Why buy the Vauxhall Astra?
The Vauxhall Astra is a popular car available as a five-door hatchback or an estate (called Astra Sports Tourer). Now in its eighth generation, the Vauxhall Astra has been sold in the UK since 1980, with the current model going on sale in 2022. In all cases, the Astra offers excellent value for money, with lots of trims and engines to choose from.
Vauxhall Astra range and updates
The latest Vauxhall Astra was introduced in 2022, replacing a version that was on sale new from 2015 to 2022.
With the post-2022 Vauxhall Astra you have three trim levels to choose from: Design, GS and Ultimate. You also have a choice of petrol, plug-in hybrid and pure-electric power. The range also includes a performance version in the form of the GSe plug-in hybrid.
There are a lot of trim levels and engines to choose from if you’re considering a 2015-2022 Vauxhall Astra for sale, although the range was simplified as part of an update in 2019. The four core trim levels are, from the least to the most equipment included as standard, Business Edition Nav, SRi Nav, Griffin Edition and Elite Nav Premium.
Vauxhall Astra tech and features
There’s a lot of choice if you’re looking at a Vauxhall Astra that was sold new between 2016 and 2019. Fortunately, every version of this Vauxhall Astra for sale is well-equipped – even the entry-level Design trim has a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, air con, alloy wheels and cruise control. At the opposite end of the range, the Elite trim has heated leather seats in the front and back, a heated steering wheel, 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, two USB ports in the back and sat nav.
The range is easier to understand on cars registered between 2019 and 2022, with all models having alloy wheels, air con, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and smartphone connectivity. The Elite Nav Premium is essentially a newer version of the old Elite trim, albeit with a pair of 8-inch displays.
The post-2022 Astra has a real high-tech look and feel and it’s even better-equipped – the entry-level Design trim includes a pair of 10-inch digital displays, climate control, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control and front and rear parking sensors.
Vauxhall Astra running costs and value
For maximum fuel economy you’ll want to look at a Vauxhall Astra with a diesel engine, the most fuel-efficient of which gives 65.7mpg, according to official figures. The most fuel-efficient petrol engine is the 1.2-litre turbo, which offers as much as 52.3mpg.
Alternatively, the current plug-in hybrid offers 217mpg to 235mpg – according to official figures – along with up to 35 miles of electric-only range. To travel farther in electric mode, check out the pure-electric version of the Astra, which could give you up to 260 miles of range and the benefit of free Vehicle Excise Duty (car tax).
Vauxhall Astra vs rivals
The key rivals for the Vauxhall Astra include familiar names such as the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus. Of the three, the Golf has a more premium feel but tends to cost more, while the Focus is especially enjoyable to drive. Other rivals include the Hyundai i30, Kia Ceed and Peugeot 308, all of which are great all-rounders that are excellent value for money.
