Vauxhall Astra VXR (2012 - 2015) 2.0T 16V VXR 3d (2014/14) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Probably 50% hooligan 50% petrol head.

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

My work colleagues are warming to it, my friends like it but I think primarily because I'm happy with it.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Over and Over again - because I love it, and is far more engaging to drive than any Merc, Nissan, Honda, Smart, Diahatsu or Lexus that I have owned which is everything from a 0.6l turbo to a 5.5 v8.

What are you likely to buy next?

I don't want to be buying another car for a good while.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£23,000

When did you buy the car?

June 2015

Did you get a good deal and why?

I got a deal I was happy with, the dealer delivered the car to me as there weren't many around to my specification. I was happy to pay extra for all the options I wanted. The car was ex-demo.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

It had most of the option packs which attracted me as I wanted heated leather seats and a few other things.

What was the dealer like?

I explained to the dealer my recent bad run of luck and they went all out to give me a good experience. Thurlow Nunn Vauxhall did a fantastic job and really looked after me.

What's it like to drive?

Superb! It has great character which most new cars are lacking. There is so much power going through the front wheels that it makes it quite entertaining and engaging. Vauxhall have gone to a good amount of effort to remind you that you're driving the beast, and it very satisfying. The power delivery is fantastic. The gearbox isn't notchy, its just unforgiving, and you don't get much distance out of 1st gear.

What's it like to park?

Easy, the visibility is fine and the parking sensors help.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Only 1 small thing in that the sun visor mirror cover hinge snapped off. I think Vauxhall have gotten a few things wrong - the A pillar can be obstructive, there is no retainer for the seatbelt so you are constantly disjointing your shoulder to try and grab it and I would have liked optional extras like a reversing camera or a remote close boot. I honestly don't know what Vauxhall were thinking keeping the eco button, I'm not buying a VXR for economy!

What's most practical about your car?

Although it is only a 3 door, the side doors are very wide giving good access, the seats fold almost flat so its a good load carrying. Additionally all of the controls are easily accessible to the driver.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

VXR button, leather finish & stitching, heated seats, the exhaust noise, the list goes on. The cabin is very anthropometrically and asthetically pleasing.