Vauxhall Astra 8th generation detailed review

[@Zerofightervi]

The respect you gave that parcel shelf has just earnt you my subscription.

[@RichardFanders]

😄

[@steveguest6207]

Not like matt on Carwow he just throws it on the ground 🤣 great review I am a Toyota driver last years 30 but I really like this new Astra I saw one parked on our road a few days ago in this colour very impressed.

[@thomaswalker1258]

Most likely the best review on the Astra. One thing that tryout forgot to mention is that the window controls double up as an adjuster for the heads up display

[@RichardFanders]

Thank you! Do they, I didn't notice that, I'll have to check it out next time.

[@thomaswalker1258]

@@RichardFanders I think its to adjust the position of the heads up display

[@Djeseret]

@@RichardFanders if you press down the button that selects mirror right - left and then pushes it back and forth, then the height changes.

[@aidanmoore8314]

Best review - carwow Mat Watson

[@thomaswalker1258]

@@aidanmoore8314 I agree with you but this feels more honest and not forced acting

[@Dr23rippa]

Proper thorough review! Keep this level of quality up. Real world experience and car flaws and pros... A real sound test would be a extra plus.

[@mmj6500]

The design is so clean and smart. Brilliant. And the dash looks lovely

[@SimonB-c3c]

Thanks for this review it told me a lot more relevant information about this car that other reviews left out

[@igor.]

This is how car review should be done! Thank you!

[@wazfang]

You've really evolved from your first videos. You now have some serious humour that's wonderful. Good work

[@rahulsawant8369]

The lines are sharp, looks aggressive and personally i liked it. Red is a bit common as colour yellow/gold looks gr8 on this.

[@paulillingworth1242]

Saw one for first time recently in the flesh on the road, it’s nice to see it still has proper buttons instead of in the distracting screen as found on many new cars.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

Have to say that this looks fantastic - I like the subtle nod to the mk1. Vauxhall/Opel are definitely on a bit of a roll at the moment. I’d prefer a base model without all of the gizmos though, most of which are not needed.

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

The front looks like a Camaro, this new style is really awesome

[@injinerconev]

Boot number given is for the hybrid. The petrol and diesel versions' boot is 422 liters so a bit above average for the class.

[@Joshyg02]

I like the exterior styling of the Astra, the rear looks similar to the new golfs. Imo, manufacturers need to keep these little 3 pot turbo engines in superminis, turbo lag in combination with the poor stop start system isn’t a great combo and most of the time is false economy though seemed to be quite economical on your drive, probably as the car isn’t that heavy. Maybe the manual version is less of a dull drive too?

[@RichardFanders]

I haven't tried the manual but it could be.

[@gogee8510]

Really good video. More explanation on the controls than other videos, and good view of the dash. Thumbs up.

[@jubelnoorislam8676]

Best review than other car page reviews

[@easy1355]

great detailed review..... exactly as I think that reviews should be.... thanks

[@ralphthebulldog5163]

Probably the best looking Astra TBF

[@lvgio]

love these car reviews from you! and the educational driving videos

[@krismorris7265]

amazing review getting mine in 11 days

[@jamiep61]

I enjoyed watching the Video Review. The Ultimate looks great with a nice Interior

[@existenz_svk2639]

Like i said in your newest Corsa video,i own the 2010 Opel Astra (H) wagon which in the UK is the Mk5, and its my first car that i own since 2018,so Astra also holds a special spot in my heart. Even when this newest generation does not look terrible,i much preffer the previous Astra generations over this one in terms of exterior looks,but thats just my opnion,because i dont really like the PSA/Stellantis Opels/Vauxhalls overall. The interior kinda looks like combination of old-school and modern... i kinda like it. The AC vents placement and also the cockpit and central console being tilted towards the driver kinda reminds me of Saab 9-5 and 9-3. Thanks for the review,i loved it!

[@robtt997]

Good review. You covered everything I was interested in knowing about this car .

