29 Feb 08
8. Vauxhall Astra Estate
Ah, the Astra: much overlooked, much under-rated. It may not be the most exciting-looking or desirable car on earth, but it really is good value for money, and a much better drive than you'd think. Well-built and with a good-quality, Germanic interior, the Astra is even (whisper it) reported to be more reliable than the Golf.
Most of the engines in the range are rather workaday, with the earlier diesels quite crude and noisy, but the smaller petrol engines are strong, and there's always the not-quite VXR-alike 2.0 turbo...
Rear legroom is good, the boot is large, and some versions come with sliding rear seats. A clever luggage retaining system was optional, and useful, and the 2004-on Astra estates ordered with a towbar get electronic trailer stability control.
