...
I know I didn't want the bog standard Astra, so I went on the Vauxhall website and started to look at what they had to offer.
~ The Sxi ~
I'm not the most knowledgeable person when it comes to cars and engines etc and was a bit lost as to what spec I wanted and what kind of engine, ... Read review
...so I went on the Vauxhall website and started to look at what they had to offer.
~ _The Sxi_ ~
I'm not the most knowledgeable person when it comes to cars and engines etc and was a bit lost as to what spec I wanted and what kind of engine, so was only really bothered about how it looked (typical girl?)
This is where the Astra SXi wins hands down; it's a pretty good looking car, the exterior spec as follows: ...on the forecourt of the Vauxhall garage in Benson (Oxford), were all silver, but the Astra SXi came in the following colours:
Solid: Flame Red
Two-coat metallic: Star silver (the lightest of the silvers), Silver lightning and Prestige blue
Two-coat pearlescent: Black
~ _Interior_ ~
Now the interior is nice, it matches with the exterior colour and styling and has been ... more
~ My history ~
My very first car was a Renault Clio and after a crash on Valentines Day 2005 (which completely wrote it off (oops) and I couldn't believe I had to pay £50 to get them to scrap my little baby! (grr)
Because I needed a car to get to work, the search began almost instantly to find another car. I had driven an Astra before and really liked them, I thought they were quite compact but big enough to fit people in without being packed in like sardines.
I know I didn't want the bog standard Astra, so I went on the Vauxhall website and started to look at what they had to offer.
~ The Sxi ~
I'm not the most knowledgeable person when it comes to cars and engines etc and was a bit lost as to what spec I wanted and what kind of engine, so was only really bothered about how it looked (typical girl?)
This is where the Astra SXi wins hands down; it's a pretty good looking car, the exterior spec as follows:
~ Exterior ~
Dark-style headlights and taillights - this basically means they looks tinted, which against silver looks really nice and also in black is very sxiii
Body-colour bumpers, door mirrors and door handles - everything on the Astra SXi is colour coded which really makes a difference, it makes it look a lot smarter, than the black plastic bumpers.
16-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels - alloys are much nicer looking, but also prone to getting scratched, the good thing about the standard wheels with the plastic hub caps is that you can replace these if they get badly curbed or damaged, with alloys however once they are curbed you would have to spend around £50 per tyre to get this refurbished (so be careful when parking)
~ Colour ~
Now on the forecourt of the Vauxhall garage in Benson (Oxford), were all silver, but the Astra SXi came in the following colours:
Solid: Flame Red Two-coat metallic: Star silver (the lightest of the silvers), Silver lightning and Prestige blue Two-coat pearlescent: Black ~ Interior ~
Now the interior is nice, it matches with the exterior colour and styling and has been given a sportier look, here is the spec:
- Twin internally adjustable door mirrors - Aluminium-effect centre console -Aluminium-effect gear knob -Chrome handbrake button -Courtesy light operated by rear door switches -Rear reading light -Air conditioning -Rear passenger compartment heating ducts -Sports front seats -Drivers seat height adjuster -Front passenger seat height adjuster -Rear seat fold-down centre armrest with load-through facility -White sports instruments with aluminium edging -Steering column adjustable for reach and rake -Leather-covered three spoke steering wheel -CDR 500 stereo radio/compact disc player -Steering wheel mounted audio controls -Locking wheel bolts for alloy wheels -Sports suspension
This all sounds a bit silvery but it really is nice inside, it's a sporty look without paying major money.
~ Safety features ~
Now (touch wood) I haven't had an accident in my Astra, I've had a few bumps with lamppost and walls, but nothing major! But it's always handy to see what the car has got to protect you if you ever shall need it:
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) Drivers and passenger airbags Front seatbelt force limiters Three lap and diagonal rear seatbelts Remote control central deadlocking - this is a nice feature, if you press your remote control key once, it locks the car, press it again and the car deadlocks. Electronic engine deadlock immobiliser Locking wheel bolts - (don't lose the key for these as you need it when you get your tyres changed!)
~ Engine ~
Now this is the complicated part!
I have 1.6i 16v ECOTEC-4 twinport petrol (1598cc), which means:
Max power: 103PS (76 KW) @ 6000 rpm Max torque: 147Nm (108 lb. ft) @ 3600 rpm Emissions: Euro 4 emission compliant
Max speed: 117 mph (which of course I've never done….) 0.60 mph in 10.5 seconds
~ The ride ~
The Astra is extremely comfortable the seats have lumber support and the headrest is adjustable so when you are sat in traffic (bored) there is somewhere to rest you head! The steering wheel is a nice size not too skinny and not too big, the horn is on both sides of the wheel for easy access. (In my Clio the horn was on the indicator stick, which was a phaff to get to.) Because there is sport suspension, it's really smooth to drive and you don't feel all the bumps and cracks in the road, which is nice. The Astra is also really nice to park, its quite nippy and can get in quite small spaces.
