Vauxhall Astra Hatchback (98-05) - Review

Review by Parkers on
The Astra MK IV was the car that signalled that Vauxhall (and European sister Opel) was once again serious about car building. The MK III was a disappointment: the engineering was mediocre, the suspension was soggy and the car simply didn’t suit pot-holed, bumpy UK roads. And by the mid-nineties its styling looked dated. Lotus helped tune the suspension and chassis and turned it into more of a driver’s car; the styling was far sharper and safety was – at the time – among the best in class.
4 out of 5

Other Vauxhall reviews

3 out of 5

Safety

Early cars were fitted with a driver’s airbag and optional passenger/sidebags; dual airbags was standard from 1999; all have side impact bars, seatbelt pre-tensioners and a four star Euro NCAP crash-test rating. Security is average: all models have an immobiliser and unique-fit stereo; more expensive models have alarms.

NCAP Test

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Provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe.

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    4 out of 5

  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    1 out of 5
4 out of 5

Reliability

Certainly better than the previous Astra, and the much improved build quality bodes well for the future. These fourth generation cars seem to have shaken off the engine niggles that gave older Astras such a patchy reputation. Some niggles with air-con and warning lights in new cars - most will be sorted by now.

Car check problem points

Body

Reject cars with panel damage.

Engine/Gearbox

Generally reliable but some starting problems reported.

Other

Watch for interior wear and tear as cars come off rental fleets.

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