Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Vauxhall Astra review - striking hatchback with updated tech

“The latest Vauxhall Astra gets a striking look and the latest tech to better compete with rivals”

Carbuyer Rating

4.1 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review
Price
£26,940 - £41,800

Pros

  • Stylish looks
  • 43-mile plug-in hybrid range
  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Firm ride
  • Rear space could be better
  • Small boot for plug-in versions

Verdict - Is the Vauxhall Astra a good car?

We said the last-generation Astra was the best yet, and in most respects, the latest model benefits from even more ingredients to succeed, despite its numerous strong rivals. With looks and technology lifted from the eye-catching Vauxhall Mokka, the Astra is a smart family hatch that won’t cost a lot to run. With petrol, plug-in hybrid and now all-electric power, the Astra’s appeal has never been broader. It’s just a shame the Astra Electric is so pricey, making it harder to recommend.

Vauxhall Astra models, specs and alternatives

No matter what Vauxhall tried, it struggled to convince buyers to choose the previous Astra over its rivals. The car was lighter and more agile than its predecessor, and looked more confident, but it was uninspiring when compared to rivals like the SEAT Leon, Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In light of such strong family hatchback competition, and with fashionable SUVs stealing sales away, the brand has pulled out all the stops to ensure the new Vauxhall Astra grabs your attention. It features the brand’s latest ‘Vizor’ front end, with a black panel sweeping between the bright LED headlights. There are interesting creases in the bodywork, and higher-spec versions get a contrasting black roof. There’s also a sporty GSe version, but the visual changes for this are much more subtle than the lairy spoilers of past Vauxhall Astra VXR hot hatches, helping to broaden its appeal. Sadly, it’s also far less exciting to drive than Vauxhall’s sometimes lairy old hot hatchbacks.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

For the first time, the Vauxhall Astra also offers other choices than just conventional internal combustion engines. A plug-in hybrid version adds the potential for low running costs, thanks to a 39-mile electric range, and zero tailpipe emissions Vauxhall Astra Electric also arrived in mid-2023, the latter looking virtually identical to the rest of the line-up. Given that fleet buyers make up a good proportion of Astra sales, it’s vital for the car to offer electrified options that present lower tax costs for business users, and even the GSe version uses a more potent version of the plug-in hybrid setup, also shared with the Peugeot 308.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The interior should confirm to buyers that Vauxhall is serious about targeting the family hatch class leaders. As standard, the Astra gets two 10-inch displays ahead of the driver, one for the infotainment and one that replaces traditional analogue dials. It’s a marked improvement over the old car, which didn’t get much design flair inside, although the new media screen could be more intuitive to use.

Kicking the range off is the Design trim. From the outside, it looks a little plain in comparison with the higher trim levels, but the equipment level is generous. That 10-inch touchscreen includes sat nav, wireless smartphone connectivity, DAB radio and voice recognition. Other standard features include front and rear parking sensors, keyless start, climate control and high-beam assist.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

GS brings sporty looks with bigger wheels and the black roof mentioned above. Extra safety features are fitted, and convenience is boosted with heated front seats, an anti-dazzle rear-view mirror and adaptive cruise control. Top-spec Ultimate piles in even more driver aids, an insulated windscreen, a sunroof and adaptive headlights, while the GSe version gets unique 18-inch alloy wheels and Alcantara sports seats.

With the ride being a little on the firm side, it’s worth considering sticking to a trim level that offers smaller wheel sizes. The heavy plug-in hybrid model we tested also produced a lot of tyre noise, although the powertrain itself is refined enough most of the time.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Below the hybrid there’s a selection of familiar petrol engines, but the diesel has now been retired. You have a choice of a 1.2-litre petrol engine, with either 108 or 128bhp, while a 1.5-litre diesel was previously offered with 128bhp. Fitted in a range of Vauxhall, Citroen and Peugeot models, none of these engines propel the Astra off the line particularly quickly, but they should prove economical. The Astra Electric gets a 152bhp electric motor and 54kWh battery, giving it a range of 258 miles between charges.

The engines may be the same, but Vauxhall’s engineers have tuned the handling setup slightly differently so it doesn’t feel identical to a Peugeot 308. The Astra is definitely better to drive than its predecessor; turn the wheel and you’ll feel steering that’s light but accurate – this can be made heavier by activating ‘Sport Mode’. Body lean is kept under control very well, too, making the Astra surprisingly fun on a twisty road. The GSe is quick and has plentiful grip, but it’s too heavy and slow to respond to really perform as a hot hatchback. Despite the extra eight of its battery pack, the Astra Electric isn’t too dissimilar to the petrol model to drive, only revealing its tendency to understeer if you push it or try to accelerate while in a corner.

