Vauxhall Astra Hatchback (2015 - 2021) SE 1.4i Turbo (150PS) 5d Owner Review

This was bought to replace a wholly unreliable Citroen C4 Cactus that I grew fed up with. I actually bought the car blind based on experiences of my first car, a 2010 Astra and hoped it would be a wise decision. It certainly hasn't disappointed so far. The ride quality and noise suppression are an infinite improvement over the Cactus with only the harshest of pot holes even really noticeable, and even then only as a dull thud. On a good motorway cruise, the wind and engine noise are extremely well suppressed with only a little tire roar to contend with. The 1.4 Turbo engine is a revelation. I'm used to turbocharged three cylinders or diesels and this requires a bit more of liberal throttle to get the boost going but once its there, it feels like going to warp compared to the 1.2 Turbo I had. The 7.7 second to 60 time is touching on warm hatch territory and it feels it, even giving quite a pleasing rumble for a 4 cylinder petrol. It handles nicely with nice, reasonably flat cornering lines and well weighted steering though a little numb at dead centre like all electric power steering is. The kit levels on this lower middle range model are excellent with Apple Car play, dual zone climate control, auto wipers and lights, leccy mirrors all round and heated seats/steering wheel (which is what sold me in the end!) plenty of boot and passenger space plus the car isn't too cumbersome for city driving. The only downside at the moment is economy is languishing at around the 38mpg mark which seems a little low but the Cactus in similar driving was only returning around 40-42mpg and the engines not run in yet. I don't drive it gently either. Of note, sensors are optional extras even on top of the range models and I would argue they are needed as visibility isn't amazing all round. Otherwise, grand motor!