~ Space ~
I rarely sit in the back, (as I rarely let anyone else drive) but on the occasion that I have it is really comfortable in the back, because I have a five door as well, its more "family friendly" so when I take out my nieces or friends etc, getting in and out of the back is not a problem or hassle.
The boot has masses of space, to fit, shopping, pushchairs, TVs and dogs! The boot shelf is really simple to take out and put back in as well.
~ Problems ~
I haven't had any major problems with mine, the headlight switch wasn't working properly but this was fixed under my warranty, so wasn't costly. I do a lot of miles (60 per day) and it copes really well with this, in heavy traffic as well. I've had regular services and no problems have come up from them, recently had my cambelt done as it's over 40,000 miles now (Recommend you get this done as soon as its due as if this goes then could cost up to £1000 in engine repairs).
~ Fuel Consumption ~
Now i do alot of miles and a full tank lasts me about a week, going to and from work, which is a 60 mile round trip. As petrol prices are quite high at the moment, this works out at £45 per week at £1.01 per litre. Which works out around 30 mpg.
~ Insurance ~
Insurance Group 5, pretty reasonable if you keep it standard, the Astra is a popular car to add expense too.
~ Price ~
I purchased my 5 door, silver Sxi 1.6 16v Twinport (with 17,500 miles on clock) for £6500) in 2005.
~ Conclusion ~
Overall I really love my Astra SXi, it's a really popular car and there are a lot of them about, so it has sometimes been critised for being too common, but surely that's a good thing, must be a good car!
Nowadays you can pick up a good quality Astra SXi for under £5000, because there are so popular they are readily available and there is always the Mark IV version available, which means when you come to sell, you are more likely to get interest.
I haven't done a lot to mine since I brought it (I did put a spoiler on it a few weeks after). I pretty much like it how it is, once it's had a good wash it looks brand new!
Overall I have no complaints about the Astra SXi it really is a fun car to drive, gets up to speed quickly and is nippy on round abouts. It's safe and comfortable and very reliable. Apparently Lotus had a hand in the chassis development so that can't be bad!
The new Astra is also very yummy, so I have a feeling I might be sticking with Vauxhalls for a bit, until I make my millions!!
~ Websites ~
Vauxhalls main website, gives you the low-down on the new models, but if you search Vauxhall then where you live, there should always be a local Vauxhall dealer near you, where you can see what they have on there forecourt at present
http://www.astraownersclub.com/
This website is a forum, which you can register with to get into contact with Vauxhall enthusiasts. Not just for the Astra Sxi but for different specs.
This is also great to go onto if you are looking to modify your car, it has great tips and user guides on how to do the basics, there are also a lot of experienced modifiers on there who are happy to give advice and answer any questions.
I haven't been on there for a while, but the site has been updated and is really easy to navigate.
Advantages: Fuel consumption, insurance, looks Disadvantages: Air conditioning sometimes gives out damp smell, gear change a bit notchy
...good cruising ability on A-roads and motorways. Good acceleration from 30 through 70mph.
The car handles well with very little body roll and the brakes are responsive and feature ABS.
My car was purchased through a Vauxhall Main Dealer for £8995 in 2005 and has been 100% reliable. ...
Mr__Steve 27.08.2007
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Hatchback
Advantages: Smooth, slick and sexy. Disadvantages: Reverse always clunks, fuel consumption, interior mirror falling off
Basically I wanted the 1.8 VVT, but the insurance for my age on a 1.8 VVT was 2200 (I am 18 years old)
So i decided why not take a look at the 1.6 Sxi.
So I ended up buying it , insurance costing me £1400. I didnt end up with the edsact car I wanted because I am not alowed factory fitted bodykits or small spoilers or my insurance would have been void with directline (Dont risk it, You crash they win)
In all I am happy with the car, although its ... ...40pence p/m which isnt too bad I must say. One thing I dont like, the interior mirror fell off yesterday and swung into my face whilst I was driving (my car is an 06 plate, didnt expect this) Then it took around an hour for me to get it back on ...