[@JamesSmith-kk7ku]

loved the video and cant wait to get mine and drive it shame it takes a few months to get it tho...but your video helped me alot so im glad ive made the right choice

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Excellent review! You deserve WAY more subscribers.

[@Retrox1989]

Ordered mine last June, expecting it end of March.

[@DerEine454]

I really like you Videos, especially about the fuel economy and interior quality. I really would like to see the Honda Jazz hybrid and the Hyundai i20 mild hybrid on your channel. Keep on !

[@nunogarcia9446]

Call me crazy, but both the shape of headlights and grill (with the badge) remind me a lot of my 1995 Opel Astra Caravan (Estate, in the UK). I'm not looking to replace it anytime soon (neither can afford to do so) but if I were in the market for a new car, I'd seriously consider this one - albeit with manual gearbox. Definitely not a fan of the scratch-prone piano black finishing, though. Thanks for your review, it was the most detailed I've seen so far 👍

[@S_G_B]

Smart looking design.

[@jeffreythomas7499]

Great review. I'm thinking of getting the sports tourer/estate, so this helped me out, thanks.

[@Piotrek4500]

I really like the New Astra. Except piano black :)

[@lasse007]

Great review Richard!

[@colin_a]

Good to see any review that's not an EV...! 😁

[@MartinAbbott-b7s]

Another good and helpful review. I probably should have watched this video before I made my recent purchase but £ for £ I think I made the right choice with my Corsa Ultimate. The Astra was just a little too rich for my savings. I think I'd be happy with either model though.

[@simonmakuro69]

Really good review of my favorite car ,it is very economical and goid safety features , awesome car 👍👍👍🎉🎉🎉👍👍

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

The Puretech 110 and the manual versions of the Puretech 130 and BlueHDi 130 are offered in the new Astra’s sister car the Peugeot 308 MK3 in Continental Europe. Quite strange for Stellantis to not sell the Peugeot 308 MK3 with the manual in the UK, but at least we get them in the Vauxhall Astra.

[@RichardFanders]

That's true. I think they're trying to push Peugeot more upmarket.

[@alexthomas446]

@@RichardFanders you are exactly right in my eyes to. My dad works for Peugeot atm. After being in the new 208, 308, 2008 and 3008. You can just tell they are changing their brand image, again. Must admit I am quite impressed with their new cars, so much so I’m going to buy one. Despite mocking them for all these years

[@Djeseret]

@@alexthomas446 Perhaps, but Opel's Matrix lights in Astra are significantly more advanced and expensive than the simpler in DS4 and 308... And 308 have regular light bulbs... in reverse light and fog lights, the experience is cheap in comparison to the Astra.

[@alexthomas446]

@@Djeseret it is, I fully agree. However, both companies need to differentiate their products in some ways. They both use near enough the same engines, chassis and floor plan as the old 308. It’s like the Vauxhall is offered with a 6 speed manual, whereas the Peugeot isn’t. Both the 308 and Astra are great cars, they just have different features to adhere to their target audience.

[@arthurdardalis]

@@Djeseretmy new 308 has the Matrix lights, the ones from the 308 are exactly the same as on the Astra, so the Asia’s are not more advanced

[@martinmcgoldrick1357]

Astra was the last car made by Vauxhall in the UK, before they removed production to Germany.

[@williamegler8771]

It was made in the UK but it wasn't a Vauxhall design. Vauxhall vehicles are just production line variations of the equivalent Opel. Vauxhall hasn't designed a vehicle independently of Opel since the original Viva.

[@martinmcgoldrick1357]

@@williamegler8771 All Vauxhall passenger cars are made abroad . Shame . Luton (home of the Astra) now makes electric vans.

[@bastogne315]

Cos the Germans know how to make zee panzers and destroy Tommy tanks..

[@gtrix3240]

I really enjoyed watching this review; it was meticulous and engaging as always. Though it's been a year since its publication, I'm curious about how it compares to the Seat Leon. While the Leon may be a bit outdated and lacking in technology compared to the Astra, I'm particularly interested in how they stack up in terms of power and handling

[@johnevans5591]

Exellent review much better than the Car Wow nonsense.

