Vauxhall Astra (06 on) - Review

The Astravan is an Astra estate car minus rear seats and windows, albeit with extensively re-engineering to cope with commercial work. Load capacity is improved over the previous model, but the Astravan's primary virtues are its good looks, car-like cabin and excellent road manners. The Astra is a particualrly striking car, and just as much so as a van. There are plenty of vans that are equal or better in terms of load carrying, but probably none that can better the Astravan from the driver's perspective.

The cabin is pretty much identical to that found in the Astra hatchback. It feels refined, well built and looks good too, with strips of aluminium adding a sporty touch. It's also well equipped and options like satellite navigation and heated seats are available. The driver's seat is height adjustable and the steering wheel adjusts up and down, and in and out. The seats are comfortable, although it's worth noting that those fitted to the Sportive model have added support and lumbar adjustment. Both Club and Sportive models have electric windows, and the latter also has heated electric mirrors.

The choice of engines consists of an 89bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine and three diesels: a 1.3 with 90bhp, a 1.7 with 100bhp and a 1.9 with 120bhp. The petrol engine has a five-speed gearbox while the diesels are all fitted with a six-speeder with an optional six-speed auto on the 1.9-litre engine. The Astravan drives so well, that it almost seems a waste to choose one of the smaller engine options. Handling is excellent and it copes as well with twisty roads as it does the motorway fast lane. Its car-like dimensions make it narrow for a van, so it's equally manageable in an urban situation.