Motoring with Alan Douglas: Is Vauxhall Astra GS more than a study stalwart as rivals up their game?
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For almost as long as we can remember – actually since 1980 – the Vauxhall Astra has been a stalwart of British motoring.
It’s the classic small family car and did a brilliant job taking over from the venerable Viva which was much-loved by owners and for some was the iconic car to bear the Griffin emblem.
The first versions were right-hand drive models of the European Opel Kadett and it was Vauxhall’s first model to have front-wheel drive.
Through the decades it had featured high in the best-selling charts but while it has held onto its core values, it has been overshadowed by more attractive and technically advanced alternatives.
Over its life around four million have been built at the company’s Ellesmere Port plant in north-west England but the final car came out earlier this year, after the current owners, the giant Stellantis Group, which includes Citroen, Peugeot and Fiat in its portfolio, transferred production to its Opel factory in Germany.
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There had been fears that this would spell the end for the plant and its 1000-strong workforce but instead, there’s a £100 million retooling programme and soon it will be building electric vans to secure its future.
So as the factory enters a new phase, how does the latest eight-generation Astra shape up?
Its looks have been much improved and made sharper, especially at the front end and there’s new technology inside as well as hybrid electrified engine options although a fully electric version won’t be here until sometime during 2023.
The existing petrol car is still capable, efficient and sensible, but just a bit dull and showing its age.
On the road, it drives well, the suspension is well-adapted to our variable surfaces and is secure and steady on the bends, but this is not a car you’re likely to throw around.
To be honest, it felt a bit dated against the alternatives from the likes of Skoda, Honda, Toyota or Kia who have all excelled themselves with their latest models.
There’s the option of an eight-speed automatic gearbox, but the featured test car had a six-speed manual box. It had clean changes, but I kept catching my left foot on the brake while dipping the clutch, which seems like a basic design issue.
There are several engine choices including a plug-in hybrid and the range has been simplified with just three trim levels of Design, GS Line, expected to be the most popular, and Ultimate and there’s a Sports Tourer estate version for owners who need extra carrying capacity.
The featured GS Line car came with the 1.2- litre, three-cylinder turbocharged unit which is surprisingly perky when running around but struggled a bit when pushed for acceleration at higher speeds.
On the inside, everything is fine. Nothing stands out, which is good, but it’s not the sort of interior you would sit within and admire.
The seats are comfortable with good adjustment, the instruments do their job clearly and everything works without any fuss. There are physical buttons for much-used functions like the climate control which is good but you still have to negotiate your way through the 10-inch colour touchscreen for other features.
Front seat passenger head and legroom is generous but it could get a bit tight for long-legged friends in the back. If you need more luggage space, the rear seats fold on a 60/40 split so there’s plenty of flexibility and the fold-down armrest on the GS Line means you can stick skis or long loads through from the boot.
The boot itself has a flex floor which can be raised or lowered depending on the size of the load and can also hide valuables out of sight.
While some of its competitors like Kia and MG give a seven-year warranty Vauxhall’s is still only three years and that could be a deciding factor for buyers looking for long-term peace of mind.
VITAL STATS
CAR: Vauxhall Astra GS
Line 1.2 Turbo
PRICE: £27,560
(£28,160 as tested)
ENGINE: 1199cc 3-cyl
turbocharged petrol
6-speed manual
POWER: 130 PS
TORQUE: 230 Nm
PERFORMANCE:
Top speed 130mph.
0-60mph 9.7 secs
TOWING CAPACITY:
1250 kgs (braked)
ECONOMY: 50 mpg
combined
CO2 EMISSIONS: 125
g/km
