Vauxhall Astra Hatchback (2004 - 2010) 1.7 CDTi Club (100ps) 5d (2005/54) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Boring! (it is grey)

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

That it is smart inside and out and has plenty of space when I ferry them about (I don't have many tall friends)

Would you buy this car again and why?

Probably not because its getting a facelift soon!

What are you likely to buy next?

I've got an isignia on order

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£6,100

When did you buy the car?

June 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

It was an ok deal at the time as I got £500 off but has now dropped in value like a stone so doesn't look so good any more!

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

New job required a new car

What was the dealer like?

Bought from a car supermarket

What's it like to drive?

I mainly take it on motorways, where it is at home cruising at 70-75mph, with the turbo still providing enough to overtake from that speed if necessary. The economy doesn't seem to much worse at higher speeds. On country roads the handling can sometimes feel a little on the edge of its capability. It is very very grumbly and noisy at low speeds

What's it like to park?

Very easy. The steering is light and it has a good turning circle. I nearly always reverse bay park in car parks as it's so easy and have to parallel park on a tight terraced street every night - all without issue.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing - it has been faultless

What's most practical about your car?

The economy and surprisingly good turning circle. The bit that lets the car down is the shockingly bad boot, which has an awkward lip and the wheel arches intrude

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Steering wheel audio controls