Intro A solid, reliable, practical car all round I must say! The performance is good and the suspension serves the car well, it is light and very easy to drive, with good steering and a good ride, maybe a little firm for some. The SRI is a little more expensive than the base models but for that you get a larger engine and considerably higher spec, more gadgets.
Engine and Drivetrain The 1.8l 16-valve ecotec engine has a very smooth and responsive power delivery. It can be a little thirsty if you ring it’s neck The gearbox has an average set of ratios, first is a bit too short, basically you have to change into second a little sooner than you would want to, and a sixth gear or a longer fifth would not go amiss. Gear selection can be a little stiff on cold mornings but that is fairly commonplace with any car. The suspension serves the car well, maybe a little firm for some. The power steering I feel is a bit light and non-responsive but does make it easy to drive. The ABS (anti lock) brakes with discs all round and traction control make the cars safety aspect good. The traction control is no fun in the snow, boring! Others are skating about the place and I am just driving along like I am scared to get the back out. (Should I have mentioned that?)
Interior The interior is basic but very user friendly, everything is well visible, easily accessible and simple to follow. You get electric windows (front only) electric mirrors, it does have air-conditioning that I do not use, and it’s got windows that do open. Both driver and passenger airbags are fitted. My love of music and gadgets encouraged me to turf out the CD player on the second day of ownership to make way for an infotainment system, so cant comment on the original one. The instruments have coloured dials to create that false impression of being in a racing car but do look nice at night with the lights on. There is adequate space for four large adults and a slightly smaller person in the middle of the rear seat, which does have three seat belts fitted. The rear seat splits and folds for added boot space. One thing I really like about this interior is that it’s all rattle and squeak free!
Exterior An attractive set of alloy wheels is standard, but are not curb friendly. Fog lamps all-round here, the rear one is good for annoying the mates behind you at night. The central locking, immobiliser and alarm work well but at times you have to be practically in the car before the remote will work. The metallic paint is durable and robust, it does not scratch that easily. A heated rear window is good for them cold mornings and does a really good job, lots don’t. The rear spoiler is a nice touch. All the above are nice features that make the car all the more pleasurable to own and drive.
After sales As with most main dealers, they are brilliant and couldn’t be more helpful until you have bought. Then they really don’t seem to care. Under duress they have sorted out a few niggly bits for me under the Vauxhall 3 year warranty. If you are going to buy one, do not get a Network Q warranty until the manufactures warranty has expired, it’s pointless and a waste of money, certainly get one after.
Conclusion Having worked in the automotive industry for sometime now, I have a fair knowledge of cars and would not hesitate to recommend the Astra SRI (ashtray) to anyone. All things being said they are a fairly average sort of car, by no means upmarket and wont pull chicks, but mine has served me well and have no complaints with it. If you are seriouly looking make certain of service historys, none will void any warranty!
Ohh! one more thing, if you do get one or already have one, doesn’t smash up the wing mirrors!! I did one last week and it cost me £145.00 to replace.
Better nictastic? hope so!
More details
Purchase Price
12500.00
Reliability
Excellent
Spaciousness
Excellent
Customer service
Satisfactory
Features
Excellent
Fuel consumption
Satisfactory
Evaluate this review
How helpful would this review be to someone making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
helpful
helpful
helpful
helpful
