Vauxhall Astra Hatchback (2015 - 2021) 1.6 CDTi 16V Elite Nav 5d Owner Review

We bought this car at 10 months old and have since covered another 90,000 miles. Its main selling point was the claim of around 60mpg overall and it's lived up to this. Sadly, we wouldn't buy another for a few reasons. The principal flaw is the lack of any spare wheel (omitted to save weight and hit the consumption & emission figures). The bottle of gunge for re-inflation simply doesn't work. As if that wasn't enough, they don't tell you that the tyre pressure sensors in the valves are liable to break if you have a puncture. The result is that when you get a puncture, you're stranded by the roadside and your bill will include a new tyre, new sensor AND a £57 charge by the dealer just to calibrate the new sensor. Another fault is the lack of any effective reversing light. OK, there's a single one which meets the minimum legal requirement, but it's useless in providing any light for those who don't live in areas without street lights. Finally, although the consumption is great for long journeys, the passenger comfort is not. After seven Vauxhalls, I'm now seeking an alternative brand.