Vauxhall Astra Hatchback (2022 - ) review

The Astra comes with all the safety kit you’d expect of a modern hatchback, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, steering corrections to keep you in lane, drowsiness detection and cameras that read signs and display the current speed limit for the driver. Going up a trim level increases the scope of this system to all signs and that of the forward collision warning while also adding ‘stop and go’ functionality to the standard cruise control. It’s a shame you have to go to the top trim level for blind-spot warnings and rear cross traffic alert given how useful these features are in everyday driving, this model also getting Vauxhall’s high-tech active LED headlights to take the stress out of night driving.

In an age of tall, firm-riding crossovers and SUVs it’s a pleasure to be reminded how much more comfortable to drive a traditional hatchback can be. Wisely, Vauxhall has followed the related Peugeot 308’s lead and puts comfort ahead of supposed sporty aspirations, though the light, direct steering and general sense of responsiveness mean it’s actually decent to drive as well. As ever wheel size plays a big part in comfort and the 17-inch ones on the mid-level trim offer a better compromise of grip and comfort than the 18s on the top spec cars. Vauxhall’s long partnership with a respected German ‘healthy backs’ body called AGR means the seats in most models carry their seal of approval and certification, the higher trim levels getting bigger side bolsters and different upholstery but all delivering on the comfort promise. It’s not quite so good in the back, legroom a little tight behind a six-foot driver and headroom hardly generous either, especially for the middle seat. Boot space is typical for the class, though it’s worth noting hybrids lose the underfloor storage and a little overall volume as a result.

Huge credit to Vauxhall for making the buying process nice and easy, with a logical three-step progression through Design, GS Line and Ultimate trim levels. Equipment is pretty generous as well, all models getting a paired digital instrument display and 10-inch central touchscreen with GS Line and up integrating this behind a single pane of glass for a properly premium look that puts even a Golf to shame. Thankfully manual buttons remain for controlling basics like volume and ventilation as well. Some of the plastics feel a bit cheap and the operating system powering the infotainment isn’t the slickest out there but wireless phone mirroring is at least standard across the range so you can just use your favourite apps via CarPlay or Android Auto if you prefer. GS Line is expected to be the biggest seller, the contrast black roof, standard dual-zone climate and other features meaning it both looks more distinctive and boasts additional creature comforts.

Again, Vauxhall has stripped complexity out of the range by offering just a single petrol option (in two power outputs), a single diesel and then the new plug-in hybrid. The standard engines are available with a manual gearbox, the automatic option offering extra functionality through the active cruise control. We tried the 130 horsepower petrol with the manual and, for a small engine, it pulls well and only really sounds strained if you’re thrashing it. The diesel was a little more relaxed in its power delivery but noisier, while the hybrid was the most impressive, with a silent electrified lunge off the line and smooth performance all the way up to motorway speeds. The switch between petrol and electric power is slick enough to be unnoticeable while the range on battery power alone is close to 40 miles and, unlike some hybrids, it doesn’t feel like you have to nurse it to avoid the petrol motor kicking in. The gearbox can get a bit busy on steep hills or if you really have to gun it to merge onto fast-moving motorway but the rest of the time it’s very refined and was showing over 70mpg on a mixed test route. A more powerful 225 horsepower version will follow but the 180 horsepower one we drove felt plenty strong enough.