Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch (2005 - 2010) 1.6i 16V Design (115bhp) 3d Owner Review

Just a solid, reliable hatch that happens to have a few nice lines to boot. It was my daily driver for 2 1/2 years in my previous job and didn't let me down once (I now commute by train). Fuel economy is perfectly reasonable, interior space is good (most adults will be comfortable in the back), and the boot is more than generous enough for the odd weekend away (during which it, again, hasn't had any issues). Settles nicely into a cruise on the motorway, although a sixth gear would've been welcome for longer trips (the newer GTC has one). No electrical issues, except when the original battery died after 9 years in service. Performance-wise, it's 11 years old and packs a modest 115bhp, so it's a little slow off the mark, but fine once you're above 30mph. At least, in Design trim, it doesn't look like it's trying to be something it isn't, and you get useful extras including auto lights and wipers along with some leather. Apparently it's a better steer than the notoriously dull 5-door, and I could believe that - it's low-slung and has plenty of grip around corners, with little body roll. Really, all it's missing is a little sparkle. It's modest. It's a non-VXR Vauxopel. But it's comfortable, it does its job without any fuss and without breaking anything, and the sensible part of me (aka my girlfriend) tells me I should be very happy with that.