New Vauxhall Astra In Depth UK Review 2023 - The Last Of Its Kind?

The Vauxhall Astra. It's long been the staple of the company car park and this eighth generation version aims to combine this model line's traditional no-nonsense appeal with a bit of extra flair, courtesy of French-derived underpinnings which also bring the option of electrification.

For years, Vauxhall has struggled to make its Astra an engaging showroom choice in the family hatchback segment, but perhaps it's time has come. This eighth generation model was the last model in the brand's line-up to move away from the platforms of previous company owner General Motors and adopt the Stellantis Group EMP2 underpinnings and engines used in similarly-sized Peugeots and Citroens. But as you can see from the pictures, it retains very much its own identity. And yes, you'd notice one in the showroom.
Which is a definite step forward from an era where an Astra was a choice you made based on price or efficiency. But very rarely on heart or desire. Yes, underneath, it's basically the same as a Peugeot 308 or a DS 4; but you feel here that Vauxhall is at last reinventing itself as a more interesting brand with cars like this one. Let's take a closer look.


⏳ TIMESTAMPS ⏳
00:00 Overview
00:23 Background
02:40 Driving Experience
11:44 Design & Build
27:28 Market Model & Range
42:05 Cost of ownership
48:44 Summary

**CAR REVIEW PLAYLISTS**

**FOLLOW OSV ON**

[narmypara]

I have just got the ultimate in black with all the toys ..diesel 1.5 engine ..drives like fresh air smooth ..powerfull silent and cheap to run ..suprisingly its as nippy as my old cavalier sri 130 i had when younger..thers zero sound from the engine ona smooth run ..diesels are the best imo ..way bestter than petrol and stupid electric..50 qid i tank and you can drive forever

[andydavis]

Great looking car. Better than a Golf 8 according to Thomas from Autogefuhl

[robtt]

Just buy the petrol version . Virtually the same consumption, lighter and a lot cheaper .

[mrgurulittle]

I wish Vauxhall was more British. This is a mashup of French engineering, German design, and British signature.

[aciddiver]

Dont like the "no grill" and the piano lack interior. Otherwise a nice car.

[hotpointbrownlover]

love to see a review of a vw calfornia ocean

[dipcxqe]

I just wish theyd change the steering wheel ots uguly

[Andy_ATB]

A shame there'll be no 'Hot Hatch' GTE, SRi all consigned to the dustbin.

[eddiejones.redvees]

I have only seen two on the road the one Passing my Astra j on the motorway one in a car park giving me I chance to look at it it looks like the old square viva I think a will stay with my rounder bodied j

[MirceaAgrigoroaie]

Nah, sry, the K will be the last Opel for me. I still enjoy it and it still feels modern and new to me. Will never buy PSA junk.

[IncognitoX]

Great looking car, petrol models would be great, if it didn't use that idiotic cambelt in oilbath. No thanks. just an accident waiting to happen.

[Lfc-kdkr]

Car has some faults no phone charger ports need adapters need to start car to open windows if not if it’s been standing for a bit info pack not much information in them about the car or how to use the dashboard

[wayfaringcookie]

The colour on the bumper is so poor. It's a completely different shade from the car body.

[aciddiver]

That 3 cylinder will be finished before 100.000 kms

[jeremylister]

Ok outside.
Very disappointing inside. Materials, slabby, dumb controls grey grey grey.
Its so easy to design a near perfect car, so why do so many make fundamental design mistakes?
Regarding rear space, that bonnet length seems excessive.
I guess this thing has a wet belt too..?
Previous model far better.
Vauxhall need a grounded sensible person in charge, someone unswayed by fashion.

[bondjamesbond]

Spend a bit more and buy the new Civic. The Civic is a far superior vehicle.