The diesel was a little more relaxed in its power delivery but noisier, while the hybrid was the most impressive, with a silent electrified lunge off the line and smooth performance all the way up to motorway speeds.
#Astra language switcher manual#
We tried the 130 horsepower petrol with the manual and, for a small engine, it pulls well and only really sounds strained if you’re thrashing it. The standard engines are available with a manual gearbox, the automatic option offering extra functionality through the active cruise control. Boot space is typical for the class, though it’s worth noting hybrids lose the underfloor storage and a little overall volume as a result.Īgain, Vauxhall has stripped complexity out of the range by offering just a single petrol option (in two power outputs), a single diesel and then the new plug-in hybrid.
#Astra language switcher driver#
It’s not quite so good in the back, legroom a little tight behind a six-foot driver and headroom hardly generous either, especially for the middle seat. Vauxhall’s long partnership with a respected German ‘healthy backs’ body called AGR means the seats in most models carry their seal of approval and certification, the higher trim levels getting bigger side bolsters and different upholstery but all delivering on the comfort promise. As ever wheel size plays a big part in comfort and the 17-inch ones on the mid-level trim offer a better compromise of grip and comfort than the 18s on the top spec cars.
Wisely, Vauxhall has followed the related Peugeot 308’s lead and puts comfort ahead of supposed sporty aspirations, though the light, direct steering and general sense of responsiveness mean it’s actually decent to drive as well. In an age of tall, firm-riding crossovers and SUVs it’s a pleasure to be reminded how much more comfortable to drive a traditional hatchback can be. More generally the market also seems to like the more straightforward range structure and residual values have jumped considerably over the previous model, which will help Vauxhall deliver competitive monthly finance deals. Private owners looking to realise the real benefits of hybrid ownership will have to factor in facility to plug in at home and perhaps consider ticking the box for the faster onboard charging option, so there may be some additional upfront costs to factor in here. The latter is considerably more expensive to buy upfront but Vauxhall reckons you’ll get that back in cheaper running costs, especially if you’re a company driver where Benefit In Kind comes in at around a third of what you’ll pay for a petrol or diesel. The range has been simplified to just a sixth of the confusing 90-plus options you had with the previous model, pricing reasonable and increasing respectively depending on whether you pick the petrol, diesel or hybrid engine option.
Vauxhall has traditionally positioned itself as a no-frills, high volume brand and the new Astra maintains that ethos but with a new-found sense of style as well.
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