Vauxhall Astra (Opel Astra) review - Carbuyer

[@adnanalagic]

It seems like Opel/Vauxhall has stepped up their game. The Astra looks like a real premium hatchback, both from the outside and the inside! The rear reminds me a bit of an Alfa Romeo, which of course is a big plus! Good job, Astra!

[@andrewhall8131]

Had mine a couple of years , didn't like it at the start ,it has grown on me ,tons of space , and comfort, feels fast and sporty at the same time , well done vauxhall

[@jamesturner2175]

Well done Vauxhall now is the time to hit VW where it hurts.

[@carbuyer]

+James Turner We reckon it's a real rival to the Golf and the Focus - two very popular models!

[@Yb807-g]

VAUXHAL IS BETTER THAN THE GOLF BECAUSE THE ASTRA HANDLES WELL LOOKS BETTER THAN THE GOLF

[@Saif-xk1qm]

Can i buy a used 2010 vauxhall astra manual?

[@steveo8533]

Not as nice as the golf but much better than the focus.

[@carbuyer]

FIRST! Let us know what you think of this - it's a real winner in our book, and a massive improvement on the previous generation! The potential to dominate the sector. Share your thoughts in the comments!

[@Rottensteam]

I would rather have a Bugatti Veyron.

[@sebastianlim2499]

do you guys think top gear will use this as their reasonably price car again?

[@carbuyer]

+Rottensteam We feel that the slightly higher list price of the Bugatti makes the Vauxhall Astra a better-value purchase for most families...

[@carbuyer]

+Sebastian Lim Nah - it's too good now!

[@Rottensteam]

+Carbuyer I think the Bugatti is better value, It won't depriciate as an Astra will. (Just kidding, I know what you mean)

[@anasshuaa]

Oh god !! I just love this new Astra so much!! brilliant car..

[@MrDchino]

Matt is by far my favourite motoring journalist! In my opinion his delivery is perfect, it's nice and casual

[@adamlees4496]

He cracks me up!. reviews well and keeps it informative while having a laugh.

[@vauxhallmadnessuk5923]

I would say the front looks better than the back

[@ZephyrKnight76]

It has a rear end that reminds me off an Alfa Romeo

[@mvaght87]

It looks like the Giulietta and a Mazda 3 hatchback had a baby.

[@stavrosdiak5489]

+mvaght87 Exactly!

[@blackcarmafia]

+Alex Mitchell they're just all getting to look the same

[@sgru9558]

yeah, italians designed it first, as always.

[@andrejmk6648]

It's nice to look like alfa

[@SPYCRABFAN]

I ordered a 308 gt line in september just to be told my order was delayed till next year, seems kind of fate as now i have ordered this car in the elite model in asteroid grey which should be with me on the 26th of october. This review has made me think i made a great choice now thanks carbuyer.

[@SPYCRABFAN]

+Chris Miller Forgot to mention i went for the 1.4 turbo 150hp as i thought the 1.6 200hp was a bit overkill for a family hatchback.

[@weedmastersr]

+Chris Miller Great choice man! I'm sure you'll enjoy it. And yes, especially considering the weight reduction and all, 150 hp is more than plenty.

[@Dreadpirateflappy]

+Chris Miller I have test driven both and would choose this over the 308 any day.

[@diablomix]

Man, I wish they would import these to Canada. Love the look of the Astra.

[@joeyad2626]

You could ship

[@benfranklin4111]

I have the astra f for 18 years. Still butter smooth

[@TrayzVidz]

Finally an Astra i would buy, and Matt is my favourite car reviewer, gr8 job.

[@carbuyer]

+Trayz Vidz We'll pass on the compliments!

[@Saif-xk1qm]

Can i buy a used 2010 vauxhall astra manual?

[@harrycarson6766]

Had the new 308.… problems. gear change, door seals, then rear cross member needed replacement but they needed to design a new one. Four months to wait. Changed to Astra elite. Outstanding. Would have liked a reversing camera but very pleased. The 308 had awful wheels and tyres. Tyres kept getting damaged on kerbs. Never happened in 40 years of driving. Heated steering wheel is actually nice on the Astra.

[@SwPiotrek]

Great review! Mat you did very impressive work with this video review. I think that this video might be a benchmark for your future videos.

[@MrEngland92]

I can't believe I can actually say...I love this !! wowww

[@carbuyer]

+Car mad Yeah, it took us by surprise too! Never thought we'd like an Astra this much.

