Vauxhall Astra Review (2005 to date)

Quick Summary

Great looking, well screwed together and with used prices looking increasingly attractive, the Astra Sporthatch is a tempting purchase. Shop around and look for a car that's not only unmolested but which also has the right options and is finished in a saleable colour.

Overall:

Models Covered:(3 dr hatchback, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 turbo, 1.7, 1.9 diesel [SXi, Design, SRi, VXR])

THE SLEEK SHALL INHERIT…

There's an old maxim that says if something looks right, it often is right. While that doesn't always follow when it comes to cars, it undoubtedly applies when it comes to the Vauxhall Astra Sporthatch. A notoriously badge-conscious colleague was recently looking for a low mileage used car and had narrowed down his choice to an Audi A3, a MINI Cooper and a Vauxhall Astra Sporthatch. Five years ago, Vauxhall would never have made his long let along his shortlist but with a shape like this, Vauxhall opened its doors to a whole swathe of new customers. Tracking down a used example needn't involve too much legwork either. Just fire up the broadband and get looking. A decent amount of stock is now starting to filter onto the used market.
Used Vauxhall Astra for sale

History of the Astra

While the handsome five-door versions of the Vauxhall Astra went on sale in Summer 2004, it wasn't until the March in following year that the Sporthatch three-door variants were launched. By this time, the general public had firmly got to grips with the fundamental qualities of the Astra, with its hitherto unforeseen build quality in this sector, strong range of engines and smart detailing. Vauxhall kept interest levels piqued with leaked photographs of the hot VXR Sporthatch hammering around the Nurburgring and although disguised, it was clear that the car wasn't too far off the GTC concept car shown at the 2003 Geneva Show. Naturally a few of the details were toned down for production. The lights were a little more conventional and the concept car's frameless doors were deemed too costly for series production. Built alongside the five-door cars at General Motors' Antwerp plant in Belgium, the three-door is some 39mm longer and 15mm lower, the designers getting plenty of scope to create that elegant profile. The ripsnorting 240bhp Astra VXR arrived in Autumn 2005 and a special edition Astra GTC model based on the 1.8-litre SRi Sport Hatch was launched in June 2006, offering Vauxhall's innovative panoramic roof – a windscreen that stretches right back over the front seat occupants' heads.
Used Vauxhall Astra for sale

Vauxhall Astra Road Test

The Astra was the first car in its class to feature Continuous Damping Control (CDC), electronically controlled shock absorbers that continuously adapt to the road surface and the driver's style. It's all part of what Vauxhall dub the Astra's 'Interactive Driving System' (IDS) that can integrate all of the electronic functions in a way that's a good deal cleverer that you might think. For example, the ESP stability control system beefs up the damper forces first before applying the brakes to the front wheels during extreme cornering manoeuvres making for a more sensitive and less intrusive intervention. Upspec models also feature a 'Sport' button so that the suspension settings, accelerator and steering response can easily be adapted to the mood of a driver. It's something we've become used to on premium sports cars but not on a car like this. Despite all of these high tech touches, this Astra still uses a relatively simple torsion beam axle at the back instead of the sophisticated multi-link layouts used by Volkswagen and Ford. GM executives contend that this system provides good handling while transmitting less noise into the cabin.The VXR model is searingly rapid in a straight line with 60mph disappearing in 6.2 seconds on the way to 152mph but the 2.0T SRi is no slouch and the 200bhp power output is handled a little more comfortably by the Astra's chassis. The best all rounder in the range remains the 150bhp diesel variant.
Used Vauxhall Astra for sale

Buying a Vauxhall Astra

The Astra has yet to suffer any significant faults. Build quality is leagues ahead of its predecessors, as is the technical excellence of the new engines. Check the sporty SRi and VXR models for the usual tyre wear problems. Aside from obvious body damage, just ensure that the car has been well looked after, insist on a service history and buy with confidence. The electronic control system that marshals the satellite navigation and stereo system isn't the most intuitive to use, but you will get used to it with perseverance. The same can be said of the indicators, which will possibly frustrate you immensely at first.
Used Vauxhall Astra for sale

Vauxhall Astra Typical Pricing

Expect to pay around £9,800 for a three door 1.6-litre SXi on a 2005 54 plate with the 1.8-litre version retailing at around £11,000 on a similar plate. A later 2005 05 plate 1.7CDTi 120 will fetch around £13,500. The 2.0T SRi model is especially sought after and these kick off at around £13,750 on the 05 plate with the VXR model starting at just under £16,000 – a lot of bang for your buck.
Used Vauxhall Astra for sale

Vauxhall Astra Parts

(approx based on a 2005 1.6 SXi) A new clutch assembly is £145, whilst front brake pads can be found for around £20. Rears are nearer £35, whilst a radiator for an air-conditioned car will; cost around £130. Alternators are slightly pricier, nudging the £300 mark, so make sure your prospective purchase is generating a healthy current to its battery.
Used Vauxhall Astra for sale