5th Jan 2010
New Vauxhall Astra 2010
I road test quite a few cars every month, and I have to say, some are ok, some are very exciting, but some really are just plain boring. Every time I go out on a road test, I follow the same route and I do the same tests. I also try my hardest to see if I can get anything to fall off the thing, before I take it back to the dealer.
There is nothing more satisfying than watching a car manufacturer try to explain to me why the radio button came off in my hand, or why on earth you would fit a centre console over the handbrake, so every time you pull on the handbrake, you have to raise the centre storage flap first.
Over the years of doing these road tests, I have started to see a pattern in how other motorists behave when we are all out and about in the big wide world. I will of course explain what pattern I am talking about. If you drive a particular kind of car you will find that other motorists that drive the same type of car will in most cases be very courteous to you.
For example: - Most BMW drivers will let another BMW driver into their lane on a motorway, or at a road junction most of the time, is this because the driver of the BMW is being courteous, or is it the fact that most BMW drivers are only respectful to other road users providing they also drive a BMW. Lets take another manufacturer for example. If you drive a Fiat 500 or a Mini or a Jaguar, you will also find that drivers of the same car will be more cortiours than say a driver with a Kia. So is there a pattern here? Maybe, but not when you drive a Vauxhall it doesn’t.
Although the New Astra I was testing is a very good car, it just doesn’t cut the mustard when it comes to being courteous, no matter how many other Astra drivers I was courteous too, the favour was never returned.
This of course is not the case is you drive a Skoda. There is not a chance in hell that you would give way to a BMW driver, just the same as a person in a Austin Mini, would never in a million years give way to a driver in a BMW Mini, its just not done. So next time you are out and about, you just watch to see what happens. If I am wrong, then I am sorry to all drivers, except for BMW owners of course, you never let anybody in.
This brings me on to this month’s current road test, the New Vauxhall Astra SRI.
The Astra I was driving was a neatly beefed up SRI, with a 1.6 16v VVT engine. It has 115PS @ 6000rpm, and 114 ib.ft of torque, not to bad really, for a car that weighs 1905 kg.
As with the Insignia, the Vauxhall Astra is an all-new car, continuing the transformation of the Vauxhall product range. Like the Insignia, the Astra aims to attract a new group of buyers, those who may never have considered a Vauxhall before, but now see cars like the new Astra as offering all the style and quality, but at a price most people can afford.
This new Astra has quality materials in the cabin, its also feels a lot better put together than previous models. The bodywork is not to bad either if I am honest. The feeling of cabin space and depth is fantastic; it feels like you could fit a family of five in here very comftabley indeed. Like the Insignia, the Astra's main clocks and gauges are also ringed with chrome, with the speedometer and tachometer pods angled inwards towards the driver; it sort of gives it a sportier feel. The seats are fantastic too.
I see that Vauxhall have also used a very good technique that a lot of other manufacturers are now using, its called ‘Ambient lighting’ this enhances the feeling of quality in the cabin, with lighting points around the gearshift surround, the area above the centre console and within the door handle recesses, this is all available, as long as you don’t go for the standard car.
The Efficient, yet powerful, Vauxhall Astra's engines are low on CO2 but high on power, which makes a change really. I have never really disliked any of the Vauxhall engines.
There are five petrol engines available, ranging from an 87PS 1.4-litre to an 180PS 1.6-litre Turbo. Included in this line up will be a new 1.4-litre turbocharged engine, producing 140PS, replacing the 1.8-litre motor used in the previous range, and four-diesel versions, ranging from 95PS to 160PS.
Going back to the interior, I have to say, that this next generation Vauxhall Astra brings a fresh new look to the compact class, with its strong coupe-like lines, and its elegant swept back body. Not bad at all Vauxhall. I also like the Eagle eye-shaped headlamps that encompass the prominent wing-shaped daytime running lights. Nice touch.
The new Astra also comes with FlexRide. This was first seen in the Insignia, FlexRide offers the driver three settings - Standard, Sport and Tour - while being fully and continually adaptive to changes in driving style and cornering speed. The system is offered as an option on SE, Elite and SRi models with all engines, except the normally aspirated 1.4-litre petrol unit.
FlexRide provides electronic control on all four dampers and continuously adapts their settings within milliseconds, according to the prevailing road conditions, vehicle movements and individual driving styles, thereby enhancing driver safety. After trying all the settings, I have to say that the Sport mode suited me better.
Sport mode offers a more connected driving experience: the dampers stiffen; the steering sharpens and the electronic throttle offers a swifter pedal response.
All versions come with Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) ABS & ESP/ESC including traction control (TC), along with an MP3 thingy, and a whole host of side, curtain & front airbags. Quite a well equpipted machine, even in basic trim.
As I said earlier, the new Vauxhall Astra's seats are excellent, and provide a high level of safety, featuring the latest generation of active head restraints, which offer protection against whiplash injuries. On the SE and SRi models, which I was testing, they had the Ergonomic Sports Seats fitted and are available in leather, as an option of course.
As for on the road, its gets a move on rather quickly, if feels nice and tight on the road, although there is a small hint of body roll, but nothing to write home about. Over the lumps and bumps it feels quite well placed, not much here to worry you. So to sum it up, yes it’s a Vauxhall, and yes it is not for everybody’s liking, but for the money and quality, there is not much around right now that is even in the same league.
Astra SRI Technical Data
How much: Price from £18,596
How fast: 0-62 mph 10.9 sec
Max speed: 118 mph
How big: Weight 1905 kg
How thirsty: Combined 44.8 mpg
CO2 emissions: 147 g/km
Engine: 1598 cc
Max power: 115PS at 6000 rpm
Max torque: 114 lb ft at 1750 rpm
NCAP: 5 Stars
Insurance Group: TBC
