The Vauxhall Astra nameplate is venerable in family hatchback circles, and the chances are you’ve got one parked on your road, or in your neighbourhood at the very least. The latest version is the best there’s ever been, as it looks great, it’s good to drive and you get a wide range of engines to choose from. It’s far from exciting, though.
It’s a bit like porridge. It does exactly what you need it to, and it’s quite nice, but it’s not the most exciting breakfast option you can go for. The pain-au-chocolat Peugeot 308 is more luxurious and the cold meat-and-cheese Volkswagen Golf has a more upmarket badge, but you pay a premium for them too.
That being said, this is the best looking Astra that there’s ever been. It gets Vauxhall’s swish ‘visor’ front end - which harks back to its iconic 1970’s grille shape - as well as a ‘spine’ that runs down the length of the bonnet. There are sharp angles all over the car, and it’s really rather handsome.
