Vauxhall Astra Hatchback 1998-

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  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Electric mirrors would have been nice and maybe an alarm. Otherwise good value for money.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Drinks petrol around town (getting 33mpg av., on mainly dual carriageways), service costs not the cheapest, tyres don't last long, not bad on insurance.

  • On the road

    Driving

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Hugs the road on good tyres, light steering, very notchy gear change, tires don't last long, powerful breaks.

    Performance

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Seems like there is nothing in it until 4000rpm, 8.5secs 0-60 time is very optimistic, gear ratios seem wrong for power delivery, lots of flat spots, motorway driving is good, 5th gear is strong.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    3 out of 5 3.0

    No engine faults yet, Just squeeking breaks, lots of creaks and rattles (especially from the boot catch), build quality seems poor, but then this is no Audi.

    Image

    2 out of 5 2.0

    It doesn't really stand out from the crowd, dated shape, though 16"" Alloys are nice.

    Comfort

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Low profile tyres plus hard suspension along with firm seats gives a painful ride, especially over speed bumps and pot-holes, but that is the cost of firm suspension, seats not the best, can never seem to find comfortable driving position.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Immobiliser and deadlocks but no alarm.

    Service

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Local dealer was useless, so had to travel to find better one.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    None.

    Other

    Steering wheel wasn't on straight, Lots of squeaks, creaks and rattles, doesn't inspire confidence in the build quality.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    No