[@mihnealazar7039]

Thanks for the review!

[@jamesbarton683]

He said in the video that theres an estate version which has a bigger boot. I presume the one hes driving in this video is more of a hatchback style size?

[@unknowngeezer5029]

Very sleek design looks like a very good car for long distances

[@lllMZED]

Beautiful

[@cknorthpole]

Well done with this video 👍 Fun and interesting👏 Can't wait to get my Astra Phev, Opel though.

[@rufusgreenleaf2466]

I'm on and off with the piano black plastic. My car has a lot of it and it looks excellent in certain light when clean, but can be easily scratched over time.

[@RichardFanders]

I think it looks good, but I don't think it's worth the effort needed to prevent damage. There are other materials that can look good but last a long time.

[@lloydw185]

Can you turn off the stop/start permanately?

[@phillipthomas9882]

Excellent review. Please keep it up.

[@danielwalker2613]

Your review was going OK - right up to the point at 14:08 where you said wing mirrors !! .... This car was built in 2022 - not 1982. What is a gas pedal ? - I thought you were in Essex, not Texas ?

[@RichardFanders]

They're called wing mirrors due to their origin - many things keep the name from their roots. I've been a driving instructor for 14 years so I was trained to say gas as it's quick to say.

[@justsomeone4445]

Great job as usual, you are a natural at this my dude, keep it up! It would be cool if you could review the new Elantra or a Sandero. I am particularly interested in your opinion on the AT version.

[@RichardFanders]

Thank you, if I get the opportunity I will.

[@JOHNHORSFALL2009]

You keep saying the brakes hit hard in auto pilot it could use the space more,Well you can set your distance closer you dont seem to mention that ,would this help that situation do you think ?

[@DeliciousFires1]

I know this is nerdy, but the heated steering wheel won’t operate if the recorded air temp is above 20 degrees and I noticed the display was showing 25. Beautiful car though. I’m swapping my Mercedes A Class for an Astra GS Auto. Yes, really! 😎

[@Danielagostinho21]

20:48 Richard: I guess it's in gear 3rd Car: Ahah not this time

[@NileshBhogaita-j5f]

Ideal for shopping,etc especially the estate... My wife agrees.👈 Fun to drive... 👍 .

[@talkandplay]

How did you find the BSM? Usually with Stellantis the system comes on too late..much prefer long distance warning.Can you confirm if the Start/Stop feature can be permanently disabled? Thanks for the great review. I hope you get a chance to review the Astra 1.5 diesel.

[@RichardFanders]

I don't remember the BSM, I don't think I ever got a warning. I don't think there is a way to permanently disable stop start, usually there isn't unless you have the right software, plug in with a computer and really know what you're going.

[@LiveHedgehog]

The only thing I'm not sold on is the fact the sunroof is mandatory for the Ultimate. It's optional on the GS model, so I'm not sure why they couldn't do that for the Ultimate too.

[@N1ckZ]

Why would you NOT want a sunroof? 😂

[@LiveHedgehog]

@@N1ckZ Why would I personally want one? I'm not you, so your reasons for wanting one don't mirror my own thoughts.

[@ellisfletcher3491]

My first car is a astra J Elite its a lovely beautiful car to drive super smooth quiet and comfy have you ever driven one?

[@RichardFanders]

I don't think I have driven a J

[@michaelb2388]

Surely you can turn off adaptive cruise control just by touching the brakes?

[@RichardFanders]

Yes you can.

[@jubelnoorislam8676]

Can't wait for mine to come June 17th estimated 😮 1.5 diesel ultimate

[@Hairyegg]

Still miss my astra G estate and it’s still on the road

[@bobbrowne3027]

Still running mine , 20 yrs old now ( 02 plate ) never let me down and ultra cheap for replacement parts. Been a fantastic workhorse, reliable and so easy to drive and honestly wouldn't know what to get if I had to replace it.

