Vauxhall Astra Hatchback (2009 - 2015) 1.6T 16V SRi (180bhp) 5d (2010/10) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I'm crazy for not getting a DIESEL

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They all love it, but wished I'd gone for the Technical Grey colour instead of Dark blue (So do I now)

Would you buy this car again and why?

Only if it had a bit more grunt/poke (just feel it needs a little bit more) and didn't feel so heavy, and had better fuel consumption. Electronic handbrake should be a normal one like on the last models as it's a real nuisance.

What are you likely to buy next?

Hyundai i30 1.6 or 2.0CRD DIESEL Estate. (No I'm not joking) Try one, you will be very impressed.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£19

When did you buy the car?

March 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Yes I loved the look of the new 2010 J model. And after a ride in a friend's Insignia.

What was the dealer like?

Same as all Vauxhall dealerships, Rushed and he couldn’t wait to get the paperwork done. I did get a test drive this time but not in the model I bought as they didn't have one.

What's it like to drive?

Very smooth and quiet ride (Even for an SRI) goes OK if you really floor it (You have to really slam the pedal to the floor to get over boost from the turbo) but doesn’t feel quick until you look at the Speedo (Cruises effortlessly on motorways) Petrol consumption is terrible at the moment 26-27 Mpg (According to computer) even when driven sedately and drops to 18 Mpg when thrashed. Vauxhall quote 41Mpg which is way too optimistic, Brakes good but car feels a little unstable when braking from high speed (might be the ESP kicking in) Handling very good at low to normal speeds but unsettled when pushed hard due to the extra weight of the 2010 model I suspect. Seats exceptionally good in the front but too hard in the back.

What's it like to park?

Tricky, low visibility and now smaller and odd shaped door mirrors make it worse than the older models. Driving forward -Very bad design for front roof pillars as they impede vision especially from the right from the driving position.

Have you had any problems with the car?

No not yet.

What's most practical about your car?

Comfort, ride quality & quietness.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

I like the Instrument lighting and red flood lighting in the door handles and center consul. Car also really looks nice from the rear at night (love the rear lights) although they still haven't sorted the radio out like my last 06 Astra they still drift off station to an adjacent one at random, very annoying.