[@MrEngland92]

+Carbuyer You replied! ahah yeah me too. great review and I love this channe! helped me buy so many cars over the years. thanks!

[@steevieweevie]

If you want to know what the VXR version will potentially look like, check out the Buick Verano GS. It is essentially a rebadged Astra that will be marketed in China. Looks pretty cool!

[@YZJB]

Mat I've got a motoring journo mate who thinks the manual shifters in GM cars are terrible. Do you agree, or is the gearbox in the new Astra comparable to one in, say, a Golf? Great review, can't wait for these to arrive in Australia.

[@carbuyer]

+alexaescht (Disclaimer: I'm not Mat) The Astra's manual 'box is decent. It's certainly comparable to the equivalents from Volkswagen. I took one for an enthusiastic drive a week ago and it was actually surprisingly fun to drive - even in diesel form! Take one for a test drive if you can, you'll be surprised at how the driving dynamics have changed since the previous generation.

[@YZJB]

+Carbuyer thanks for the feedback!

[@lindakheswa4955]

That "On-star" skit made my day, Matt should do more of those! However, one can't just easily say that its the best hatchback, maybe compare it to the BMW 1 series, VW Golf, Mercedes A class etc...

[@asanka99951]

Although in the video states that the 8" model is standard throughout the range accept the entry level, this is not true. It is only available on the Tech Line, Sri NAV & Elite NAV. Something to note as i have a Astra Sri model and it has a 7" Display. Other than that, perfect car and Great Review! Love it!

[@JRLJamielin]

Looks excellent, Astra's have been in my family since the late 90's, always been impressed with their quality. Group test with the Focus/Golf/Leon Carbuyer? Which ones the best!?

[@SPYCRABFAN]

focus needs to update its interior its so boring.

[@JRLJamielin]

+Chris Miller A new model is due soon, but I've always personally preferred the Astra, always felt better quality

[@ruisilva3317]

I swear, if they ever sack Matt from car buyer or carwow I’ll just unsubscribe, I love him 😂

[@paulcapel8364]

I have now been driving my new car in this colour. And it's great apart from the head room. Can't fault it in any other way.

[@ivannikolov8527]

Is this 66.4 mpg a combined fuel economy figure or a motorway one ? If it's for out and in town driving... brilliant

[@Nick22051]

Probably the most british thing I've ever done. Drinking tea while watching a british car review about a Vauxhall :D And awesome thing is that you did the headcam test while parking! :) Don't know if you read my comment in one of the latest videos but I mentioned it. Good Video!

[@viditsharma6663]

all that's left to do is to high five the queen

[@MrJayJay450]

Gm is America though that's why they have on start. Basically the Astra comes to Britain in a box and assembled here haha the ikea of the car world in a way

[@kimbienia4224]

+Hunter178 and also the Vauxhall Astra is the british version of the original german Opel Astra. So...nice try but its not the british thing you've expected it to be ^^

[@bamphmx-5548]

Hunter178 but you know it´s originally an Opel Astra. And Opel is german ;)

[@yomiyama7093]

Again a really good video. For me is the Vauxhall astra the best car at the moment in terms of "price performance ratio". Congratulations from germany and you already make a really good job.

[@karlvonbahnhof6594]

My uncle is mechanic, he said, German cars are great except Opel, I still bought one, love my Astra, greeting from a Czech

[@JAV619LAX]

The best reviewer on this channel hands down

[@MrAndersie91]

Anyone else notice the "SPORT" button at 2:21 I remember older Astra 1.9CDTI SRI having that button and it did make some what of difference to the handling and engine response. Wonder whats its like this time round or is it a false button

[@MrRohanThomas]

On the Zafira, sports mode holds the gears longer on an automatic, so the acceleration time is faster than if you DRIVE

[@senseihEnRY16]

wow, the new Astra might probably the nicest looking family hatchback today.

[@Andrej1312]

3:23 Is that a Sportage ?

[@maartendemuynck3653]

Can we expect a video review of the new Vauxhall Viva anytime soon? If I'm not mistaken, that car actually went on sale before this one did!

[@diegocamacho6003]

how good is the 1.6 turbo 197hp? thank you

[@EddySawaya8637]

diego camacho Based on the top gear review, I can say that it's pretty fast and pretty efficient (0-100 in 6.6 secs)

[@diegocamacho6003]

Thanks a lot man

[@NedjoKovacevic]

OK I really need to comment on video quality! Mat and the team PLEASE encode video in higher bitrate! your 1080p videos are really below the quality of presentation only because low bitrate! that's such a shame.