[@underwoodsmotorgroup]

Great review Richard

[@RichardFanders]

Thank you!

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

I'm really impressed how the "budget hatch" manufactures have upped their game, the new Styling of the Golf and the Astra, specially the interior, looks miles more premium than just a few years ago Now this can even compete with a premium brand like BMW 1 series or a Mercedes A class!

[@rubenbraekman4515]

Peugeot has made one hell of a car, these new gen cars are their magnum opus

[@nikolayhristov4754]

Hi is there a big difference between Astra and Corsa in terms of long motorway/highway journey ? Like 200 km ? I know that they are built on different platforms, but is it worth it to pay more for Astra, is it make much of a difference ?

[@RichardFanders]

The Astra is more refined in general so should be more relaxing.

[@marklewis9638]

If you don't mind me asking, where is it you do the launch? I live in Colchester too and I'd like to have a go in my car 😂

[@RichardFanders]

It's on Fingringhoe Road.

[@justincarroll9846]

Nice car with a slow piss pot 1. 2 engine .last astra.1.6 200hp,160hp bi turbo.150 1.4 turbo.What happened?.

[@ridehead8771]

I love Vauxhalls, fairly priced and generally rides comfortable with quite supple suspension., better than Fords imo.

[@joannecalpin-biddulph3360]

Does the new Astra have a manual gearbox? For me personally a manual is the car I’d go for Automatic transmission is an imidiate put off!

[@RichardFanders]

Yes, you can get a manual.

[@Djeseret]

and that gearbox is from Opel, not from PSA and it's one of the world's best in feel and function - listen to the review here, it's the same Engine and gearbox. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKfahXmLnJVrgas

[@animationcreations42]

Vauxhall have been doing a great job with the styling recently, the Mokka is probably one of the best looking cars on the road, up there with the Ioniq 5. The only thing that would put me off getting one is the fact they're now basically a Peugeot/Citroen, which means French electrics (an old stereotype I know, but stereotypes are there for a reason!) I'd probably give it a few more years before I'd really consider getting one, just to see how they are.

[@RichardFanders]

On the contrary cars from the Peugeot group have been reliable recently. My other half has an 11 year old Citroen C4 which works well.

[@marcoferreira4397]

Does the Astra doesn’t have 420 l of boot capacity?

[@RichardFanders]

I think I may have made a mistake with the hybrid model that has a smaller boot.

[@glennchinyangarara8225]

Was this the PHEV version you’re viewing?

[@RichardFanders]

No, this was the 1.2 turbo petrol.

[@NathTheNobody]

Can you please review the Renault Megane 1.6 dynamique 2010 🙏

[@RichardFanders]

Thank you for your suggestion, I may do in the future.

[@sam7765]

Been really enjoying the videos recently Richard. Could we see a video on using the brakes and accelerator to keep your car stable through bends without having to loose all your speed or is this something u have covered already.

[@RichardFanders]

Try to do as much of the braking that you can in a straight line and make sure you slow down enough so that you can always stop easily within the distance you see to be clear. My advice is to play it safe and with experience your judgement will improve.

[@sam7765]

@@RichardFanders thanks very much definitely better to be safe and slow than in a tree.

[@RebelRickB1971]

Do you think they will bring a vxr version? Might tempt me into buying one then

[@RichardFanders]

I doubt it but we will see.

[@G-LFC]

Mine is arriving on Wednesday!

[@ViewSonic98]

Hows the car ? i m planning to buy it , i need ur review please

[@bricknplay]

Is it possible to turn off start stop?

[@jamesbarton683]

Most cars have a way of switching it off. Either by a button of the centre console or in the settings menu on the infotainment system

[@sarahlongley5886]

Nice review. Do you film and edit all yourself?

[@RichardFanders]

Thank you, yes I do.

