Vauxhall (Opel) Astra Review: Why You Should Not Dismiss This Car!
The Vauxhall Astra (also branded as Opel Astra in continental Europe) is a longstanding name in the compact car segment. The latest generation, launched in 2021, comes with various powertrains, including plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options, making it a strong contender in the fiercely competitive compact car market. The Astra brings together modern tech, stylish design, and practicality, ensuring it remains a solid choice for buyers. Let’s dive into the details:
1. Powertrain Options
Engines: Available with a variety of powertrain choices:
1.2L Petrol (110 PS - 130 PS).
1.5L Diesel (130 PS).
1.6L Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): 180 PS total system power.
Transmission: 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic.
2. Prices
Base Petrol: Starting around £24,000 in the UK.
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): Starts around £33,000.
Diesel: Priced between £25,000-£28,000 depending on trim levels.
3. Battery (For PHEV Model)
Battery Size: 12.4 kWh.
Electric-Only Range: Up to 37 miles (60 km) on a full charge in ideal conditions.
4. Tyre Sizes
The Vauxhall Astra comes with different wheel and tyre options depending on the trim:
16 to 18 inches in diameter.
Tyres typically range from 205/55 R16 to 225/45 R17 sizes, with the higher trims offering larger wheels.
5. Fuel Economy & Range
Petrol Models: Up to 52 mpg (combined).
Diesel Models: Up to 65 mpg (combined).
PHEV Models: 217.3 mpg (WLTP) if used mostly in electric mode.
6. Trunk Size
Petrol/Diesel Models: 422 liters with the rear seats up, expanding to over 1,300 liters when the seats are folded down.
PHEV Model: Trunk space is slightly reduced due to battery placement, down to 352 liters.
7. Dimensions
Length: 4,374 mm.
Width: 1,860 mm.
Height: 1,441 mm.
Wheelbase: 2,675 mm.
This gives the Astra a compact profile, perfect for city driving while still offering ample interior space.
8. Cold and Hot Range (PHEV Model)
Cold Weather: The electric range may drop to around 25-30 miles (40-48 km) in cold weather conditions.
Hot Weather: In optimal warm conditions, the electric range can achieve the maximum 37 miles (60 km).
9. Interior & Seats
Seats: The Astra offers 5 seats with a range of upholstery options, including cloth and leather depending on the trim. The front seats can be equipped with heating and ventilation on higher trims.
Comfort: The cabin is spacious for a car in this class, offering good legroom and headroom, particularly in the front.
10. Warranty
Vauxhall/Opel offers a 3-year/60,000-mile warranty on the car, with an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on the high-voltage battery for the PHEV model.
11. Top Speed and Acceleration (0-100 km/h)
1.2L Petrol:
0-100 km/h (62 mph): 9.7 seconds.
Top Speed: 125 mph (200 km/h).
1.5L Diesel:
0-100 km/h (62 mph): 10.1 seconds.
Top Speed: 122 mph (196 km/h).
PHEV Model:
0-100 km/h (62 mph): 7.7 seconds.
Top Speed: 140 mph (225 km/h).
12. Should You Consider the Astra?
The Vauxhall/Opel Astra delivers an impressive balance of performance, fuel efficiency, and affordability. Its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model is a great option for those who want to dip into electrified driving without range anxiety. It’s a versatile hatchback offering strong practicality for daily use, while still delivering plenty of tech and driver aids.
Who It’s For: City dwellers, small families, or those who need a car with decent fuel economy, good handling, and modern technology.
Who It’s Not For: Those looking for a pure EV with longer range or people needing a larger, more premium vehicle.
With a solid reputation for reliability and low running costs, the Astra continues to be a worthy contender in the compact car segment.
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The Vauxhall Astra (also branded as Opel Astra in continental Europe) is a longstanding name in the compact car segment. The latest generation, launched in 2021, comes with various powertrains, including plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options, making it a strong contender in the fiercely competitive compact car market. The Astra brings together modern tech, stylish design, and practicality, ensuring it remains a solid choice for buyers. Let’s dive into the details:
1. Powertrain Options
Engines: Available with a variety of powertrain choices:
1.2L Petrol (110 PS - 130 PS).
1.5L Diesel (130 PS).
1.6L Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): 180 PS total system power.
Transmission: 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic.
2. Prices
Base Petrol: Starting around £24,000 in the UK.
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): Starts around £33,000.
Diesel: Priced between £25,000-£28,000 depending on trim levels.
3. Battery (For PHEV Model)
Battery Size: 12.4 kWh.
Electric-Only Range: Up to 37 miles (60 km) on a full charge in ideal conditions.
4. Tyre Sizes
The Vauxhall Astra comes with different wheel and tyre options depending on the trim:
16 to 18 inches in diameter.
Tyres typically range from 205/55 R16 to 225/45 R17 sizes, with the higher trims offering larger wheels.
5. Fuel Economy & Range
Petrol Models: Up to 52 mpg (combined).
Diesel Models: Up to 65 mpg (combined).
PHEV Models: 217.3 mpg (WLTP) if used mostly in electric mode.
6. Trunk Size
Petrol/Diesel Models: 422 liters with the rear seats up, expanding to over 1,300 liters when the seats are folded down.
PHEV Model: Trunk space is slightly reduced due to battery placement, down to 352 liters.
7. Dimensions
Length: 4,374 mm.
Width: 1,860 mm.
Height: 1,441 mm.
Wheelbase: 2,675 mm.
This gives the Astra a compact profile, perfect for city driving while still offering ample interior space.
8. Cold and Hot Range (PHEV Model)
Cold Weather: The electric range may drop to around 25-30 miles (40-48 km) in cold weather conditions.
Hot Weather: In optimal warm conditions, the electric range can achieve the maximum 37 miles (60 km).
9. Interior & Seats
Seats: The Astra offers 5 seats with a range of upholstery options, including cloth and leather depending on the trim. The front seats can be equipped with heating and ventilation on higher trims.
Comfort: The cabin is spacious for a car in this class, offering good legroom and headroom, particularly in the front.
10. Warranty
Vauxhall/Opel offers a 3-year/60,000-mile warranty on the car, with an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on the high-voltage battery for the PHEV model.
11. Top Speed and Acceleration (0-100 km/h)
1.2L Petrol:
0-100 km/h (62 mph): 9.7 seconds.
Top Speed: 125 mph (200 km/h).
1.5L Diesel:
0-100 km/h (62 mph): 10.1 seconds.
Top Speed: 122 mph (196 km/h).
PHEV Model:
0-100 km/h (62 mph): 7.7 seconds.
Top Speed: 140 mph (225 km/h).
12. Should You Consider the Astra?
The Vauxhall/Opel Astra delivers an impressive balance of performance, fuel efficiency, and affordability. Its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model is a great option for those who want to dip into electrified driving without range anxiety. It’s a versatile hatchback offering strong practicality for daily use, while still delivering plenty of tech and driver aids.
Who It’s For: City dwellers, small families, or those who need a car with decent fuel economy, good handling, and modern technology.
Who It’s Not For: Those looking for a pure EV with longer range or people needing a larger, more premium vehicle.
With a solid reputation for reliability and low running costs, the Astra continues to be a worthy contender in the compact car segment.
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