Vauxhall Astra Convertible (2001 - 2005) 2.2 16V 2d Auto Owner Review

What fun this car i- with the roof down of course. It's a bit old school heavy steering compared to latest models, we have to have automatics now as the 'clutch' leg gets you eventually! The 2.2 motor is without a doubt one of the very smoothest 4 cylinders I've ever had/driven (well into the 100's). It's a chain cam as well, I have never really liked the 'belt' jobbies but I do note that smaller engines are belt cam drives. Leather heated seats are a real boon for the wife's back (and mine) especially in winter. We got it from a local (ish) garage - nearly 20 years old, just 18,000 miles and a complete history (one year it only did 30 miles between service/MoT). That roof trick with the key is still pretty cool (slow though). Driving is fine as is cornering ability and there is plenty of power to get you out of trouble (and in to it). Tax and insurance are expensive but offset against my old Prius it ain't so bad. Service is like any standard Vauxhall of the period and having had a look around spares are (like Fords) easy and inexpensive on the whole. Got to be a future classic if looked after - shame that an Italian Bertone car has to carry that Vauxhall badge nowadays - now if it were pre war - well?