Vauxhall claims the new Astra has much-improved interior space. Front-seat occupants certainly have plenty of room, although it feels very different to MPV-like competitors such as the Peugeot 307. Taller drivers will find the seat mounted too high, giving an impression of being perched on top of the car rather than down in it.
In the cabin, Vauxhall obviously wanted to create an impact and the departure from dreary past offerings is pronounced. It’s a hard-edged look with dark plastic and an upright fascia. The SRi attempts to brighten things with alloy strips and the silver centre console, but it doesn’t bring any warmth. It feels well made overall, although the materials – especially around the ashtray – have a brittle quality to them.
Considering its sticker price this SRi is well specified. Air conditioning, CD multichanger, steering-wheel audio control and sports seats, suspension, pedals, instrumentation and 17-inch alloys all come as standard. An extensive options list includes plenty of audio upgrades, leather upholstery and goodies like 18-inch wheels and xenon headlights.
Finding a good rival for the 1.8 SRi isn’t easy: at £15,195 it’s nearly £1000 more than a Focus 2.0-litre Zetec. On the other hand, VW charges £15,285 for a 1.6-litre Golf SE, which doesn’t offer anywhere near the performance of the Vauxhall.
At least the VW’s smaller capacity direct injection engine helps it to be clean: CO2 for the Golf is 163g/km compared to 192g/km for the Astra and 207g/km for the bigger-engined Ford. Alternatively, the more powerful Peugeot 307 2.0 XSi costs £15,620, and offers plenty of space – if not the driving dynamics of the Vauxhall. Despite the extra power the 307 is cleaner too, with a CO2 figure of 188g/km.
The 1.8 engine might not light our fire, but at least it doesn’t burn through petrol too quickly: our touring figure of 32mpg is respectable and we managed 20.2mpg despite a strenuous session at Millbrook test track.
