking wheel bolts for alloy wheels and Remote control ultrasonic security alarm.

Comfort and Refinement

Vauxhall have put driver satisfaction and user-friendliness at the top of their agenda when designing the new Astra and this really shows.

The new Astra is 139 mm longer and 85 mm wider than its predecessor which results in a larger cabin offering higher levels of customer comfort. Headroom and legroom has increased by 17 mm and the repositioning of the C-pillars makes access to the rear seats easier and more comfortable.

Compared to the outgoing model the new Astra has an extra 30 mm of shoulder space in the front and 20 mm in the rear.

The doors are large and open to reveal wide access points making it a very easy car to get in and out of for both front and rear seat occupants.

Our test car was equipped with the 'Leather Pack' £1000 which includes leather seat facings, electrically heated 3 x stage sports front seats, lumbar adjustment on driver's seat, indirect door night lighting, height-adjustable centre rear seat head restraint and front passenger's seat height adjuster.

The seats benefit from improved contouring, higher side supports and a longer seat cushion for better leg support. The standard sports seats benefit from a 20 mm deeper seating position for a snug fit.

The seats were undoubtedly very comfortable and supportive but not to the same degree as Volvo or Saab seats which in our opinion are class leading.

Vauxhall Astra