Vauxhall Astra SRi 2.0 CDTi 16v ecoFLEX Start/Stop 5dr Car Review - March 2012

The driving experience on this version of the Astra is quite good, with the sports suspension finding a good balance between cushioning most of the bumps while still giving good feedback and minimal body movement while cornering. Even when hitting the corners at pace there is plenty of grip from the Astra, but the steering does feel a little slow to respond to the wheel. One of the gripes with the Astra is that visibility isn’t great, with wide pillars and a small back window being problematic, but the driving seat and steering wheel are both fully adjustable to ensure a comfortable driving position.

The engine figures from this version of the Astra are quite remarkable considering how efficient it is, with the 2.0 litre diesel engine able to deliver acceleration from 0-62mph in only 8.5 seconds. The top speed of 134mph is also very good, but it is worth noting that there can be a fair amount of noise in the cabin when driving quickly, both from the diesel engine and the wind.

The current version of the Astra is certainly attractive, and the touches added in this sportier trim do make it even more desirable. Large alloy wheels and the lowered sports suspension gives the car a more aggressive stance, and the attractive front end is complemented by the fog lights, while the sloping roof towards the hatchback door also improves the shape and the sleek lines of the car. Inside, the sports seats are very attractive and the dashboard is functional, but the centre console does have a lot of buttons that can be fiddly.

There is a good level of equipment included with this version of the Astra, with air conditioning, electric heated mirrors and electric windows in the front seats all fitted as standard. It also comes with a CD player that has an MP3 socket meaning that people can play their music through the stereo.

The Astra is a very safe car to drive, as it does have a number of driving aids such as ESP and traction control to help keep the driver firmly in control. It also has a range of airbags including a curtain airbag to protect passengers in the rear should the car become involved in an accident, and these features have helped the Astra earn five stars in the Euro NCAP safety test. Vauxhall has a good reliability record, and this is backed up by a great warranty.

The Astra is also quite a practical family car, having space for four adults to be accommodated fairly comfortable, although headroom is a little lacking in the back seats. The boot is also a decent size, and the seats can be folded forward for a larger luggage space.

One of the biggest problems when it comes to buying this version of the Astra is that the list price of £22,725 does seem prohibitively high. However, this is likely to be recouped over the lifetime of the car because of the lower running costs.

Fuel efficiency from the advanced 2.0 litre diesel engine is very good, with the car able to achieve an average 62.8 mpg, but the more powerful engine does mean that insurance costs are a little higher. Although Astras generally suffer significantly from depreciation, it is possible that desirability and the fuel efficiency may help this model stave off this problem. The Astra is supplied with a great warranty that covers the car for 100,000 miles, and is also supplied with a one year roadside breakdown assistance policy.