The ever-popular Vauxhall Astra has tended to be regarded as an affordable, safe, sensible and slightly anodyne hatchback, said The Sunday Times. That’s changed with a new model, pitched to rival the Ford Focus, Seat Leon, Peugeot 308 and VW Golf. There’s something for everyone with a mix of petrol and diesel engines, a plug-in hybrid and, from next year, a pure-electric version. Later this year there will be an estate on offer too.
The eighth-generation Astra is certainly more handsome than its forebears and it feels more sophisticated, said Autocar. But it is not particularly memorable. On the road it is quiet and smooth; steering is medium-light but consistent. The handling isn’t particularly keen and it’s not agile, but it’s more accurate than the previous version, and the plug-in hybrid is slick at switching between power sources.
Vauxhall is offering just three trim levels: Design, GS Line and Ultimate, and all of them come with a 10in infotainment touchscreen, which is simple and functional, What Car? said. There’s a generous amount of head and legroom for those sitting up front, but it’s not so spacious in the back. However, the 422-litre boot beats most of its rivals and even the plug-in hybrid’s boot is pretty competitive, at 352 litres. UK price: from £17,700.
-
Political cartoons for February 15Cartoons Sunday's political cartoons include political ventriloquism, Europe in the middle, and more
-
The broken water companies failing England and WalesExplainer With rising bills, deteriorating river health and a lack of investment, regulators face an uphill battle to stabilise the industry
-
A thrilling foodie city in northern JapanThe Week Recommends The food scene here is ‘unspoilt’ and ‘fun’
-
A thrilling foodie city in northern Japan
The Week Recommends The food scene here is ‘unspoilt’ and ‘fun’
-
Tourangelle-style pork with prunes recipeThe Week Recommends This traditional, rustic dish is a French classic
-
Samurai: a ‘blockbuster’ display of Japan’s legendary warriorsThe Week Recommends British Museum show offers a ‘scintillating journey’ through ‘a world of gore, power and artistic beauty’
-
BMW iX3: a ‘revolution’ for the German car brandThe Week Recommends The electric SUV promises a ‘great balance between ride comfort and driving fun’
-
Arcadia: Tom Stoppard’s ‘masterpiece’ makes a ‘triumphant’ returnThe Week Recommends Carrie Cracknell’s revival at the Old Vic ‘grips like a thriller’
-
My Father’s Shadow: a ‘magically nimble’ love letter to LagosThe Week Recommends Akinola Davies Jr’s touching and ‘tender’ tale of two brothers in 1990s Nigeria
-
Send Help: Sam Raimi’s ‘compelling’ plane-crash survival thrillerThe Week Recommends Rachel McAdams stars as an office worker who gets stranded on a desert island with her boss
-
Book reviews: ‘Hated by All the Right People: Tucker Carlson and the Unraveling of the Conservative Mind’ and ‘Football’Feature A right-wing pundit’s transformations and a closer look at one of America’s favorite sports
