Vauxhall Astra Hatchback (2009 - 2015) 1.4i 16V Exclusiv 5d (2010/60) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I'm an average person with an average car.

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

They think its pretty and stylish.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Only with a 1.7cdti engine or larger. The bulk needs the torque of a diesel.

What are you likely to buy next?

Citroen C4. better diesel engine, much better deals, more equipment and easier to drive.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£9,500

When did you buy the car?

November 2013

Did you get a good deal and why?

Reasonable deal. Very low mileage on the car with front and rear parking sensors due to it being a motability before.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Appealing deal.

What was the dealer like?

Friendly and efficient.

What's it like to drive?

In essence the 100bhp 1.4 petrol simply isn't enough engine for comfortable driving. It's more than adequate for poodling about town where you rarely exceed 2000rpm in any gear just mooching but at any time when you need to accelerate to get out of trouble or even to tackle a gentle hill on a motorway, you're stuffed. It's always very quiet and the engine produces quite a pleasing note when it's being worked hard but you have to drop a gear to do anything even remotely proactive with the car. The car is very grippy though, grant it that.

What's it like to park?

Large and heavy. You need the sensors all round as the bonnet disappears into the horizon. The steering feels a little bit wooden and heavy at slow speed as well and the car is just about large enough to be problematic compared to other c-segment cars.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Cruise control is somewhat temperamental though I'm not sure whether thats just the way it operates or there is a fault. Otherwise its been fuss free since ownership.

What's most practical about your car?

The boot is frankly enormous, even if the loading lip is a little bit small. The modern Astra is just about the biggest car in its class and it shows both in terms of boot and passenger space.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Front and rear sensors are really helpful since the car is just large enough to become a bit imposing now and then. Otherwise cruise control on all models is very pleasant.