Vauxhall Astra Hatchback 2017 360 degree test drive _ Passenger Rides

# A Comprehensive Review of the New Vauxhall Astra (Opel Astra)

Welcome to an exciting 360° passenger experience in the all-new Vauxhall Astra, also known as the Opel Astra outside the UK. This review delves into every aspect of this remarkable vehicle, comparing it to its predecessor and highlighting what makes it a standout contender in its class.

## Comfort and Refinement: A New Era for the Astra

The new Vauxhall Astra represents a significant leap forward compared to its older model. If you didn't see the Vauxhall or Opel badge, you might not even recognize it as an Astra. The improvements are nothing short of impressive. This vehicle merges the comfort and quietness reminiscent of the Volkswagen Golf with the sporty feel of the Ford Focus—a combination that results in a driving experience that is both refined and exhilarating.

## Handling and Performance

The Astra's handling capabilities are worth exploring. Despite our inability to test it on a professional handling circuit, we can still assess its performance on various roads. The car sits low, offering responsive steering that handles even sharp turns with ease. Whether navigating smooth roads or encountering bumps, the Astra remains stable and provides a smooth ride. Even when driving erratically, like weaving around as if under the influence, the vehicle maintains composure, ensuring minimal disturbance to passengers. This level of comfort is commendable.

## Interior Design: A Balance of Style and Functionality

While the Astra excels in performance, its interior design doesn't lag behind. The cabin offers a more exciting aesthetic compared to the Volkswagen Golf, with sleek, shiny effects that add a touch of modernity. Although these features can be distracting under certain weather conditions, such as when sunlight flickers off them, they undeniably contribute to the car's appeal. The overall design is both smart and functional, making it easy for drivers to operate controls without removing their focus from the road.

## Technology and Safety Features

The Astra comes equipped with cutting-edge technology designed to enhance your driving experience. Notable features include OnStar, a basic concierge service that offers an SOS button in case of emergencies. This button connects you to a customer services representative available 24/7, who can assist with tasks like programming the satnav. However, given the widespread connectivity of modern cars, relying on your smartphone for navigation might be more practical.

The vehicle also boasts impressive infotainment integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring seamless smartphone connectivity—a feature that has become a must-have in today's automotive landscape.

## Engine Options: Power and Efficiency

Under the hood, the Astra offers a range of engine options, each catering to different preferences and needs. The top-of-the-line model features a 160 horsepower 1.6L diesel engine, delivering impressive speed with an average of 55 mph. However, this power comes at a higher price point.

For those seeking a more affordable option without compromising on performance, the 136 horsepower version is highly recommended. It not only offers excellent fuel efficiency but also outperforms similar engines in rival vehicles.

The most cost-effective choice, however, is the 1.4L turbo petrol engine with 125 horsepower. This engine strikes the perfect balance between power and affordability, making it an ideal option for many drivers.

## Conclusion: A Stellar Choice

In conclusion, the new Vauxhall Astra (Opel Astra) has evolved into a standout vehicle in its class. Combining comfort, sporty handling, stylish interior design, advanced technology, and a range of efficient engine options, it's hard not to be impressed by this iteration.

While minor drawbacks exist, such as slightly larger blind spots compared to the Golf, these are easily forgiven given the car's numerous strengths. The enthusiasm expressed in this review is genuine—this Astra truly deserves its praise.