[@ChrisLitton]

Looking at getting a bigger family car. Currently own a Mazda2 which is brilliant but not the most practical. The Sports Tourer looks very practical, whats the main dealer servicing like?

[@speedmasterrichard2487]

This is the future " Car of the year 2016 " Pretty design , Matrix intellilux ledlights , great engines low consumption , premium comfort , very high level active and passive safety ,High technology at affordable price . the best new compact hatchback

[@danbees3753]

How many miles are people getting out of a tank with the 1.4 turbo SRI models? TIA :)

[@kingisback1995]

I just purchase mine 1.4 L petrol R 2020 love it ❤

[@davidlyday7373]

this looks significantly more attractive then the 2017 American Chevrolet Cruze. It looks far better in my eyes however I'm not sure about GM reliability. Also is it really as good behind the wheel as a Ford Focus or Mazda 3?

[@ewaf88]

I wonder if Onestar works abroad or will you be charged huge amounts for any data used say in France?

[@SPYCRABFAN]

Does this astra come with standard xenon if you dont want the IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights.

[@MrSwanseajames]

I have this car it's been fab for the last year.

[@iantownsend5480]

Are you good people getting your hands on the 1.0 litre 140 bhp Fiesta black & red

[@Dreadpirateflappy]

Pity you can't turn the air con (to cool it down before you get in) or open the windows using the smartphone app.

[@clearingland]

Good review. Petrol 1.4 litre has 2 versions - 124 or 148 bhp. It was 2015 European Car of the Year.

[@motoscribe4111]

What is the diff of CARWOW and CarBuyer anyway?

[@ImranKhan-ud3qw]

I have vauxhall astra 2016. How to turn off radio while connecting android auto? I set gmap. It gives instructions for few seconds. Then radio comes in. Please tell how to resolve this?.

[@robertoetojo7067]

its an awesome car.. underated so much improvements... good engine 1.6 turbo...economical... stylish.. sexy.. dont care about passengers side really

[@Moto-411]

this astra in video is the sport ?or a high speck version a standard version has way different interior looking at a new one at £12,000 roughly but its only did 3 miles :D how much would a sport be £20,000 + or is the 15 different to the 65 numberplates co they have way different interior i like my astra mk5 still but planning a upgrade to a new astra

[@Dr.PsySwiss]

How does this car compare to Alfa Romeo Giulietta? What are the ups and downs between each other? Thank you

[@blackflagpirate3444]

Suits you sir! Not a bad looking thing.Not understanding why they brought this out when the GTC astra is still in production. I have heard a little rumour that they are bringing out a new Astra VXR soon ;)

[@MrRohanThomas]

:o

[@BenzinioB]

In a long therm perspective each Astra generation has been much more reliable then the equivalent Golf... and often better looking as well...

[@Sh4un1r1k]

I own an Astra G 1.4 LS 16v. It's 15 years old and done over 122,000 miles and still driving strong. Only problems I have/had are electric locks and a dying old battery(replaced). It's never left me stranded, in 5 years owning so far.

[@weedmastersr]

+Sh4un1r1k I'm planning to buy an Astra G 1.4 16v next month. I've had an Astra F 1.6 and a G 1.2 in the past. Both were super reliable and parts are dirt cheap. The Astra is probably one of the most reliable cars made in Europe in the past 2 decades.

[@Sh4un1r1k]

I have someone down my street who own an Astra G and has had it since I was getting buses to school in '99-2001 its still there. Electrics do let Vauxhall's down a bit so be wary of that but they keep going forever. Still a very common sight this model. If it dies/or rusts I won't mind trying this 2010-15 Astra or even the Insignia but until then will I part with it. Oh my car's over 125,200 odd miles, checked driving it the other day.

