On the road with the Vauxhall Astra

Vauxhall Astra

Vauxhall Astra When you think about buying a new car – you need to consider quite a few things before you decide to buy.

For instance – is it fuel efficient; does it have a DAB Radio; and does it come with plenty of space? Of course these are just a few of the things that go through a new car buyers mind – including; what will it look like on your driveway and what will your neighbours think?

Well for once I am going to give you a few reasons to consider why I think you should buy the New Vauxhall Astra over one rival the Volkswagen Golf.

Engine:
The 1.0-litre ecoFLEX Direct Injection Turbo engine is a three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 105PS and a maximum torque of 170Nm, making it incredibly good at getting a move on quite quickly – not bad for a little three-cylinder then. 0-60mph is in at around 10 seconds and if you add in the Start/Stop system and the fact it has low-rolling-resistance tyres it will at a push return over 60mpg – it will honest! Max Speed is also up at 124mph.

On the road:
The new Astra handles well – but I feel it is not as much fun to drive as the VW Golf and although the steering is direct which is one better than the Golf– the Astra still feels much too heavy for my liking. Saying that – grip levels are good and the Astra has no problem dealing with our ever increasing poor road network of potholes and uneven surfaces.

Inside:
The interior is fresh and all the buttons and dials are clear. The front seats have plenty of adjustment to them and feel well made and very comfortable. Rear leg room is also good and the boot space is fantastic. I also like the wide boot opening – this will help facilitate getting a large item inside the boot a doddle.

Vauxhall Astra But, some of the plastics do look cheap – although in the end this is a car that was designed to be cheap to own and cheap to run – Yes it’s not as good as a Kia’s interior – but it’s as good as what VW have come up with in the Golf.

Safety:
Five out of five stats in Euro NCAP’s for the new Astra and all models come with front and side airbags Plus, standard on all Astra’s is Vauxhall’s stability control system that will help you stay in full control if you do happen to get into trouble.

To sum up: 

As good as a VWGolf in the same like for like form – plus it’s a better pick when it comes to price, space and equipment. Check out the Astra – it’s a great buy.

£15,995 (from) OTR  By Anthony Yates

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