For those eager to experience more of what this vehicle has to offer, we encourage you to watch our in-depth video review by clicking on the link provided. It offers a comprehensive look at all aspects of the new Vauxhall Astra, solidifying why it's considered one of the best cars in its class.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enhello and welcome to a 360° passenger ride in the new vool Astra or opal Astra depending on whether you're British or from the rest of the world so this car oh my gosh what a massive Improvement of the old Astra it's it's just way way better than before if it didn't have a Vox or badge on it I would have no idea it was a box all I have no idea was an astro it's just so much so much better and well the thing that this car does that I like so much about it is how it combines the comfort and the quietness of the Volkswagen Golf yet with the sporty feeling of the Ford Focus I absolutely love it this is the best car in its class I'm telling you it is let's see if we can go on the handling circuit we can't go on the handling circuit bluring annoying because I want to show you how this car handles you sit quite low in it it's got respon responsive steering and you can probably see there just from those little turns I'm making it stays nice and flat if I go and hunt out some bumps there we go have a weave around like a drunk person you hardly feel them coming through to the cabin it's really really good and like I say quiet my only complaint really is well you get a bit of a blind spot from the big p at the back bit more than you do in a golf but I'm going to forgive it because the design of this interior is way more exciting than the Volkswagen we've got shiny effect there although it does distract you a bit when you get the prevailing weather conditions flickering away in the corner of your eye but the rest of it looks really smart also it's it's easy to use the controls the controls aren't quite as chunky as the G but it's everything's there you don't have to take your eyes off the road for too long or you can operate everything by the steering wheel this one it's got OnStar which is well it's voxa basic coner service so you've got an SOS button if you have an accident you can press that to call a customer services representative who's available 24 hours and they can do things like program the satnav and well you don't really need to use the satnav because all cars anyway they come with mobile phone connectivity so you've got Android auto Apple car plates blooming brilliant this thing I mean I never thought I'd say that and the engines are good as well this is the range topping 160 horsepower 1.6 L diesel engine it's by Turbo it's really fast I'm averaging 55 M hour there or thereabouts but it's a bit expensive so you don't want that you just want the 136 horsepower version which is actually a better engine than similar powered engines in its Rivals but really most people would be better off with a 1.4 L turbo petrol and the cheaper one with 125 horsepower that is the car to have you know in this class 1.4 124 horsepower sorry 125 horsepower Astra brilliant brilliant car yeah you're probably as shocked as me aren't you I'm so enthusiastic about an Astra anyway you need to see the in-depth video review of this car right to be certain just how good it is so just click up there on the carard and you can watch it thanks for watchinghello and welcome to a 360° passenger ride in the new vool Astra or opal Astra depending on whether you're British or from the rest of the world so this car oh my gosh what a massive Improvement of the old Astra it's it's just way way better than before if it didn't have a Vox or badge on it I would have no idea it was a box all I have no idea was an astro it's just so much so much better and well the thing that this car does that I like so much about it is how it combines the comfort and the quietness of the Volkswagen Golf yet with the sporty feeling of the Ford Focus I absolutely love it this is the best car in its class I'm telling you it is let's see if we can go on the handling circuit we can't go on the handling circuit bluring annoying because I want to show you how this car handles you sit quite low in it it's got respon responsive steering and you can probably see there just from those little turns I'm making it stays nice and flat if I go and hunt out some bumps there we go have a weave around like a drunk person you hardly feel them coming through to the cabin it's really really good and like I say quiet my only complaint really is well you get a bit of a blind spot from the big p at the back bit more than you do in a golf but I'm going to forgive it because the design of this interior is way more exciting than the Volkswagen we've got shiny effect there although it does distract you a bit when you get the prevailing weather conditions flickering away in the corner of your eye but the rest of it looks really smart also it's it's easy to use the controls the controls aren't quite as chunky as the G but it's everything's there you don't have to take your eyes off the road for too long or you can operate everything by the steering wheel this one it's got OnStar which is well it's voxa basic coner service so you've got an SOS button if you have an accident you can press that to call a customer services representative who's available 24 hours and they can do things like program the satnav and well you don't really need to use the satnav because all cars anyway they come with mobile phone connectivity so you've got Android auto Apple car plates blooming brilliant this thing I mean I never thought I'd say that and the engines are good as well this is the range topping 160 horsepower 1.6 L diesel engine it's by Turbo it's really fast I'm averaging 55 M hour there or thereabouts but it's a bit expensive so you don't want that you just want the 136 horsepower version which is actually a better engine than similar powered engines in its Rivals but really most people would be better off with a 1.4 L turbo petrol and the cheaper one with 125 horsepower that is the car to have you know in this class 1.4 124 horsepower sorry 125 horsepower Astra brilliant brilliant car yeah you're probably as shocked as me aren't you I'm so enthusiastic about an Astra anyway you need to see the in-depth video review of this car right to be certain just how good it is so just click up there on the carard and you can watch it thanks for watching\n"