2016 Vauxhall Astra reviewed
For many years the Vauxhall Astra has sat very near the top of the UK sales charts despite not being all that near the top of the charts for dynamic ability, quality, practicality or style. However, the latest generation of the Astra has upped its game incredibly in pretty much every area. So, does the 2016 Astra now have what it takes to trouble the very best small family hatchbacks?
In fairness the latest Astra isn’t exactly a huge departure from previous versions when it comes to styling. However the details are a little bit sharper and a little bit crisper and this is evident in the swept-back headlamps. You’ll also quickly notice the predominant side panel crease running through both door handles. The door handles, mirrors and bumper are all body coloured on every single version of the Astra. You also get alloy wheels and LED daytime running lights as standard. In fact, aside from the front fog lamps that you get on high end Sri and Elite models then all Astras look pretty much the same.
Inside the Astra there’s really is a lot to like. You get a good view outside, there’s loads of adjustment for your seating position and the dashboard is well ordered and mostly easy to use. We say “mostly” because the infotainment system could be a little bit more intuitive. However, what the infotainment system does give you is a more high-tech feel and if you can work out how to use it then it does give you some pretty clever functionality.
On quality the Vauxhall Astra is a bit of a mixed bag. For example the piece of plastic between the driver seat and front passenger seat, along with one or two other bits, has a cheap feel to it. However, most of what you do see and touch is finished to an impressively high standard. Also impressive is the Astra’s practicality because there’s enough room in the back for two gangly adults to get comfortable. Added to this is the boot which is a decent size at 370 litres.
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The vast majority of Astras will be run as company cars and for that reason most people will automatically choose the 134bhp 1.6 litre diesel. This is not only because it’s the engine with the lowest Co2 emissions but it’s considerably punchy at the bottom of the rev range and stays pretty quiet most of the time. It only gets a little bit clattery if you really put your foot down. The really smart company drivers will go for the 1.0 litre 3 cylinder turbo charged petrol engine which gives 103bhp. The emissions on this unit aren’t quite as low but because you escape the 3% diesel surcharge and due to the list price being that much lower to begin with then your monthly tax bills will be even lower.
The Astra really is a very nice car to drive. The engineers have kept it light which really pays dividends with the car’s agility. When you chuck in the strong grip, the tightly controlled body movement and the direct steering then you’ve got a really impressively nimble feeling car. You will notice a slightly firm edge to the ride which means it’s not quite as cosseting as some family hatchbacks but it’s certainly comfortable enough to be getting on with.
The latest Astra is now a very polished all-rounder. It’s good to drive, pleasant to sit in, well equipped and affordable to buy and run. It’s still not the absolute best car of its type but in all honestly it isn’t really that far off.