[@BenzinioB]

My dad old Astra F is just over 200 000 miles and it was second hand car with strong suspicion that few thousand miles were "hidden" by the seller - there was no major issues. Now still running but there are strange noises from the camshaft and get rusty. It will not pass the next MOT but still have few months life in it. My Astra F is over 130 k on the clock - again second hand with possible interventions on the gages - the engine is still strong. Never let me down on the road. Again the rust is an issue but it is still manageable. I had and Kadett D and E again very reliable cars with easy and cheep maintenance and my next car will be Astra G (for my father) and bit later H for me! Meanwhile a lot of fends with their Golfs called me in the middle of the night to help :) Even the German VW "brochure" magazine Auto Bild admit that Golf is much worst in therm of reliability then each of the Astra's generations. This is the car I will never bought for myself if it is not new - but even new cars are problematic. My friends father bought Tiguan, which is based on Golf - this car spent more time in the VW service then in his garage :)

[@dedfed321]

+benzfen not only astra are reliable in the long term. our 12 year-old corsa (we owned it all this time) is still going strong mechanically

[@lukamartinovic4670]

Audi a3 sportback or this Opel Astra? Opinions?

[@jamiemoulds8140]

great review..I'm getting mine next week and I can't wait.

[@sakal88]

Want to buy the 1.4 t 92kw, are you satisfied with the car?

[@Dreadpirateflappy]

Astra Elite with leather seats etc Or SRI with the safety kit??? Decisions.

[@markieh8988]

Comfort over safety all day long!

[@lightofguidancemodelintern1494]

I need to buy this car. Pls how much is the car price?

[@hyylo]

will vauxhall be releasing an updated electric car in 2016 ?

[@ThinkCleverAndSmart]

So, what is better value for money? A skoda octavia or a vauxhall astra? Also, you never use skoda as the recommended cars at the end of the video...

[@maartendemuynck3653]

+ThinkCleverAndSmart no... but he does use the VW Golf, which is kind of the same thing, only less spacious, better to drive, more comfortable and nicer to sit in.

[@ThinkCleverAndSmart]

***** But still, it is a lot more expensive than the octavia...

[@ThinkCleverAndSmart]

***** It's okay, we already have one, but it is with a petrol engine, TSI.

[@ThinkCleverAndSmart]

***** We do! :)

[@Sttm35]

Just out of curiosity. Are the British using metric units for heights or is this just for this video?

[@jamesbcfc]

It's just for the purposes of this video (as metric makes more sense and is easier to measure). However, in the UK we still dominantly use imperial for things such as heights, weights and distances.

[@joeyad2626]

Just for the video

[@blomkin5493]

is vauxhall a part off opel?

[@markojajcinovic9673]

Great review again, good job Carbuyer! I'm pleasantly surprised mostly by fuel consumption, but, as well as Matt, I haven't found Astra great in terms of looks, both outside and inside.

[@slobodansekuloski3660]

which one is more comfortable and quieter inside VW Golf or the Astra?

[@SPYCRABFAN]

This astra has new body and weight savings making it more quiet than the old car plus if you opt for the AGR comfort seats they are a dream.

[@EricMParkerson]

I watch your videos all the time, and the new shaky cam is making me sick. Is it possible to be smoother in future videos?

[@whycantichangemyname3682]

Has anyone notice the skoda Octavia Vrs is still on sale??

[@bashhhe]

My baby! Waiting for the sw update for the 1.4turbo engine though as it keeps loosing gear when kick down, but otherwise I love it. Best choice for me anyway! And the led matrix “hello” when unlocking...jeeeez. Pure love.

[@TheLoneSource]

Are the dimensions of the new astra different, looks longer and I was wondering how they shaved off 150 kilos

[@jamesgordon783]

Its actually shorten by about 40mm or something?

[@kimbienia4224]

+Carl Sagan actually its shorter and lighter! Example: They saved weight due to reduced electronics! And i am not talking about g, i am talking about kg.

[@gambu4810]

Where is the spare tire located?

[@marshalllucky]

can you get jerry vine on the wireless ?

[@darrennico8527]

Hello would it tow a caravan the 1.6 diesel ?)

[@si4632]

easy

[@jamie1992ful]

About 240 nm of torque, no problem at all

[@Lewwmakk]

This is the best Vauxhall I have seen

[@Saif-xk1qm]

Can i buy a used 2010 vauxhall astra manual?

[@BJN87M]

Does this car generally has arm restler in rear, or only this one in video didn't have.

[@jamie9883]

They generally don't have them. I own an Astra SRI trim and it doesn't have a rear arm rest.

[@BJN87M]

Jamie Harper-Walton oh ok, thats kinda a weird...I mean i have it in astra g. Basic trim level, like club or comfort i dont know.

