Model tested: Vauxhall Astra 1.6i 16v (115) Design H5 Manual
Price as tested: £15,385
Range price: £10,995-18,475
Insurance group as tested: 7E
Insurance group range: 4E-17E
Date tested: April 2007
Road tester: Adrian Higgins
Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 79%
UK motorists have bought two million Vauxhall Astras since the model hit our streets in 1980.
The current fifth generation model was launched in 2004 and should definitely be considered if you are thinking of getting a five door hatchback.
But is it the one to buy? We drove a mid-to-high range Design trim model for a week to find out.
Looks | Looks Inside | Practicality | Ride and Handling | Performance
Running Costs | Reliability | Safety | Equipment | X-Factor | Rivals
1. Looks
Black Astras are arguably the most eye-catching but the silver model we drove was smart too. The front-sloping waistline gives it a dynamic appearance while at the rear the hatch opening sits well between the rear light clusters which have been subtly redesigned for 2007. The above-mid-range Design model also boasts 16-inch ten spoke alloy wheels.
8/10
2. Looks inside
The fuel gauge, rev counter and speedo are visible and easy to read through the easily-adjustable steering wheel, while the central console is uncluttered and classy. The complementary grey, silver and black plastics are easy on the eye and robust throughout. The overall effect is calming and stylish, while the part-leather seats are comfortable – with good lumbar support.
8/10
3. Practicality
With all seats in place the Astra offers 350 litres of boot space. However you can increase the storage to 1300 litres by folding all the seats. There is plenty of legroom and headroom for occupants both in the front and rear seats. The glove box is a decent size too.
7/10
4. Ride and Handling
You’d expect a hatchback with a heritage dating back to 1980 to handle well while offering a comfortable ride and the Design trim Astra does both. It’s comfortable for long journeys while nippy enough to suit urban driving.
8/10
5. Performance
We drove the manual 115bhp 1.6 litre petrol model - 0-62mph in 10.8 seconds and a top speed of 120 mph - which was perfectly adaptable for urban and motorway driving. However, there is a huge range of Astras for buyers to choose from with petrols, diesels, automatics and budgets to suit a wide range of tastes and budgets.
8/10
6. Running Costs
The petrol-powered 1.6-litre Design model returns an average of 43.5mpg while car tax comes to £140 a year. Insurance varies greatly depending on model again but ours falls into Group 7 which is pretty reasonable. Buyers get a three year/60,000 mile warranty and Vauxhall Assistance breakdown cover for the first 12 months. Its value, from new, will drop by almost a half in the first year but improves each further year you own it.
7/10
7. Reliability
The model has been around nearly three decades and the latest version was launched in 2004 so all should be well here – Astras have a good reputation. The latest car appears to be built to a very high standard
8/10
8. Safety
You can’t get better than five stars from the EuroNCAP crash tests and that’s exactly what the Astra got. Each one comes with six airbags in case of an accident and anti-lock braking system and electronic stability program to reduce your chances of having one.
9/10
9. Equipment
There are nine trim levels to choose from in the Astra range – which explains the huge variation in price between the cheapest and most expensive models. The entry level Expression comes with electric front windows, anti-lock braking system and radio/CD player. Among the extras enjoyed by those going for the Design model we drove are 16-inch alloy wheels, trip computer, rain-sensitive wipers and electric rear windows. Top of the range Elite models get leather trim and cruise control while the sporty SRi adds 17-inch alloys and a rear spoiler.
7/10
10. X-Factor
Flexibility. This is a very good five door hatch offering drivers a comfortable motorway cruiser as well as a capable urban runaround. The Astra is a very competent car.
9/10
Rivals
You might want to consider:
Ford Focus
Kia Cee’d
Volkswagen Golf
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