Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch (05-10) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 17 April 2009
The Astra Sport Hatch is very different from its dull five-door sibling and Vauxhall has done a great job in producing a sporty and distinctive design. The model is a fairly common site on the roads so it's easy to forget how attractive and neatly styled it is with a low, purposeful stance. It's entertaining to drive too thanks to a lower ride height than the five-door, although the steering still feels a little remote. The cabin is disappointing - it's a dull design and the switches on the centre console are fiddly to use while the boot is awkward to access due to a narrow opening and high lip. If you can forgive these shortcomings however the Astra Sport Hatch makes a chic three-door and comes with a good choice of engines including some hot hatch rivalling turbocharged units.
3.5 out of 5

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3.5 out of 5

Buying used

The Astra Sport Hatch makes a good used buy if you're after something stylish but fairly sensible. Overall it's reliable and cheap to run, especially the diesel models. If you're going for one of the turbocharged models check that it hasn't been abused and avoid any modified versions.

See 765 used Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatchs for sale, starting at £2,988

3.5 out of 5

Selling

The main thing holding the Sport Hatch back is the badge. Unfortunately Vauxhall doesn't have the same kudos as the likes of Alfa Romeo for instance. However it's an easy ownership prospect, especially the diesels, while the SRi and faster petrol cars will always be sought after. A good looking model with great specification from a big name manufacturer. Expect residuals to be better than average in the short-to-medium term. 1.4 SXi models will be hardest to sell. Top diesels and Design specification will be most sought after.