Vauxhall Astra Hatchback (2004 - 2010) 1.7 CDTi SXi (100ps) 5d (2006/56) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

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

They think it looks good, feels smooth and comfortable, cruises nicely and the gruff engine note puts many a passenger - including my young daughter - to sleep quite quickly.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I would, possibly with a larger diesel engine. It has ticked many boxes for me and not let me down once, despite the aforementioned few electrical niggles, which I did expect having done research into the model before buying.

What are you likely to buy next?

Possibly a Volvo S40 or something similar.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£3,650

When did you buy the car?

November 2013

Did you get a good deal and why?

I feel that it was a decent price, considering the age, badge, condition and mileage of the car.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I was looking for a car that fit five criteria: Space, Reliability, Efficiency, Style and Driving Fun. I managed to narrow it down to the Ford Focus and this model of Vauxhall Astra, and this car won on style!

What was the dealer like?

He was a laid back fellow, allowed me to inspect the car inside and out and read over the service history and all documentation till I was satisfied, and asked me what I wanted and how I wanted it rather than pushing the car on me.

What's it like to drive?

The engine proves that 100 bhp is a deceptive amount. It sounds rather unimpressive for the size of the unit, but the five-speed gearbox, despite an occasional notchiness, has a delicious throw and puts all the power right where it needs to go, and a flex of my right ankle is usually enough to send me cruising smoothly along regardless of gradient; it is a grunty-feeling - and sounding, but that settles away very quickly when you focus on driving - lump. The steering is quick and very precise, although I find the car's turning circle rather unimpressive. However, the chassis does offer up a degree of handling agility which more than makes up for the car's rather average low-speed manoeuverability, and the mostly-smooth ride only adds to the endearing driving experience.

What's it like to park?

Relatively easy to park, due to a body that's not too long and quite narrow (especially compared to its replacement). I have never understood why cars about the same size or smaller would require parking sensors...

Have you had any problems with the car?

There have been a few electrical niggles - the turbocharger seems to intermittently cut after hard acceleration, the rear reverse lamps seem to fail after driving awhile and the fuel gauge is infuriatingly innaccurate at arguably the worst times; also the expansion tank seems to run out of coolant at a wicked rate and there is a screech at times when starting up the engine, but all these faults are curable and do not detract much from the car's willingness to get up and go.

What's most practical about your car?

The boot of the car is par for the course, but that is no bad thing, and once the rear seats go down the car can double as a nifty little van of sorts.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

I bought the particular trim of the model - SXi - because it kept things simple while providing a sporty style that makes it sharper than other trims. However, I do like the standard speakers in the stereo system and have taken no steps to upgrade them to an aftermarket system as they play my music just fine and keep the mood high while I drive.