Vauxhall Astra VXR hatchback (2012-2018) - Practicality & boot space

Despite the stylish looks, the Vauxhall Astra VXR is surprisingly practical

Carbuyer Rating

3.2 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.8 out of 5

Read owner reviews
Practicality & boot space Rating

3.0 out of 5

As the Astra VXR is only available as a three-door, it's not as practical as the standard five-door Astra hatchback. However, there aren’t many other cars on the road that provide the same amount of power with any more practicality for this amount of money. Despite the VXR’s compact dimensions and sloping roofline, it’s a reasonably practical car overall.

Vauxhall Astra VXR interior space & storage

Adult passengers will find it difficult to squeeze into the back seats in the absence of rear door, but space once back there isn’t too restricted. There’s plenty of storage space in the cabin, with lots of handy cubbies and places to store drinks. Sports seats can sometimes be rather firm and unforgiving, but the VXR’s are comfortable as well as looking the part, even if you may wish for something more luxurious on longer trips.

Boot space

Buy an Astra VXR and you get 380 litres of boot space with all the seats still in place, which expands to a very useful 1,165 litres when you fold down the back seats. That compares favourably with the 377 litres in the Renault Megane Renaultsport and the 316 litres in the Ford Focus ST. Loads of luggage space isn't likely to be a high priority for the average hot hatchback buyer, but it's handy to have all the same.

Next Steps

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

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