[@kayak1969p]

fantastic review buddy. (different to your driving instructor role fella lol ) if you had to choose m8 would you choose this or the ford focus st line x ? i know this has a hell of a lot more features but does this justify getting over the ford m8 . im disabled driver and due to change my car in july so any opinions would be greatly appreciated bud. regards : karl.

[@RichardFanders]

Thank you. I haven't driven the latest focus so I can't comment. In this class though, I would probably choose a Mazda 3 if I wanted manual and a Corolla if I wanted auto.

[@kayak1969p]

@RichardFanders I would've had another mazda 3 buddy but as on motability there stopped leasing them now fella

[@stevekenilworth]

dose anyone know what special seats Vauxhall made for back issues, someone once told me but forgot been a while since looking for another car and without knowing id not even think buying a Vauxhall, would need to be in a Vauxhall Corsa tho as i like small light weight cars. certain seat type Vauxhall made unsure what name is for it so when i look for cars i can make sure it has them before any test drive, Vauxhall seats so bad in all them ive been it horrid back pain even only after 20 mins so i cannot even consider a Vauxhall Corsa without knowing and even then i may hire one for a day and do long drive to make sure. biggest issue with brand is seats made to hurt you unnecessary but now they french things may get better, my dad had zxara from 2000 best seats in any car i ever been in and back pain not so much issue even long trips and my back far worse since those times so finding a reliable car with few extras like cruise control and lightweight small car and with seats not going to punish you it not easy

[@pipoo1]

So in mid and upper specification Vauxhall car seats are AGR certified, which is an independent German quality mark meaning the seats are ergonomically sound for posture, comfort and overall back health and they come with a high level of personal adjustments. These seats are available on the previous MK7 Astra too. If looking at Vauxhalls the seats that are AGR approved will usually have the AGR label stitched into the lining somewhere, typically on the edge facing the doors.

[@bastogne315]

Steering wheel is from a 1980s Vauxhall Senator!

[@robtyman4281]

I thought the Astra was launched in 1978? This latest generation looks very nice.....though the rear looks almost identical to the latest VW Golf.

[@RichardFanders]

I may be wrong, but I think it's 1980. The car before it was a Chevette I think.

[@Djeseret]

"the rear looks almost identical to the latest VW Golf" - It is caused by VW has copied Opel design since 1997... and since 2010 they have become increasingly more scandalous in their stealing - as example it was Opel who invented the opening of the boot by pressing or liftingt the emblem in 1994 - which everyone now believes is an invention of VW...

[@robtyman4281]

@@Djeseret No, I disagree with you on this. Back in the 90's the Opel/Vauxhall Astra and VW Golf looked nothing like each other! They couldn't have looked more different. I always thought the previous Astra (7th generation) looked very like the current Ford Focus. So Opel/Vauxhall have gone from copying the look of Ford, to aping VW styling. It's not very imaginative or innovative is it?!!

[@Djeseret]

@@robtyman4281 You are wrong, it's not that they looked the same 1997, but that they took the very idea... of the design and technology from Opel and masked it... by making their own... version, you need more in depth knowledge to know this. And Astra came in autumn 2015 and current Focus in 2019 so what you say is impossible... Also Ford's design director Martin Smith 2004 was originally Opel's head of design... he continued to make the same designs for Ford as he had done for Opel - there you have the similarity further back - it's the same... person who made both... but Opel was first.

[@arniejenkins]

Heated steering wheel is only active below a certain temperature

[@RichardFanders]

I thought that may be the case.

[@martynromaine8518]

i have a 2019 69 plate SRI VX-Line and i love it. But i took a test drive in this new Astra a few months ago and to be honest mine feels better to drive than the new 8th Gen. i have been a Vauxhall driver for the last 30 years and have had cars like Cavs and Astras in all that time but i will not be getting this 8th Gen.

[@terrycraddock9265]

Enjoy your info.

[@nclflyer8197]

Can’t afford the £24k, but wouldn’t mind getting hold of a demo car, or wait a bit for second hand.

[@grahamherbert3612]

Those who know, are sticking with the 4 cylinder K Turbos.