Now, those plus points have been complemented by a decent four-star safety score. While that’s not the absolute best in class, the Astra is a safe car that you can trust to protect your family. It scored roughly 80% for both adult and child protection, while its lack of the full five stars is due to it missing out on some of the latest driver aids rather than any major shortfall in crash performance.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best?

Cheapest

  • Name
    1.2 Turbo Business Edition 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • Price
    £23,200

Most Economical

  • Name
    1.6 Hybrid Design 5dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £29,950

Fastest

  • Name
    1.6 Plug-in Hybrid GSe 5dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £40,845

Andy is Carbuyer's managing editor, with more than a decade of experience helping consumers find their perfect car. He has an MA in automotive journalism and has tested hundreds of vehicles.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Toyota C-HR review - stylish and efficient, but lacks rear space
Toyota C-HR UK front dynamic
In-depth reviews
18 Mar 2024

Toyota C-HR review - stylish and efficient, but lacks rear space

Volkswagen T-Cross review – a well-equipped small SUV
Volkswagen T-Cross 2024
In-depth reviews
18 Mar 2024

Volkswagen T-Cross review – a well-equipped small SUV

SEAT Ateca review - good value SUV that's fun to drive
SEAT Ateca SUV front 3/4 tracking
In-depth reviews
14 Mar 2024

SEAT Ateca review - good value SUV that's fun to drive

Porsche Panamera review – a tech-packed sports saloon
2024 Porsche Panamera front quarter dynamic
In-depth reviews
13 Mar 2024

Porsche Panamera review – a tech-packed sports saloon

Have You Considered

Citroen C4 review – a quirky, comfortable family hatchback
Citroen C4 hatchback
In-depth reviews
7 Feb 2024

Citroen C4 review – a quirky, comfortable family hatchback

Ford Focus review
Ford Focus - front 3/4 dynamic
In-depth reviews
12 Oct 2023

Ford Focus review

Most Popular

Hot car deal: stylish Peugeot 2008 small SUV for £120 a month
Peugeot 2008 front quarter
Deals
12 Mar 2024

Hot car deal: stylish Peugeot 2008 small SUV for £120 a month

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
15 Mar 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Skoda Superb Estate review – a near-faultless, practical family car
Skoda Superb Estate Carbuyer drive
In-depth reviews
15 Mar 2024

Skoda Superb Estate review – a near-faultless, practical family car

More on Astra

Vauxhall Astra gets new mild-hybrid tech for improved fuel efficiency
Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer front quarter
News
21 Feb 2024

Vauxhall Astra gets new mild-hybrid tech for improved fuel efficiency

Mild-hybrid Astra joins the existing lineup of petrol, plug-in hybrid and electric models
Top 10 best hybrid estate cars 2024
Best hybrid estate cars
Best cars
15 Feb 2024

Top 10 best hybrid estate cars 2024

These hybrid estate cars could be the perfect choice for those wanting big space but small fuel bills
Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer review - versatile family estate
Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer
In-depth reviews
15 Jan 2024

Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer review - versatile family estate

“More spacious than the Astra hatchback, the Sports Tourer ends up being a jack-of-all-trades, master of none”
Skip advert
Advertisement
Best road tax-free cars 2024
The best road tax-free cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Best road tax-free cars 2024

Only new electric and hydrogen-powered cars are free from annual road tax today, but a range of used cars and classic cars are also exempt
Top 10 best family cars 2024
Best family cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best family cars 2024

The 10 best family cars you can buy all offer space, comfort and plenty of technology
Top 10 best hatchbacks 2024
The best hatchbacks 2023 hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best hatchbacks 2024

Hatchback models are hugely popular thanks to the practicality of a large boot opening. Here we take a look at some of the best hatchback models of al…
Vauxhall Astra Electric review - household name with an EV twist
Vauxhall Astra Electric front handling
In-depth reviews
6 Dec 2023

Vauxhall Astra Electric review - household name with an EV twist

“The first-ever Vauxhall Astra Electric has arrived, and it’s pitched squarely at helping drivers of petrol and diesel models make a fuss-free switch”
New Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Electric is a £40k EV estate
Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Electric static front-quarter view
News
21 Nov 2023

New Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Electric is a £40k EV estate

Vauxhall is offering the Astra estate with its fully electric powertrain, available to order now
Skip advert
Advertisement
New Vauxhall Astra GSe: now available in Sports Tourer estate guise
Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer GSe 1
News
15 Jun 2023

New Vauxhall Astra GSe: now available in Sports Tourer estate guise

The Vauxhall Astra has received the sporty ‘GSe’ treatment, with a 222bhp plug-in hybrid powertrain
Skip advert
Advertisement
New Vauxhall Astra Electric: price, trim levels and details
2023 Vauxhall Astra Electric - header
News
15 Jun 2023

New Vauxhall Astra Electric: price, trim levels and details

Vauxhall has revealed that the Astra Electric hatchback will cost from £39,995 in GS trim
Vauxhall Astra vs Peugeot 308 vs Citroen C4: rivals comparison
Vauxhall Astra vs Peugeot 308 vs Citroen C4
News
2 Sep 2022

Vauxhall Astra vs Peugeot 308 vs Citroen C4: rivals comparison

The Vauxhall Astra, Peugeot 308 and Citroen C4 are three family hatchbacks under the same parent-company – but how do their specs compare?
New Ford Focus vs VW Golf vs Vauxhall Astra
Focus vs Golf vs Astra hero
News
26 Aug 2022

New Ford Focus vs VW Golf vs Vauxhall Astra

The Ford Focus has had a recent refresh, but how does it compare to the latest Volkswagen Golf and Vauxhall Astra?
Top 10 best used hatchbacks
2014 Skoda Octavia in blue driving around a corner
Best cars
1 Jul 2022

Top 10 best used hatchbacks

Cars like these are easy to park, spacious, well-equipped and cheap to run. We pick out the best used hatchbacks
New 2022 Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer: prices, specs and release date
2022 Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer
News
15 Feb 2022

New 2022 Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer: prices, specs and release date

Sharp and practical Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer estate starts at £25,005
All-new 2022 Vauxhall Astra on sale now with a price of £23,275
2021 Vauxhall Astra - front 3/4 driving
News
9 Nov 2021

All-new 2022 Vauxhall Astra on sale now with a price of £23,275

New Vauxhall Astra arrives with brand’s ‘Vizor’ face, new technology PHEV powertrains and a fully-electric model
Skip advert
Advertisement
Vauxhall Astra hatchback review (2015-2021)
Vauxhall Astra
In-depth reviews
3 Jun 2021

Vauxhall Astra hatchback review (2015-2021)

"This Vauxhall Astra is the best yet. It combines efficient engines, an enjoyable driving experience and a stylish design to make it one of the best f…
Vauxhall adds high-spec Griffin Edition trim to key models
Vauxhall Corsa Griffin Edition
News
20 Apr 2021

Vauxhall adds high-spec Griffin Edition trim to key models

The Vauxhall Corsa, Astra and Grandland X are now available in Griffin Edition spec
Skip advert
Advertisement
Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer estate (2016-2021)
Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer
In-depth reviews
21 Jul 2020

Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer estate (2016-2021)

"The Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer is a widely improved model, with more style, more advanced technology and better practicality than its predecessor"
New 2021 Vauxhall Astra previewed with coupe styling
News
13 Dec 2019

New 2021 Vauxhall Astra previewed with coupe styling

The new Vauxhall Astra will share much with the Peugeot 308, and a fast VXR model is expected
Facelifted 2019 Vauxhall Astra prices confirmed
2019 Vauxhall Astra hatchback - dynamic
News
30 Jul 2019

Facelifted 2019 Vauxhall Astra prices confirmed

Styling updates make the refreshed Vauxhall Astra the most aerodynamic car in its class
2020 Vauxhall Insignia spotted testing
News
3 Jul 2019

2020 Vauxhall Insignia spotted testing

Facelifted Vauxhall Insignia models to get new engines and plug-in hybrid tech
Skip advert
Advertisement
New engines bolster Vauxhall Astra range
Burgundy Vauxhall Astra
News
27 Feb 2019

New engines bolster Vauxhall Astra range

New 1.6-litre petrol and diesel Astra engines arrive to meet 2019 emissions standards
Used Vauxhall Astra buying guide
Used car reviews
6 Feb 2019

Used Vauxhall Astra buying guide

It sells in huge numbers new, but how does the Vauxhall Astra stack up as a used model?

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
19 Dec 2023

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
12 Apr 2023

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
The best electric cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024