Vauxhall Astra TwinTop (06-10) - Review

Access to the back seats is good in the TwinTop thanks to the wide doors and there's adequate legroom compared to the cramped passenger space you usually get in coupe convertibles. That said, the seats are quite upright and with two six-footers in the front, rear space is limited. But it's not claustrophobic in the back with the roof up. The sleek shape means that with the roof down (and side windows up) the front passengers do not feel much buffeting even at high speeds and a wind deflector can be added for even better protection. The ride is quite firm which helps it feel more sporty but not so much that it'll unsettle passengers although optional 18-inch alloys do make the ride noticeably harsher.

Dropping down the roof is simply in the TwinTop and requires nothing more than pressing a button - either above your head or on the keyfob. There are no catches or levers to release and the roof folds neatly away (albeit quite noisily) in 26 seconds. Usefully, it can operate up to speeds of 18mph which is useful if you get caught in a sudden downpour while in traffic. The boot capacity is 440 litres which is substantially bigger than the standard Astra hatchback. With the roof down the capacity is halved, but remains useable because at the touch of a button, the collapsed roof rises slightly so bags or cases can be placed or removed. In keeping with its role as year round transport, it usefully features a ski hatch for carrying longer items. It also has a spare wheel rather than a puncture repair kit.

While the Astra TwinTop is neatly styled on the outside, the cabin is a letdown. Little has been changed from the hatchback and it looks dour for a car that's supposed to be fun. The finish is good and it's well built, but it's not stylish while some of the buttons are poorly laid out and badly labelled. The air condition switches are the worst culprits, placed so low down they are difficult to see. Overall it lacks panache and feels clunky. Visibility from the driver's seat is good, roof up or down, except for particularly tall drivers. The steeply raked windscreen puts the rear view mirror in such a position that drivers much over six-foot may find their view partially obscured.