Vauxhall Astra Review | Part Two

How It Drove - Performance

The Vauxhall Astra SRi is powered by a 2.0 turbocharged engine which produces 170 bhp at 1950 rpm enabling it to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 8.1 seconds (it felt faster than it is on paper) and continue to a top speed of 135 mph. The 2.0 litre engine features TWINPORT intelligent fuel saving technology which results in an increase in power and a drop in fuel consumption of up to 10 per cent in everyday driving conditions. The Astra 2.0 SRi 170 bhp returns 31.4 mpg on a combined cycle with CO2 emissions of of 218 g/km.

The new Astra is excellent to drive around town and it is equally at home on the Motorway and dual carriageway where it cruises effortlessly. The 2.0 litre turbocharged engine offers more than adequate power through all the gears and as you would expect of Vauxhall it is quiet and refined. The new standard six-speed manual gearbox is superb offering precise and fluid gear changes whilst sixth gear allows easy Motorway cruising and better fuel economy.

Service intervals for petrol engines are every 20,000 miles or 2 years (whichever occurs sooner). Bear in mind that the Astra flexible service interval warning takes individual driving style into account and indicates the time when maintenance is due.

How It Drove - Ride and Handling

According to Vauxhall one of the main criteria when developing the new Astra was to create a car which is truly rewarding to drive and they have succeeded.

The basic chassis is similar to the outgoing model with MacPherson struts and lateral control arms at the front whilst the rear wheels are attached to a specifically adapted torsion beam axle with a double-walled, U-shaped profile. The chassis track is now 32 mm wider which improves road holding and gives more cabin space inside. SRi models feature a 'Sports Chassis' which has been lowered by a further 15 mm than other cars in the range which enhances stability and improves grip. The ride was firm but comfortable although when sport mode is selected the ride becomes noticeably firmer.

The electro-hydraulic power steering is map controlled which means that the cars speed and the rate at which the steering wheel is turned determines the level of power assistance and results in superbly weighted steering that is direct and precise. The turning circle (kerb-to-kerb) is 10.55m (34.6ft).

The SRi model is also equipped with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Electronic Stability Programme-plus (ESP-plus) and 'Sports' driving mode switch which are designed to assist the driver in maintaining control during acceleration, cornering and avoidance manoeuvres ensuring that the Vauxhall Astra SRi is safe and surefooted.

The standard ESP Plus with Traction Control is a driving stability system which applies selective brake activation assisting you in maintaining control of your car boosting driver excitement and safety.