Small family carIntroduced: 1998
Bodystyles: Three- and five-door hatchback, saloon, estate, coupé, cabriolet (plus Zafira seven-seat MPV, not discussed here)
Prices: from £2500; estates from £3000, SRI models from £5000, coupés from £6500, convertibles from £9000
4car rating:
The Astra is: not the most fashionable or cutting-edge car in its class, but a good honest performer that still stands its own against newer rivals. It's a lot more entertaining to drive than you'd think, with sharp handling, suspension tuned by Lotus and strong, torquey engines. It definitely has a solid Germanic feel to it, too. It comes in a wide variety of bodystyles, and the engines range from the uninspired 1.4 (90bhp) right up to the 2.0 GSi Turbo - this 200bhp hatchback is a credible rival to the Focus RS and Civic Type-R, if you like your hot hatches to be lairy-looking all-rounders. On a more practical note, there's the 1.7 DTi or the Dualfuel (LPG-petrol) versions of the 1.6 and 1.8. The modern direct-injection DTi engines are much more refined than the old 1.7 TD and the 2.0 Di, though they're still not the quietest and smoothest diesels in the class.
For: Handling, good ride, solid feel, cheap to buy and run
Against: Dull, dated cabins, some stingy standard specifications
Sum-up: The Astra is a sensible choice and good fun as well
Model rundown and historyThe most basic models are the Envoy and 1.6i Expression hatchbacks, with driver airbag only, central locking, radio/cassette stereo and a split/folding rear seat; passenger airbag and electric front windows optional, standard on recent cars. Club trim adds chilled air, but still no standard ABS brakes; recent LS versions have air-con and a CD player as well. Comfort/CD models get upgraded trim and electric mirrors. SXi and SRi models have a sportier feel, with alloys and ABS, and are offered in three-door form. CDX/Elegance versions and the GSI have side airbags, cruise control and the options of satellite navigation and leather seats. The Coupé and Cabriolet come in just one standard specification, with air-con, ABS, alloys and a CD player; there are also limited-run special-edition models, such as the Bertone, with extra kit and/or special trim. Latest (2002- ) models have improved kit, and items such as curtain airbags, xenon headlights, cruise control and ESP were on offer.
Astras to buy: Look for at least LS specification with air conditioning. Diesel models are not particularly refined, but they are economical, so make good workhorses. As with the Focus, buy only with full history and documented mileage, as there are a fair few dodgy, tired examples around.
Astras to avoid: The frightfully slow and stodgy 1.6 eight-valve petrol and 1.7 TD models, the poverty-spec entry-level models with cheapo cabins. Also steer well clear of ropey ex-rental cars, anything scruffy or missing service history, thrashed SRi or GSi models, and smoky high-mileage diesels. Watch out for: notchy, awkward gearboxes, worn brakes, interior defects.
Buying the best Astra: The best will be in Vauxhall's Network Q outlets, but there are plenty at the car supermarkets and independent retailers, usually with higher mileage. This needn't be a problem if they've been properly maintained, have the history to prove it - and are properly priced. There are also a lot of privately-sold one-owner Astras around in the classified ads.
Engines and performance:
1.4i 16v (90bhp): 113mph, 0-60 11.5 sec, 39.2mpg
1.6i 8v (75bhp, upped to 85bhp in 2001): 106mph, 0-60 13.5 sec, 38.2mpg
1.6i 16v (100bhp): 118mph, 0-60 10.5 sec, 36.7mpg
1.8i 16v (125bhp, early models 115bhp): 125mph, 0-60 9.5 sec, 32.8mpg
2.0 Turbo (192bhp, in Coupé and Cabriolet and GSI models only): 152mph, 0-60 7 sec, 31.7mpg
2.2i 16v (147bhp): 133mph, 0-60 8.2 sec, 33.2mpg
Diesels:
1.7 TD (68bhp): 102mph, 0-60 16 sec, 46.3mpg
1.7 DTi (75bhp): 58.9mpg
2.0 Di (82bhp): 109mph, 0-60 13.5 sec, 50mpg
2.0 DTi (100bhp): 49.6mpg
