Vauxhall Astra reviews

Key strengths: None
Areas for improvement: Gearbox, storage space, fuel consumption

This car is seriously lacking in all the departments that matter.

It is painfully slow on both acceleration and top speed. When overtaking does present itself, it feels like a hope and a prayer that you are going to actually get past the other vehicle; not safe at all.

The gearbox is the most temperamental sloppy and clunky thing ever. Although I have been driving for well over 25 years, in most things with wheels, the gearbox & clutch on this car is the worst I have ever used; you are never quite sure where it's going to engage (seems to be a different position each day) and it clunks into all of the first three gears; 1st and reverse are at times unavailable unless you have a strong left arm.

There is a total lack of storage space. You would expect loads of space in a modern car, especially an estate, but not this thing. There is a glove compartment (small) door pockets (even smaller) and that's it! Not even any storage under the floor in the back. I have had to ditch 90% of the stuff I had in the Toyota Avensis (now that was a good car).

The fuel consumption is dreadful. My last car was a 2003 Toyota Avensis 1.8 Estate; it was quite quick, reasonably comfy, loads of storage and unbelievably economical. This Vauxhall doesn't come close to it, in any way.

Also the build quality is shoddy and cheap, the auto headlights come on in bright sunshine, the auto wipers don't come on when it's raining, the windscreen fogs up if it's any less than tropical outside & you have to have the heater on.

Also the air-con switch packed up after only 1000 miles.

The running costs for Vauxhall Astra 1.6 petrol Manual are high

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