17 November 2023 , 17:35
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I'll be honest with you, before this review, I had thought of the Vauxhall Astra as a tired, old design sort of thing your mum buys kind of car. It seems to have been on this earth for as many years as I have, I hadn't anticipated that it would surprise or thrill me in any way. How wrong I was.
The Astra has long been a staple in the compact car market, known for its practicality and affordability. But rather than rest on their laurels, with the release of the new Vauxhall Astra, the British automaker has taken a fresh approach to this beloved model, delivering a car that redefines what a compact vehicle can be.
Upon first sight, the new Astra stands out with its modern and sleek design. The sharp lines and bold front grille give the car a confident and contemporary appearance. It's clear that Vauxhall aimed to bring the Astra into the future, and it has succeeded in doing so without sacrificing the model's identity.
It looks good from any angleThe driving experience is where the new Astra truly shines. The car is available with a range of efficient and responsive engines, from the punchy three-cylinder petrol options to the economical diesel choices. During my test drive, I opted for the 1.2-litre Ultimate Hybrid model, which delivered an impressive balance of power and fuel efficiency. The Astra's handling was nimble and agile, making it a joy to navigate both city streets and winding country roads.
This was good because I was heading to the annual Goodwood Festival, which isn't exactly a destination you reach by a straight road; I turned out to be grateful to be in an Astra.
The interior of the new Astra is a step up from its predecessors, offering a refined and comfortable space. The seats are supportive, and the cabin is well-insulated from road and wind noise. The infotainment system is user-friendly and intuitive, offering features like smartphone integration (hello again Apple Play, I've missed you!), navigation, and a responsive touchscreen.
Safety is a top priority for Vauxhall, and the new Astra is equipped with a suite of advanced safety features. These include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and traffic sign recognition. During my test drive, these features provided an added layer of confidence because there's often nothing better on a long drive than turning on the driver assist to let a car do the heavy lifting.
The interior is suitably futuristicOne standout aspect of the new Astra is its practicality. It offers a spacious interior with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The boot space is also generous, making it ideal for families or anyone who values versatility in their vehicle.
The Vauxhall Astra has always been known for its affordability, and the new model continues this tradition. It's competitively priced at from £27,796, offering a lot of value for the money; it will do 43 miles on pure electric, which is better than many competitors. The efficient engines and low running costs further sweeten the deal for budget-conscious buyers.
In conclusion, the new Vauxhall Astra is a modern and impressive take on a classic model. It combines contemporary design, a comfortable and well-equipped interior, and a spirited driving experience, all while maintaining the affordability that has made the Astra a perennial favorite.
Whether you're a loyal Astra owner or new to the Vauxhall family, this car is certainly worth considering. It's a testament to Vauxhall's commitment to evolving their models while staying true to their roots. It's a car I am already recommending to friends, who often come to the table with the kind of misplaced preconceptions I had, until I tell them: 'But listen...'