Vauxhall Astra review: Remastered for the modern world – and even Jurgen Klopp likes it

REMEMBER this? It’s called an Astra. That’s A S T R A.

You probably haven’t seen one for ages, that’s why they have spelled it out in big letters across the back.

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Not so long ago they didn’t need badges because they were everywhere.

Hatch, estate, saloon, convertible, coupe, van . . . there was an Astra for everyone. I’d wager either you owned one, rented one, or someone in your family has had one, at some time in the past 40 years.

So what changed? Why have they now become less popular than a hearing aid?

I can’t remember the last time Astra featured in the top ten sales chart. Well, the answer is, it’s mostly your fault.

You all want SUVs. Or a hatch with a posh badge, like an A-Class or an A3.

But I’m pleased to say that Astra is still alive and kicking and has been remastered for the modern world.

It looks cool. When did you last say that about Astra? Even Jurgen Klopp likes it.

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Plus, it’s tech-rich, comfy, and you can have any flavour you like: Hatch or estate, petrol or diesel, plug-in hybrid or, from 2023, pure electric. If bosses reinvented the Astravan as an EV, Vauxhall would clean up. Love an Astravan.

Right, pricing. The base 1.2-litre petrol Design trim costs £24k. Finance from £279 a month.

That undercuts a Golf and is surprisingly well specced with twin ten-inch screens and wireless Apple CarPlay. But you won’t want that. You’ll take one look at the GS Line and go for that instead.

The GS Line at £26,700 unlocks the “black pack” — black roof, badging, alloys, headliner — as well as intelligent adaptive cruise control, heated seats and heated steering wheel. All you need, then.

The poshest Ultimate trim nudging £30k adds head-up display, massaging seats, panoramic glass roof, 360-degree parking camera and fancy LED pixel headlights. I’d still go GS Line.

We tried two powertrains: The 1.2 petrol turbo and the 1.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid, which is great for emissions and company-car tax.

The 180hp plug-in hybrid has an electric range of up to 43 miles and real-world economy of around 80mpg. We like how the speedo turns blue when you are running on battery power alone. It is white the rest of the time.

Other observations. You sit nice and low in the new Astra. It has buttons for the essentials — and a proper-sized steering wheel. Unlike a Peugeot 308.

At this point I should perhaps explain that Astra and 308 are sisters. Same chassis, engines and electrics, different haircut. But I will say the Astra feels more taut and substantial than a 308. And a little more game.

Handling and body control, at all speeds, and on all types of road, are excellent.

I suppose what I’m trying to say is, the chassis can easily handle a lot more grunt and I look forward to trying the spicier 225hp plug-in hybrid when it comes. Maybe even a GSE?

I do have a few quibbles, though. Piano black trim. I’m over it. The central tunnel is a bit high (it hides the 12-volt battery in the hybrid). And life is a bit cramped in the back. Also, it costs to be green. The hybrid is £4k extra.

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But, all in all, Astra is a throughly decent family motor and the antidote to mundane SUVs.

I learned to drive in an Astra. My old girl had a Mk2 GTE. Maybe one day my kids will have an Astra story too.

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