Vauxhall Astra TwinTop (06-10) - Review

Review by Ben Wall on
Last Updated: 01 September 2009
There are plenty of coupe convertibles on the market, allowing you to enjoy open air motoring in the summer but coupe-like comfort in the winter. The Astra TwinTop is Vauxhall's version and it's one of the best around. It shares the same front end as the Astra Sport hatch, giving it a sporty appearance, while at the back, the clever folding roof means there's no need for a length boot. The result is a car that looks very good with both the roof up and down - a feat not all the alternatives manage with as much success. It's good to drive, only let down by rather over assisted steering. It's also a shame the interior is so dull, but there's a good choice of engines, including a fine diesel.
4 out of 5

Safety

The Astra has a good safety rating and the TwinTop supplements this with a strengthened windscreen surround while top models have rear roll bars that pop up in the event of the car turning over (standard and Sport versions have fixed roll-over hoops fitted). It has four airbags fitted as well as active head restraints to protect against whiplash and a pedal release system to lessen injuries to lower legs.

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4 out of 5

Reliability

The folding top was developed by the same company that makes the roof for the Mercedes-Benz SL, which performs impeccably. Vauxhall mechanical and electrical reliability tends to be pretty good and you'll be guaranteed to be close to a dealership if needed.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

No problems reported.