Slightly Shambolic SMMT Reviews: 2022 Vauxhall/Opel Astra L (Mark VIII) 1.2 GS-Line Manual

The next car was the 2022 Vauxhall/Opel Astra L (Mark VIII) 1.2 GS-Line Manual, based on the current Peugeot 308 platform. Be prepared for a nice manual gearbox, rather a lot of touch screen action, a new registration area for Vauxhall press cars. and very little of any interest at all. Nothing untoward, then!

Theme Music "A Song For Humans" by Laurence Callaghan and The Tin Cans
Copyright 2013 Bezalel Records

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[simonhodgetts]

I like these a lot - the first genuinely interesting ‘Vauxhall’ in years

[dominicjackson]

Interesting that you should comment on the mark 1 Astra as there are hints of that shape at the trailing edge of the rear doors in the triangular shapes. But £28k for an Astra seems a bit steep. I guess inflation has hit the automotive industry but once upon a time a mid spec Astra was in the under £20k bracket.

[Retrox]

Ordered mine in June 22. 14 months later i'm still waiting.

[zzhughesd]

Glad you’ve looked at this. Best. ‘Interesting’ Astra in years.

[scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

I like this a lot, but I think there is more Peugeot/Citroen Switch gear in there which is not a bad thing, I think the styling is just right.

Excellent Review as always Sir.

[seancooke]

I don't usually get very excited about modern cars but I do like to figure out if they are evolution or revolution, preferably inspired by older designs, like the Rover SD1 or Renault Supercinq.
On this new Astra I see hints of Ford Focus, Skoda and Fiat Tipo in the rear treatment. The nose and bonnet has definite Chevrolet Camaro influence.
So well done Stellantis, very clever.
Those teeny tiny centrally positioned rear wipers really give me the giggles. Are they there to ease the transition from left hand drive to right, or are they simply a fashion accessory ? Either way they are hopeless.
The Chevron uses the Lion to refine the Griffin.
I prefer Chrome and silver alloys as well as a chrome face.

[TrevorBuick]

We had a Vauxhall Astra L, but it didn't look like that 🤣and I always wanted a GL to get a rev counter

[David_H-]

We do like a physical knob Joseph. The Golf 8 doesn't have a bonnet gas struts either . Not keen on the red trim on door cards or the black badges. I am sure its a great overall car but just doesn't really feel like a vauxhall to me. Thanks for the review.

[stevecoinitin]

Didn't say if you could replace a headlight bulb within 3 minutes....just joking, but its one of my gripes on modern cars.
As for this car, I was not a fan of its skin on 1st viewing, but watching you're decent review, its growing on me!
The 2 info screens are great, but cosmetic fitting should be even better at some point....having said that, both info screens are probably the best flush fit I've seen on an average modern car!
Really quite happy about the rest the car and although its looks so different, there is still a little reminder of the previous models rear end, which I always liked.
Thanks Joseph.

[pvtjoker]

I'm guessing the power fold mirrors need the switch turning to the power fold function icon before they'll work.

[Dino_Dad.]

not sure if we'll get this in Australia now Holden is gone. But Kia and Hyundai have the sector sewn up here..

[aciddiver]

After i bought an Insignia 2018 model, pretty much everything new, even in 2023, is a disappointment. Touch screen and bluetooth in the Insignia is real quick to connect. I tried in 22 mokka, not nearly as easy and fast connection. And interior is much more soft material in Insignia. And its intensely well driven. Smooth, soft and fast. Only negative i can think of, is its a bit slow to gear up (automatic gear).

[zzhughesd]

It’s like Back to the Future modern cars

[steffparr]

Will you be doing a review of the sports tourer version of the new astra?

[mattw]

These new generation Vauxhalls post GM look very smart. I'd prefer one in a brighter colour than this grey and black combination though.

[richardhowlett]

Slight echoes of Mk1 Astra in the C pillar . As with most cars now pleasant enough on the outside, utterly catastrophic inside.

[CortinasAndClassics]

Interesting, looks very much like the Hyundai Iconiq

[Mouse]

Not a fan of these touchscreen obsessed dashboards but otherwise a great looking car

[frothe]

I'm still reserving judgement on this Astra; there are some things that I like, and some that I am neutral.
I'm also conflicted about the styling. £28, 000 is a bit steep, but I remember the Chevrolet Cruze costing about that here in the US in dollars 💵 before being discontinued.
I wish Stellantis would import small vehicles like this instead of trucks; many who want small cars like an Astra have to go with Toyota, Nissan, Kia or Hyundai. I loathe this truck craze, it is so vulgar!

[paulie-Gualtieri.]

It's definitely different I'll give it that.