New Vauxhall Astra review: has it saved the family hatchback?

It’s fair to say that the popularity of family hatchbacks has dwindled in recent years; more and more people are turning towards fashionable SUVs, with only one family hatch – the Volkswagen Golf – making it into the UK’s top 10 best-sellers list year-to-date. The new Vauxhall Astra, however, promises to reinvigorate the segment with its striking design, tech-filled interior and range of efficient engines. But is it enough to tempt buyers away from their coveted crossovers? Rich is here to find out.

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00:00 - Introduction
00:42 - Design
01:32 - Interior & technology
02:43 - Trim levels & specifications
03:31 - Engines & powertrains
04:27 - Driving impressions
05:23 - Running costs
06:03 - Practicality & boot space
07:25 - Dealmakers & dealbreakers
08:10 - Verdict

[Jay-B]

I've never been keen on the Astra but this looks superb and seems very a very well rounded package! The only niggle I'd say was screens could do a cap over the top of it to help with glare/reflection, really hope Stellantis bring the Giulietta back.

[davidcameron]

It has a Camero front end, so much better than a lot of others. Well done vauxhall.

[peterrolt]

I am glad this is a good car, very economical to run without resorting to batteries. It may not have the torque of an EV but in real world situations that is not as important as reviewers make out.

[pipoo]

I’ve had the GS Line in that yellow for two weeks now, it replaced a previous MK7 Astra. About the only thing that’s the same is the fact it’s badged as an Astra, it’s a completely different car in every way. The upgrade to the pure panel pro with glass panel screen surrounds really finishes off the interior and it’s a very comfortable car for a long distance drive, having driven it from London Aberdeen. If this car can’t save the hatchback then I sadly think nothing can.

[robsawalker]

That sea of shiny black plastic around the screen is a massive no-no for me. Rank. Shame, because it looks great from the outside.

[l.n]

I agree wholeheartedly with his comment about a "sense of quality", these cars are not luxury cars however the design choices are in my opinion perfect, there is nothing even in my 2007 Astra H that makes me think it was poorly thought out, everything is designed for purpose.

[jamesmccormack]

I have seen a few of these now in the metal and they are really nice, a couple have been in black and it looks really stealth like, its a handsome looking car.

[jordansands]

I have one of these on order, I went for the ultimate which comes with a better sound system, sunroof, wireless charging and other extras that the gs line doesn’t come with, if it’s gonna be a long term car 110% get the ultimate over the gs line 👍🏻

[garymason]

I went and sat in one several months ago and what I didn't like was the vast amounts of that piano black surround on the screens. It looked a bit naff and will look dated quite soon. I think the exterior styling will look dated soon too.

[anthonystevens]

I must admit I do like the look of the car even if those performance looks might not translate to the performance on the road. Looking at the target market it's a family car that thrashing around is less likely to be the stable drive. With that well thought out interior and sensible equipment I think it's definitely worth considering. It may not be the best at anything but it's a pretty good all round package as an SUV alternative. Test driving the alternatives is always recommended for any new car purchase, apologies, I know that 's probably obvious.

[frankheaton]

i have had mine for 2 weeks.i love it mine has the pro display.its a full glass with no breaks in it.full glass and metal back.

[dontpanicblink]

not going to mention you can get a manual gearbox too ?

[MrRicardo]

I hired one recently for a week a 1.2 Turbo GS Line. Extremely impressive car and quick. Build quality is brilliant and it's extremely comfortable to drive. If you keep the cruise control on larger motorway journeys just below 70 mph about 67 mph then we found the fuel consumption around 58 mpg which I think is brilliant. I am not sure what the reviewer is talking about as far as the performance is concerned because it can go like a scolded cat if you push it. All in all we were very impressed with the car and we are seriously considering ordering a new one.

[jamiep]

I enjoyed watching the Video Review. GS Line Is expected to be the best seller In the UK 😊

[Kingsley-pn]

I must drive this beauty within 10 months. New Black colour ultimate version

[JoeJones-yz]

I have had my astra ultimate 1.2 130 bhp auto a month now and love it looks brill in white and black roof wheels lots of teck safety stuff very safe car drives great looks great lots of others say same who seen car. Lights amazing head up display brill very safe car to drive auto great only done 1000 miles up to now but love it looks great esp from front and back all round rearly good

[KINGSISQO]

I like it but how is a 1.2 130hp car £31k??? Only a few years ago 1.6 270hp was just under £30k and that WAS the top spec.

[mikeowen]

I think this astra will wipe the floor on sales of focus ect as the Corsa has with fiesta very good looking car

[AR-zrom]

When this goes EV next year I really hope they do a VXR version. That design would look amazing chavved up

[EngineerLewis]

Mr Reviewer, you have moved to the electric car world and so your comments are biased - most of us poor folk are still driving older petrol and diesel cars so comparing the new Astra with an electric car does not apply to us. Please consider the rest of the world who don't have the cash to buy new cars! Thanks🐫👍