2 years later, here's what I think of the Vauxhall Astra (Full review)

The Astra K is sharp looking and sharp steering, but what do I think of the car, warts and all?

Arriving at the 2 year mark of ownership from new of this 2019 Vauxhall/Opel Astra, I wanted to get on record what I think of the car.

A full long term review of the Mk7 Astra in 1.6T (Petrol) Elite Nav specification, from driving experience, performance, handling, economy, comfort, refinement, styling and more.

Sold by Vauxhall in the UK, Opel in Europe, Holden in Australia and Buick in the US and China.

Spec: 1.6 Turbo Elite Nav 200

Covers 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 Astras.

#vauxhallastra #opelastra #astra #astrak

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[simonwallis]

We have got this exact colour and specification.
Ours is the 1.4 Turbo which still feels rapid, great acceleration with good torque.
The interior is amazing... lovely heated leather seats, dual zone climate control, 4 one touch windows.
My two daughters love putting the heated rear seats on.
Auto lights, auto wipers, cruise, it has an amazing equipment level.
But best of all it feels and looks very well put together... the exterior colour is stunning and contrasts very well with the black leather.
Loads of thoughtful touches too....
A very happy owner!

[ericlove]

Excellent video. I've the same model on a 68 plate and have covered 17k miles as well. My experiences mirror yours exactly, especially comfort level on longer journeys due to the firm leather seats, and stiff suspension. When purchased from the local Vauxhall Dealership I was told that the Elite Nav was quite a rarity, and on my travels I've only seen one other, a black one, identified by the twin pipes when he overtook and drove along ahead of me. With a light right foot I can easily achieve 42mpg on a tank, recorded on trip meter A, but overall consumption is around 37 to 38mpg on trip meter B. Unfortunately at my age, 66 and retired, it's brought out a bit of the, "boy racer" of my youth, in me, and I have to watch the speedo when overtaking on decent A roads as excessive speed is reached rather rapidly, without even needing to drop a gear. All in all the best Astra ever produced imo, and I've had a few since the 80's lol.

[pete]

Not having keyless go is a plus point with how many keyless go cars that are being stolen.

[bobsbits]

Absolute brilliant review. Answered all my queries. Many thanks

[LeeC]

I have the 1.4 turbo elite. Absolutely love it 👌

[jacklilley]

Just bought as Astra and picking up Thursday after watching this video and Carwow

[xgsd]

It's a hidden gem this car. I've just bought the 200 elite version and it shifts. Best spec car for the money 👍

[scottallan]

First time watching one of your reviews . Brilliant review and hardly any waffle . 👌👌👌

[lindsaymann]

Good review, one of the best I've seen in terms of everyday what-I-need-to-know. Thanks.

[redcross]

i have the exact same model in silver, it will be 3 years old this Sept very pleased with it.

[ebayresllerben]

Got the same car love it
1.6 turbo
197 bhp
300 torque
Lovely car and fast

[arcadesunday]

I personally love the K (looks, specifications, etc). I'm considering the 1.0T model, as I spend most of my driving time at low speed / city speeds. I'm currently driving the J 1.4T - which, honestly I've enjoyed a lot, but the K seems to be that much more refined, so for me would be a great upgrade. Thanks for the 2 year owner review.

[amanaxus]

I bought my Astra K 2 weeks ago (2019 1.2 130) and I have fallen in love :)

[Casavult]

I miss my 2018 Astra Elite Premium 1.4T. What an amazing car that was. Efficient, decent punch for a 1.4 Turbo and the handling was great.

[jamesthorley]

I have had the 1.4 2016 model for about a year now, love it

[Hitman-yrve]

Very interesting video I must say. I've got 2016 Elite Astra K (bought it almost two years ago here in Poland for approx. 8.000 pounds). I drive Sports Tourer version with 1.6CDTi 160PS, so bi-turbo. The feeling of driving is super nice. The car is dynamic and yet incredibly fuel effective (around 60-65 mpg on daily basis). Also, the infotainment system is still fresh after those 6 years. My car has got ventilated seats and it's really helpful here in Poland during hot summer days. Although, front headlight with matrix LEDs add the most value to the whole car. They might not be as advanced as matrix LED lights used in newer cars (new Astra L, Golf 8, Insignia, and I don't even mention Mercedes), but they still offer great visibility while driving at night. My car drove total 205k km (127k miles). I drove about 35k km of it (22k miles). And yes, the car has got some minor disadvantages: seats are hard indeed, there is lack of washer fluid indicator, the rear blinkers are just bulbs and not LEDs, same with internal lighting - just yellow bulbs. Even front fog lights are ugly yellow bulbs. I think I don't have to say how there look paired with so advanced and white headlights on the car... Moreover, mask holder is not pneumatic and there isn't any lighting on feet, even in Elite (top) version. For me those are just minor issues. More important things are to me are: safety, ergononomic and good looking interior and exterior, fuel efficiency, reliability and technologies which support the driver. I put in any of these 5 out of 5 mark and the little issues mentioned above make it 5- (5 with minus). I wouldn't switch to anything soon because summing up safety, technologies, looks and ergonomic with reliability win with any other similar car, especially in the price range. I definitely LOVE my car and I would definitely buy it again! Quick message to any of you who'd like to consider buying it: just try out the seats and judge for yourself. Other than than, you will be happy. Just pick the motor you want and avoid everything except maybe 1.4 petrol non-turbo 100PS. For me, 1.6CDTi 160PS is sweet spot. Also, cars with highest tier equipments (Elite) are usually worth your money. On top of that, Astra offered plenty of addons above Elite version and you usually won't overpay for couple of these like in premium cars. Those include AGR seats with massage and ventilation, LED Matrix headlights and few more. Cheers and I wish to you JJ and all your fans Happy New 2023 Year! Wish you all the best and thank you for the video :)

[frankmunster]

I‘m also driving the 1.6 Astra K with 200hp, i turned 18 half a year ago and it’s my first car. Drove it 7.8k kilometres now and never had any problems with it. The fuel consumption outclasses most of my friends even tho they drive cars with half the power of mine. It’s really efficient and just a fun car in general.
Good video, greetings from Germany !

[buzypea]

Great video. I’m on my 2nd Astra K 1.6 Turbo Elite Nav. Covered 25k miles in my first one and currently on 36k in my current one. Superb cars, I really love them, a real wolf in sheep’s clothing. While the seats are quite hard I’ve never found them uncomfortable. Did an 8 hour drive once up to the Lake District and seats were fine for me and my passengers. Not sure I would totally agree with you on the steering, it feels a bit numb in my opinion. It doesn’t really weight up when pushing on into a corner though it does go exactly where you point it.

[juansanchez]

Hi great review I’m buying a 1.0 SRI Nav from Eden Vauxhall car sales, 2016 57000 miles, for £7500 is a 2 owner car & a full years warranty, I need the 1.0 for where I live in London & for the fuel economy as I be doing quite a lot of long journeys, your review was really great 👍 cheers

[raymondhunt]

Nice review, just found your videos a refreshing change from the usual reviews that they always compare the cars to a VW Golf. Underrated car the Astra the 1.6 seems quick, the one I'd go for.