[@Emma-sk7ge]

Love my k turbo :)

[@rayaspo4893]

Why did you do the 0-60 in normal mode? Surly sport mode would be better

[@jasonwelsh5986]

I have the new Corsa f Sri premium mine is 2nd from top of the range. it has the same toys as your Astra apart from 5/6 things. It’s worth buying a new shape corsa to be honest.

[@lfin386]

I just traded my Corsa SRi for an Astra PHEV. The Corsa has no where near as many features. No folding mirrors, no heated seats/steering wheel, no adaptive cruise control, no reversing camera, I could go on.

[@crazy-diamond7683]

I've had 3 Astras in my life and all suffered with gearbox trouble and crank case compression - I for one will never buy another Astra as long as I live!

[@Djeseret]

To test performance without driving in Sport mode is strange... the instruments change to red in Sport (has been around since 2009). Cooling of glove box was actually invented... by Opel in 1988, The manual transmission is better, significantly faster performance.

[@RichardFanders]

I don't use sports mode because it makes the throttle too sensitive but good point, as it's an automatic maybe I should have used sports mode in case it changed the gears differently.

[@CPCforever]

Nice vehicle

[@zzhughesd]

It’s a vx220 almost Richard. Griffin on bonnet

[@RichardFanders]

😂 I think that's the only thing in common and even that has a new design.

[@zzhughesd]

@@RichardFanders Yes, I'm a fan , not SW, but hatch is indeed fetching , watched as long back as 6 months AutoGuFul

[@eddiejones.redvees]

The Piano black trim to Many reflections from it i will be staying with my 2015 1.6 diesel Astra also its 60 mpg average I Could not live without it is also the first car I have Own with cruise control I find it to be a bit unsafe and I hardly use it

[@johnhall4917]

0-60 was hindered by the drivetrain protection me thinks.

[@steve5915]

there not usb ports they are for ctype cable

[@youraveragejoe1]

23:11 typical L plate rider (I was one but didn’t do that). Pretty close call at 23:13 squeezing between the cars n the van

[@O123-j9s]

looks good and modern but the Golf would be miles ahead really.......

[@stevekenilworth]

i feel the Kia Picanto what you tested was quicker of the line to 60mph even tho on paper its slower. what is wrong all the car makers and auto, i only buy car with a key to start and no stop and start, and true manual, only add on i would like is cruise control everything else not really needed and adds weight , last gen Kia Picanto sp prev one from what you tested only 850kg min weight and comes with a 1.2 same engine what in my slightly more heavy i20 1045kg and that goes well for engine size, never an issue getting up to speed and 2 and 3rd will easy get you up to most uk speed limits so lighter Kia Picanto same engine but 850kg but tank fuel 895kg it be fun car to drive

[@zzhughesd]

Richard. Dealer group announces second showroom closure in a fortnight as boss again hits out at manufacturers chasing online sales Underwoods Vauxhall Colchester to close down after 25 years in business Managing director Gerry Wiggins said the decision was ‘not one of Underwoods’ making’ and blamed a desire to chase online sales over physical retailers.

[@pat6851]

Hi Richard, any way you can PM me? We spoke today at Cadwell park and I mentioned having a couple photos and videos of your car but I forgot to ask for any way to send them over, cheers.

[@RichardFanders]

Hi Pat, thank you, that will be appreciated. It you go to my website www.conquerdriving.co.uk and give me your email address via the contact us section I'll send you my email. Thank you.

[@tavorrulez]

Bootspace information is clearly false. 352L is for the PHEV. Petrol is 422L with the false floor lowered.

[@RichardFanders]

I may have made a mistake there then.

[@pggp273]

The fleet managers couldn't give two shiny shites with all the comments from all the Vauxhall haters. This car will sell in hundreds of thousands.

[@Manu-Official]

Sheep in wolf's clothing. Seen a boyracer in one, he displayed the typical Vauxhall understeer. That said, in murder all black, it did look menacing (at first).