Vauxhall Astra Review
Published: 15th April 2005
Vauxhall Astra
What We Liked
- Performance
- Ride & handling
- Seating position
- Refinement
- Exterior & interior styling
What We Disliked
- The stereo and heating/ventilation controls a little fiddly to operate on the move
What We'd Like To See
- Xenon headlights as standard on the SRi model
Bi-Xenon headlights are available as part of a £450 option pack which includes Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) with dynamic beam levelling and heated high-pressure washers.
Build Quality
Overall build quality is refreshingly good and there is little to fault. The materials used are of a very high standard. Overall the new Astra is a very well put together car which should prove durable in the long term.
Value For Money
At £17495 OTR the Vauxhall Astra 2.0 SRi (170 bhp) is very good
value for money as it offers a high level of standard safety equipment
combined with good levels of refinement at a very competitive price.
Longer service intervals and a reduced level of maintenance make the new Astra an attractive proposition for both fleet and private buyers. Petrol engines have two year or 20,000 mile service intervals and diesel models two years or 30,000.
Many components such as the fuel filter (on petrol engines), the belt drive to the auxiliaries or the battery are maintenance free and there is no need to change the cooling system fluids, air-conditioning or transmission oils during the lifetime of the vehicle.
Overall Opinion
With the new Astra SRi Vauxhall have developed a very capable hot hatchback which exceeded our expectations and felt good to drive.
If 170 bhp isn't enough power for you there is a 200 bhp version available with a 0-60 mph time of 7.7 seconds and the range topping 240 bhp VXR model is now available to order for more information [ click here ]
We have yet to drive the new Ford Focus but overall the new Volkswagen Golf GTI is a better car than the new Astra SRi but it is more expensive with prices ranging from £19,995 to £21,825.
However, If you have your heart set on buying a new Golf we would say one thing before you do test drive the new Astra you will be surprised.
Vauxhall Astra Road Test Conclusion | |
| Performance |  |
| Ride and Handling |  |
| Ease of Use |  |
| Safety and Security | |
| Comfort and Refinement | |
| Interior Styling | |
| Exterior Styling | |
| In Car Entertainment & Navigation | |
| Build Quality | |
| Value for Money | |
| Overall | 78% |
