Vauxhall Astra – A Review

by  |  On January 22nd, 2013  |  In Auto Reviews

Vauxhall Astra spells integrity and reliability but in a more compact form.  With a line-up of four diesels and six petrol engines, one can pick from a Sports Tourer or five-door Astra. There is an array of trim levels, aiming at different buyers with different buying capacity. A super sporting interior combines the urban chic, offering a al driving satisfaction. This is a great vehicle for everyday driving, that looks compact and is very practical. This is a fine addition to the new Astra range that not only looks good but more space than ever before.

Exterior and interiors

Considerably larger than almost all of its equals, Vauxhall Astra is by far the longest as it sits on a longer wheelbase. It gets beaten in width only by the Focus.  Astra might be wearing a higher price tag, but the buyers are sure to get every value for their money. One can see the shift from the dull lines of its predecessor to a cleaner and more sculpted look. In engineering terms, Vauxhall seems to have emerged as another winner. The engine is located very low in the car and this is a good move for front pedestrian safety as well as weight distribution. The rear styling is sculpted smart but steeply raked, that makes for smaller boots. The rear screen offers limited rear vision due to its smaller size. Those plain Jane interiors in the earlier models have transformed into classy ones. The dashboard is stylish and there are some clever touches of elegance in the design. The cabin is the best in its class and offers a real challenge to cars from the class above. However, Astra could do with some more improvements. The dashboard looks great but those scattered switches make it difficult to read.

Vauxhall-Astra

Engine and performance

The favorite engine in the rang is the 1.4 Turbo  for generating power on the road. With just an increase of 40kg over its immediate predecessor, Vauxhall deserves credit. Ahead of the old 1.8 Sri, Vauxhall Astra claims 0-60mph time of 9.0sec, thanks to the new smaller, turbo engine giving more torque.  A willing and smooth performer, however, the standard 1.6 is really rather unremarkable. Offering a sluggish performance, you will find the car seems slower. The engine does manage to spread its torque evenly though. You will find the tiny 1.3 CDTI turbodiesel motor straggles to tow the burden of the heavy Astra. The 1.7-litre diesel engine offers an optimistic view but noisy incarnations do interrupt.

Safety features

Vauxhall Astra has a strong body structure. There are at least six airbags in every model. An immobiliser and remote central locking are standard on all models while, the high end models come with an alarm.  Other safety features include Hydraulic Brake Fade Assist, Electronic Brake Force Dis, Brake Assist system, Cornering Brake Control and Emergency, electronic handbrake with Hill Start.

Pros

  • Great quality and sharp looks
  • good refine with a smooth ride
  • roomy interiors
  • quality interior finish
  • Punchy turbocharged petrol engines

Cons

  • expensive to buy and lease
  • vague steering
  • Fussy controls

Vauxhall Astra looks good and offers a good ride. This is a well executed compromise solution and the interaction between car and driver is less intense.  You will find Astra as dynamic in driving as it looks. The new suspension set-up makes for an improved agility and ride on the road. The powerful engines offer a much more exhilarating experience. The car has great looks, an athletic body plus a powerful performance. Enjoy that premium feel and innovative technology, both on the insides and outsides. To read more about this snazzy new drive, Find this model here.

Jyotsna Ramani is a passionate writer and an avid globetrotter. She had a knack for writing since her early years, though that was mostly letters to her penpals and jotting her thoughts down in her "Dear Diary". Over the years, she realized how her hobby could turn into a full time career and she started writing web content, books and pieces for local magazines. There has been no looking back ever since.

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