Overview

Pity the previous-generation Vauxhall Astra. There wasn’t much wrong with the way it drove, but the popular family hatchback was about as memorable as a November weekend in Skegness. However, Vauxhall has turned that formula on its head for this one. First off, just look at it! It’s a proper head-turner. What’s more, it comes with a generous amount of standard equipment, a decent range of engines and build quality good enough to put Volkswagen in the shade.

All of this is important stuff, because the Astra is wading into a hotly contested market, dominated by the likes of the Ford Focus, Kia Ceed, Hyundai i30, SEAT Leon, Volkswagen Golf and the Parkers Car of The Year 2023-winning Honda Civic. So it needs to look good and drive well to stand out.

It helps that the eighth-generation Astra is closely related to the new Peugeot 308 – a car that we rate very highly. However, before you dismiss the Astra as nothing more than a badge-engineered Peugeot, you should know that it’s been re-engineered with unique suspension and steering settings, fitted with a different (and arguably better) interior and wrapped in a sharp-looking body.

For now, you have the choice of two 1.2-litre petrol engines, one 1.5-litre diesel engine and a 1.6-litre plug-in hybrid powertrain. However, there’s also a Sports Tourer estate variant and a pure-electric version on their way, making this a big range of cars from a firm keen on taking market leadership in the UK.

Vauxhall has simplified the Astra’s range, too. Now, you have just three specifications to choose from. The cheapest Design model comes as standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors and climate control. You also get a 10.0-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.0-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

GS-Line models get a contrasting black roof and black 17-inch alloy wheels, as well as a blacked-out Vizor panel and Vauxhall badge. On top of Design models, you get Forward Collision Alert, a 360-degree parking camera, a heated steering wheel and heated front seats.

Ultimate spec comes at the top of the Astra tree and includes a whole suite of tech and driver assistance features, most notably blind spot alert and Lane Positioning Assist. There’s also the sporting Astra GSe model, but that’s covered by its own review.

Over the next few pages we’ll be thoroughly reviewing all aspects of the Vauxhall Astra and rating them in our verdict. Our scores will take into account the driving experience, how pleasant the interior is, the practicality on offer and what it’ll cost you to run.