Vauxhall Astra Hatchback 1998-

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  • Economy

    Value

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Heavy depreciation is the only bugbear.

  • On the road

    Driving

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Fast, comfortable, refined and economical (36 mpg) hot hatch.

    Performance

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Compares most favourably with my previous car, a Golf Mk3 GTi 2.0 16v.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    5 out of 5 5.0

    No problems, apart from noisy rear brakes when driving slowly in traffic. Cured by dealer - weights added to rear calpiers.

    Image

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Vauxhalls have no image as such, which is both a good and bad thing; good, as less likely to be stolen, but bad from the point of view of residuals compared with Golf.

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Very good, if a little unforgiving on some poor surfaces in town, but the compensations are good ride and suspension control on main rods, whatever the [legal] speed.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Windows do not close automatically when car locked using remote control. Windows can be left open without alarm going off!

    Service

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Long wait for a Saturday appointment - three weeks.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Revs slow to drop when changing gear.

    Other

    Brakes (see above).

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    New

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes