Vauxhall Astra - ASTRA-NOMICAL?

Vauxhall has rejuvenated its MK7 model Astra family hatch. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review
Vauxhall has delivered us a smarter, cleverer and more efficient version of its British-built seventh generation Astra. A fresh range of three cylinder petrol and diesel engines bring the oily bits up to date and make a big difference to running costs. Plus safety now meets today's higher class standards and you can specify extra high-end luxury features you couldn't have had before. In short, this Astra's now worth a second look.

Background
Despite Vauxhall's best efforts over more than three decades and six different generations, their Astra has rarely been the family hatchback its drivers would ideally have chosen to own. Not because it's ever been a bad car: just never a class-leading one. The kind of model you bought because it was good value. Or more likely, because you were given the keys by your company Fleet Manager. This seventh generation version was tasked to do better - and the signs are that in this face-lifted guise, it just might.

As you may expect, it's smarter-looking, but more importantly, it's significantly more efficient than before thanks to a range of fresh 3 cylinder petrol and diesel engines; the most frugal diesel can eke nearly 65 miles out of a gallon of DERV on the now much-stricter WLTP official test. And even the petrols can get around 50mpg. It still drives well too.

Driving Experience
The key changes here lie beneath the bonnet. Previously, there was just a single 3 cylinder engine in the range. Now the old units have gone and the line-up is built around this format. There are two fresh petrol units, a 1.2 developing either 110, 130 or 145PS and mated to 6-speed manual transmission. And a 1.4 putting out 145PS which has to be had with a new 7-speed CVT auto 'box. All the engines develop reasonable pulling power, with outputs ranging between 195 and 236Nm. Vauxhall's particularly pleased with throttle response with these engines, claiming that 90% of their pulling power is available within 1.5 seconds of pressing the accelerator.

Design and Build
You'd struggle to recognise this facelifted model as being different from earlier versions of the MK7 Astra design. The only visual changes lie with small tweaks to upper and lower sections of the front grille, these apparently contributing to a more aerodynamic profile. As before, buyers choose between the standard five-door hatch body shape, or a five-door Sports Tourer estate variant. Fortunately, the exterior lines of the silhouette are wearing well. A nice touch is the 'floating' roof, an effect created by a dark trim on the C-pillar and highlighted by a chrome strip that runs the length of the roof.

Market and Model
Prices aren't very different from before, starting from just under £19,000 and range up to around £28,000 across the range of hatches and estates spread across the usual wide range of trim options. Vauxhall wants to emphasise that safety standards have taken a decent step forward with this facelift, courtesy of the installation of a new digital front camera, which is both smaller and more powerful than before thanks to a faster processor. It now not only recognises vehicles, but also pedestrians, greatly improving safety.

Cost of Ownership
Put simply, you're not going to find an Astra that's going to cost you a huge amount to run. Even the 1.4 petrol turbo returns up to 49.6mpg on the WLTP cycle and up to 132g/km of WLTP-rated CO2. For the two 1.2-litre units, the WLTP figures are up to 54.3mpg and up to 120g/km of CO2. The 1.5-litre CDTi diesels will manage much more. Both the manual black pump-fuelled models manage up to 64.2mpg and up to 117g/km. While the 122PS auto returns up to 57.6mpg and up to 130g/km.

Vauxhall reckons these figures are helped immeasurably by this Astra's slippery bodywork - it's the most aerodynamic car in its class with a sleek 0.26Cd.

Summary
In a family hatchback class stuffed with appealing options, it would be easy perhaps to overlook this seventh generation Astra - or at least to assume it to be an also-ran in this tightly-fought segment. You shouldn't do that - and it isn't. Especially now. The new engines bring this Vauxhall back to the forefront of the Focus segment and offer levels of efficiency that rivals struggle to beat. And your local dealer is likely to give you a very sharp deal too.

Assuming you get that, you'll also get yourself a car that feels quite up to the challenge posed by an army of efficient, plush and dynamically able rivals.

