Reviews of the Vauxhall Astra Hatchback

The new Vauxhall Astra has gained attention for its impressive design and a range of features that enhance its appeal in the competitive family hatchback market. It stands out with its head-turning looks and comes equipped with a generous amount of standard equipment. Additionally, the build quality is noted to be high, potentially rivalling that of Volkswagen.

Rivals to the Vauxhall Astra include the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf and Honda Civic.

Our Vauxhall Astra review covers:

• Modern and striking exterior aesthetic
• Well-appointed and equipped interior
• 422-litre boot, expanding to 1,389 litres with rear seats down
• Choice of petrol engines or as a plug-in hybrid
• Three trim levels are available: Design, GS and Ultimate

Pros:

• Interior Quality
• Driving Dynamics
• Engine Performance

Cons:

• Rear Space
• Not the most fun to drive
• Automatic box can be jumpy

The new Vauxhall Astra exhibits a design that marks a notable departure from its predecessors, embracing a more modern and striking aesthetic. It features a sharp-looking exterior with a focus on sleek lines and contemporary styling, which helps it stand out in the highly competitive family hatchback segment.

In terms of practicality, the Astra is designed to meet the needs of everyday family use. However, it's worth noting that while the front of the cabin offers ample space, the rear seat area is slightly more constrained. This might be a consideration for those regularly carrying adult passengers in the back. The car's visibility and ease of driving contribute to its practical nature, making it suitable for a variety of driving scenarios.

The boot space of the Astra is competitive within its class but not the largest. The standard boot capacity stands at 422-litre boot, expanding to 1,389 litres with rear seats down. However, for those requiring more space, particularly for larger loads or family trips, the Astra might fall a bit short when compared to some rivals like the Skoda Octavia. It's also worth noting that the hybrid models have a reduced boot capacity due to the placement of batteries. For those needing more space, Vauxhall offers an estate variant, which typically provides greater luggage capacity.

The interior of the Astra is well-designed, offering a contemporary and tidy appearance. Although it doesn't match the extravagance of luxury brands, it competes admirably with counterparts from Ford and Volkswagen.

The design minimizes clutter by integrating less frequently used controls into the infotainment system, while essential buttons are conveniently placed below the screen and on the steering wheel. The cabin features an array of high-quality, soft-touch materials that enhance the sense of refinement. The steering wheel's unique design and the interior's colour palette, predominantly darker tones accented with silver elements and glossy piano black finishes, contribute to an overall stylish ambience. The central console, particularly, is highlighted by these touches.

The dashboard is ergonomically designed, curving towards the driver, which not only aids in accessibility but also adds a cockpit-like feel, appealing to those who enjoy a more immersive driving experience.

Regarding technology, the Astra's infotainment system is solely operated via touchscreen, omitting a rotary dial, which is a feature in some other models. The screen itself is user-friendly, offering clear visuals and a well-organized layout. It allows for a range of adjustments, from radio settings to air conditioning controls, including airflow direction. The system includes standard features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone integration.

Additionally, the infotainment system is equipped with voice recognition capabilities, enhancing hands-free functionality. This feature allows for intuitive voice commands, like adjusting the heating system, and although such systems have their limitations, they perform effectively in most scenarios.

Three trim levels are available: Design, GS and Ultimate.

The entry-level Design models in the Astra lineup offer a range of features despite being the most affordable. They include essential tech like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for enhanced connectivity, which works seamlessly with the vehicle's large screen if your smartphone is compatible. Additionally, these models come with 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, air conditioning, and automatic lighting.

Moving up to the GS specification, which is positioned as the sportier option in the Astra range, the vehicle is equipped with a 10-inch colour touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster of the same size. This trim also includes standard features such as keyless entry and start, front and rear parking sensors, active cruise control, and 17-inch alloy wheels, enhancing both convenience and style.

The top-tier Ultimate trim is the most luxurious and, consequently, the priciest within the Astra range. It boasts distinctive two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels and advanced Matrix LED headlights. Privacy is enhanced with tinted windows at the rear. The interior is well-appointed, with virtually all features from the lower trims as standard. Notable additions include an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control, a rear-view parking camera, a superior six-speaker stereo system, comfort seats, and heated seating for both front and rear passengers.

The Vauxhall Astra offers a range of engine options, including standard petrol and diesel, as well as a plug-in hybrid variant. The petrol engines, available in 110hp and 130hp, can be paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. For other configurations, an eight-speed automatic transmission is provided, which might occasionally feel unrefined, particularly during stop-and-start traffic.

When it comes to the driving experience, the Astra offers a reliable and solid performance, though it might not match the exhilaration of some competitors like the Ford Focus. The steering is commendable, contributing to the car's ease of navigation on various road types.

The hybrid version of the Astra presents an appealing feature for urban driving. When sufficiently charged, it can operate solely on electric power for up to 43 miles, offering a quieter and more environmentally friendly drive. Additionally, the light steering across all models enhances the vehicle's manoeuvrability.

On longer journeys, such as motorway driving, the Astra provides a comfortable experience. Features like adaptive cruise control, standard in the mid-level GS Line models, add to the convenience, even in manual versions. The car's improved sound insulation aids in reducing external noise, contributing to a generally relaxing drive.

Overall, the Vauxhall Astra offers a compelling mix of style, equipment, and driving enjoyment, making it a strong contender in its class and a great leasing option.

The Vauxhall Astra is now available for purchase at a starting on-the-road price of £25,415.00*, or it can be leased with monthly payments starting from £261.13.

If you're considering leasing a Vauxhall Astra, we proudly offer excellent car leasing services in the UK. Our leasing deals include a manufacturer's warranty, road tax, breakdown insurance, and free delivery to most areas of the UK mainland (excluding specific regions).

Leasing a Vauxhall Astra can often be a more financially advantageous option compared to purchasing outright, thanks to the fixed monthly payments, variable mileage options, low initial rental, and flexible contract durations.

It's important to note that the 'on-the-road' price mentioned includes a year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee, and a number plate fee. Please be aware that this price is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change. To get the most up-to-date information, we recommend contacting your nearest retailer.