Vauxhall Astra (Diesel)

There was a time when you wouldn’t look twice at a Vauxhall Astra. It was endlessly there in the traffic like a repetitive wallpaper design, familiar and unremarkable. Its image has suffered from being neither as boldly designed and energising to drive as the bestselling Ford Focus, nor as solidly built as the iconic Volkswagen Golf.

All that changed when the new, fifth generation Astra started appearing on the roads. It is well worth a second look, and not just because it now has a more sharply sculpted body than its predecessor, with bigger headlights, assertive grille, tauter silhouette and far more distinctive tail-end styling. It is a much bolder, more interesting and capable car all round.

The new Vauxhall Astra range extends through all the many combinations of seven trim levels, four transmissions and seven engines – three of them diesels. Initially there is only one body style, the five-door hatchback. Of the three diesel engines, two are in the range from the start: both 1.7-litre CDTi units, with power outputs of 80 and 100bhp. The most powerful of the trio, a 1.9-litre, 150bhp CDTi.

Both the 1.7 diesels come with a five speed manual gearbox. The 1.9 comes with a six-speed manual box. Stung by accusations that the old Astra, although successful was a bit dull, Vauxhall has flooded the new one with technology. There is an optional adaptive suspension system with electronic stability control. It includes a ‘sport’ setting that lets you stiffen the suspension while also sharpening the responses of the steering and accelerator. You can opt for AFL headlights (Adaptive Forward Lighting), first seen on the Vectra Estate and engineered to give a better night-time view into corners. Another useful accessory is hill-start assist, which automatically maintains brake pressure to stop you rolling back when pulling away on a slope.

There are interesting options for sound too. If you’re turned into digital radio and have an MP3 player at home, you can now have them in the car as well. But lots of gadgets are only a sideshow to the main issue: how the car behaves on the road, and this is where the new Astra acquits itself particularly well. On a variety of snaking and frequently potholed roads in Provence used as the launch venue, the car impressed us with its confident handling, absorbent ride, precise steering and general quietness. The 1.7-litre, 100bhp diesel performs well with plenty of punch and good fuel economy. It feels torquey through the gears and its refinement isn’t bad once you get it wound up across country. In urban driving there’s a guttural rumbling, which is at times intrusive but it isn’t an unpleasant or harsh level of noise.

Almost three seconds faster than the 1.7 lump, the 1.9 diesel is a strong performer, with 0-60 acceleration of under nine seconds, and a top speed of 130 mph. But it is still economical, giving better than 50 miles to the gallon. It is more refined than the smaller diesel, partly thanks to that extra gear that moderates the engine note for high-speed cruising. Because it is bigger all round than the current Astra (5.5inches longer, 1.5 inches taller and an inch wider), the new one feels noticeably roomier inside. It is also better kitted out, with a much fresher and more contemporary interior clad in softer, classier plastics.

The new Vauxhall Astra isn’t perfect, but it is very good

Key Features of the Vauxhall Astra

Very Good interior space
Excellent to drive
Low running costs
Easy to service and maintain (long service intervals)
Good MPG
Low Insurance Rating

Similar Models to the Vauxhall Astra

Renault Megane, Citroen C4, Peugeot 307, Ford Focus, VW Golf

Diesel Hatchbacks - Further Information

If you require any further information or would like some assistance with deciding upon which diesel hatchback would best be suited to you and your business then please contact us at sales@denburydiesels.co.uk