[hydroop]

Bought the Astra K last year, it was 3 years old when i bought it. Got the 1.6 CDTI 136HP engine + automatic transmission, big navi, heated seats and steering wheel and the very cool IntelliLux Matrix LED. It's been great for the whole year, no issues at all.
It drives well, it is comfortable and i got it very very cheap. A Golf or A3 with similar equipment would have cost me 5.000 - 10.000 Euros more. But then again, i got mine really really cheap at only 13.000€. They usually go around 15.000 - 16.000€ with that equipment, so i got lucky.

[MrKanjidude]

Maybe I'm a bit odd, but I really, really like how it looks. I don't know anything about the long-term reliability and economics of owning an Opel (they're not very popular here in Sweden), but visually I absolutely dig it.

[stephendodge]

I purchased new in January 2021 a Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer petrol with the 1.4 three cylinder engine with a cvt gearbox, in June last year I did a 240 mile round trip with the air con on and, I averaged 56 mpg, all in all a very good car but, the three cylinder engine is quite noisy when accelerating but is very quiet and smooth when cruising.

[klaseronen]

I particularly love the analogue gauges.

[-DC-]

Half price within 12 months you'd have to be insane to buy one new.

[CynicalMiracal]

Loving my 2017 gm biturbo 160 ps astra k elite :-) happy to see the newer version doesnt have anything that interests me, that said, loved the video, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[scoopermg]

The estate version doesn't feature in the UK Vauxhall website.... Why is this?

[willotoole]

I liked the astra pre Facelifted version from 2015-2019. Looks great and clean looking. This facelift looks great at the front and bland interior and the gauges are from the insignia. There isn't even a hot hatch model yet for it. Anyway another great informative review and keep up the great content.

[windycity]

I got a 21 plate Griffin edition and I love it. It looks smart and is a great drive. One thing, I have only driven a car with a manual handbrake, so I have to get used to an electronic parking brake.

[grantmarshall]

I’d love a diesel automatic version of this as a Motability customer when I’m due to replace my perfect Seat Leon 1.6 tdi with dsg gearbox. Unfortunately, an astra-nomical advance payment has thus far been prohibitive. Generally this can equate to higher depreciation, so unfair of Motability to pass this cost on. If I’m able to afford one, I’ll look forward to fine driving dynamics that renowned driving coaches have been speaking of

[pipoo]

Anyone who thinks the K lacked good engines never drove the 1.6 turbo petrol versions. It’s probably the reason Vauxhall never bothered with a VXR version, they didn’t need to.

[eddiejones.redvees]

I have the previous Astra j with the 1.6 diesel which I find to be excellent probably because my previous car was A 3 cylinder vw 1.4 TDI polo now having the extra cylinder especially the diesel engine I wouldn’t go back to 3 again

[patrickb]

Excellent review as always, Jonathan. Well done!

[simonh]

The best model was the pre-facelift 1.6T. Fast, economical and more reliable than the 1.0T and 1.4T. They also got the watts link at the rear which actually made the handling quite fun, unlike the competent but dull drive of those without it.

[nigelbryant]

Respect to you Jammy. Sad J has lost his life

[toyday]

Very professional review. Congratulations. I'm opt for the Astra 1.5d 122hp 6 speed manual rich Elegance edition next month. Hopefully the new engine will be more reliable than the good-old 1.6 cdti.

[keithgompertz]

I ‘m sure GM removed that Watt linkage a while back? I would consider, if the dealers had a better reputation.

[constantinegiotopoulos]

Never ever considered an Opel, but this one looks actually good. It offers a much better value for money than its competitors. I feel it's really missing a mild hybrid design. Also the rear visibility seems to be limited compared to a Golf or Focus. If they offer some alluring financing options before the launch of the new Astra generation I will seriously think of buying one, it seems like a top family car option.

[ekmetaldetecting]

GREAT VIDEO IS THE 1.4 TURBO PETROL ENGINE GOOD

[kp]

Opels are good cars. Ford focus and VW golf should be considered too when it comes to buy one. Perhaps between those 3 I'd go for the golf.