Vauxhall Astra Coupe (2000 - 2004) 2.2i 16v Bertone 2d Owner Review

Good looking, spacious, well equipped car. All interior materials from leather seats to plastics, carpets etc very durable. Quite short geared but engine is smooth. Definitely go for a car with 17" wheels and 215/45/17 tyres as 16" wheels or 40 profiles adversely affect ride and fuel consumption. Ride/handling balance is excellent. Half leather on some models with fabric panels in light velour prone to marks and difficult to clean. Go for leather if you can. Linea Rossa models are unusual but alcantara seats difficult to,preserve. Rear windows don't open and no interior release for the boot. Important to keep paint clean and polished as lacquer will chrystalise as they are mostly 20+ years old now. Worth inspecting behind cill overs before purchase; rust, whilst not a certainty, can be present, especially if,the car has not been regularly cleaned. Very early 2.2 engines had a recall due to poor timing chain lubrication. Most cars are 1.8l but the extra power of the 2.2 is noticeable. The 2.0 turbo is great but needs to have been meticulously maintained and is more likely to have been thrashed.