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.
-
A tour of Sri Lanka’s beautiful northThe Week Recommends ‘Less frenetic’ than the south, this region is full of beautiful wildlife, historical sites and resorts
-
Giorgio Armani obituary: designer revolutionised the business of fashionIn the Spotlight ‘King Giorgio’ came from humble beginnings to become a titan of the fashion industry and redefine 20th century clothing
-
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale – a ‘comfort’ watch for fansThe Week Recommends The final film of the franchise gives viewers a chance to say goodbye
-
The Paper: new show, same 'warmth and goofiness'The Week Recommends This spin-off of the American version of The Office is ‘comfortingly and wearyingly familiar’
-
Rachel Jones: Gated Canyons – ‘riotously colourful’ works from an ‘exhilarating’ painterThe Week Recommends The 34-year-old is the first artist to take over Dulwich Picture Gallery’s main space
-
Born With Teeth: ‘mischievously provocative’ play starring Ncuti GatwaThe Week Recommends ‘Sprightly’ production from Liz Duffy Adams imagines the relationship between Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe
-
Art review: Lorna Simpson: Source NotesFeature Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, through Nov. 2
-
Jessica Francis Kane's 6 favorite books that prove less is moreFeature The author recommends works by Penelope Fitzgerald, Marie-Helene Bertino, and more