bryntwr10 13.05.2008
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Hatchback
Advantages: excellent handling and engine power, very reliable Disadvantages: alternator quite expensive, suspension should be looked at at 40k
I bought mine in October 2005, its on a 'V' plate which is 1999. all i have had to get done on it was the exhaust which only set me back £80 which is very cheap compared to other cars in the same class i believe. the only serious cost i have had to incurr is a new alternator which was £180 but the car had done 65000 miles so thats not so bad. i bought mine second hand with 54000 miles on the clock for £3100 which was also from a dealership... the ... ...locking feature which makes you feel a bit more comfortable leaving it places overnight. as far as the performance goes... the 1.6 16v is a surprisingly powerful engine (101bhp i believe). the handling is also second to none with lotus tuned suspension, this gives the car the ability to hold the road better and gives the care a totally solid and rigid feel. the engine is also totally reliable and have never had any problems with it... it is also ...
philip666punk 25.06.2006
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Hatchback
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Quick review of Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Hatchback
I bought mine 6 years ago - "52" 2002. I know I'll have to change her eventually, but what other car will give me all that she does at the cost? If you treat the SXI with respect, she'll run and run without missing a beat. Tyre wear is nothing - I did 35K before getting to the tread limit. Exhaust? No problems, it must be made of titanium. Interior- plenty of comfy room for a family of 4. The best buy I could have made. She owes me nothing. I just hope the new Insignia will be just as good. She will be sorely missed when I eventually (reluctantly) lose her. A great mid-range motor.
Excellent Vauxhall support too. ...
Loafah 15.07.2008
Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Hatchback
I BOUGHT MINE IN AUGUST 2004 A 2002 52 PLATE MODEL.ITS THE UPDATED VERSION WHICH LOOKS ALOT BETTER THAN THE PREVIOUS ONE,ITS GOT SMOKED STYLE REAR LIGHTS AND HEADLAMPS AND TEN SPOKE ALLOYS WITH 205 50 16 TYRES ON.THE ASTRA HANDLES QUITE WELL IN THE DRY BUT CAN BE PRONE TO UNDERSTEER IN THE WET.THE PERFORMANCE OF THE CAR IS QUITE SUPRISING COMBINED WITH ITS HANDLING HAS LEFT MANY DRIVERS WITH MORE EXPENSIVE CARS RED FACED.ITS GOT A NICE ENGINE NOTE ...
GDS1 06.02.2005
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Hatchback
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Advantages: Smooth and cheap to insure Disadvantages: Its a British Car
The Model of Car that I have recently purchased is a 02 reg MK4 5 door 1.6i 16V Club Hatchback. It has a max Torque of 100 BHP and is a Multi Point Fuel injected Car with a ECOTEC engine under the bonnet. The VauxhallAstra runs very smoothly and you can’t even hear the engine running. Since I’ve only had this car for a week then I can only tell you my experiences and they are all good so far.
The Features for this car include:
- Air-Conditioning
- Driver’s and Front Passenger’s airbags
- Front Seat Head Restraints
- Front Seatbelt force limiters and body-lock pretensioners
- Two Rear Seat Head restraints
- Power Steering
- Steering Column Adjustable for Reach and Rake
- Driver’s Seat Height Adjuster
- Remote Control Central Deadlocking
- Cassette Player/ Stereo
- Steering Wheel Mounted ...
I had this car up until last year. It was a 2001 Mk 4 Astra Club in Metallic dark blue with a 1.6 8v engine.
The engine to be honest was a major bone of contention for me, leading to me getting rid of the car and upgrading. The 1.6 8v is the same ageing engine used in the Cavalier and frankly just wasn't good enough in a modern car like this.
Carrying on with the bad points, the other major bugbear with this car is the frankly awful interior. One gets the feeling vauxhall deliberatly choose the worse colours to use in the basic Astra, I got horrible grey velour seats (yes the same colour as in the cavalier!!) and a horrible brown/beige/black colour dashboard which was franlkly irritating to sit behind.
However, good points for this car definitely outweigh the bad, especially if (unlike me) you are not after good performance from your ...
Advantages: Good safety, economical, spacious, stylish, 3rd full seat belt Disadvantages: Burns oil quickly, poor rear visability, poor stereo system
and radio reception is excellent.
We have had some problems. The car has only done 2,000 miles and has used 6 litres of oil. We took it back to Vauxhall and they said there is nothing wrong with the car the engine is designed to burn oil. Maybe this is just the petrol model. We know of another owner with the same problem. It also needed a new engine management system which they say was faulty from the start. Maybe this had something to do with the burning of the oil. Only time will tell. It's back in for repair this week because the air conditioning has broken.
I would reccomend this car for anyone with a family but beware dander from clothes and pet hair is difficult to remove from the seat material.
Model is 1.6 petrol Astra Club
Enjoy your ride ...