[@jamie9883]

Yeah it's dodgy mate. I know few people who have the new Astra and they have a rear arm rest lol

[@BJN87M]

Jamie Harper-Walton Myb it is the something u can order when buying :)

[@jamie9883]

I'm not sure pal, I never gave it any thought when I bought mine haha

[@turquoisecat761]

What's with the height in centimetres on CB these days? Feet and inches please (at least state the height in ft/inch too, even though we know you're 5'11 at the last count lol)! Nice review though CB.

[@ottodob]

america wants this

[@ApurtureSci]

+ Samwise Drogod It could work. The Opel/Vauxhall Cascada is being sold there soon as the Buick Cascada, I think this sold as a Buick with the 200PS 1.6 could be popular.

[@ottodob]

Yea totally. I loved this car when it came over here as a Saturn, but sadly, with the death of Saturn came the death of Opel/Vauxhall cars in america.

[@MrWongnawa]

+Samwise Drogod I think it is the same architecture and interior design with the upcoming Buick Verano which has already been launched in China.

[@Lanpenn]

+Samwise Drogod, Brazil too!

[@PaulHojda]

+Samwise Drogod Not really. The Buick Regal is a rebadged Opel/vauxhall Insignia, the Encore is a rebadged Mokka, and the Verano is a slightly uglier version of the previous gen Astra sedan. This gen Astra is also probably going to arrive to the US as a Buick, though not in hatchback form

[@hajdukaeternum]

In my opinion it is a pretty at the back and especially overside, but front end, like most Opel's suffers from lack of personality.However, generally it's a nice car.Why it hasn't rear ventilation? Golf 6 had that a long time ago

[@SPYCRABFAN]

rear vents are under the seats like most cars now.

[@maartendemuynck3653]

What a return to form, for Vauxhall as well as for Mat Watson :) can't remember the time I laughed this much when watching a Carbuyer review

[@liamirvine1847]

How much would you be looking to pay for this?

[@mariomaster0248]

I guess you can say this car is REASONABLY PRICED!!! Please get the reference.

[@mubziv388]

i have always wonder why its called vauxhall in UK?

[@TheFeroza]

If u get spare wheel in the boot then u dont have the ridge on the seats and the rear of the boot. U do loose a lot of space though

[@billyfiz]

What's the 1.0 litre sri like

[@Sandouras]

Why are Opels called Vauxhaulls in the UK?

[@Dreadpirateflappy]

+Sandouras Because Vauxhall has been a known brand since before Opel was around...

[@PaulHojda]

+Monkeybox Gaming Opel has been around since the late 1800s

[@Damocles178]

+Sandouras Well Vauxhall used to be an independent British manufacturer. Some time in 1925 General Motors bought Vauxhall so they could establish themselves in the UK and compete with other companies selling cars in the UK such as Ford. They also bought Opel (German company) sometime after. Vauxhall used to make their own cars such as the Vauxhall Victor ; the vehicles weren't always identical to Opel's. Though by the 80's GM decided to just put the Vauxhall badge on Opel Cars because overall Opel had proved to be the stronger of the two brands in Europe; so ultimately Vauxhall was no longer building cars of their own design but the Vauxhall brand remained stronger in the UK itself so GM kept the name around. The Vauxhall name more less still exists as it was a significant brand in the UK at a time which is why it still remains prominent in the UK today.

[@Sandouras]

Damocles178 Thanks a lot man!

[@josephjardine32]

Please do the new Insignia, if possible do the 1.4T...

[@jamesgordon783]

No, they've already done an insignia review, they're not gonna do another one until new generation comes out next year. This channel doesn't review certain engines unfortunately.

[@jamie123b]

Such a good job by vauxhall/opel

[@Bates.N1]

Eight inch screen only comes on nav models only issue with it the equipment eg parking brake costs extra no rear armrest no slidy thing on the cuphoders unless you get top spec one

[@prayerpowersr854]

this was a really fun review, RIP mat.

[@joeyad2626]

Wtf lol

[@alanmawson2187]

I love these cars Vauxhall Astra

[@samuelraj499]

Another good review by Mat...

[@members90]

I like these car review...keep it up folks!!

[@aaronjaggan]

Awesome Review!

[@oriain81]

I love this car, works well on terrible Irish roads. I've saved lots on fuel compared to my previous vw jetta diesel.

[@forgotmyusername2]

How would it be for driving in Dublin?

[@paulcapel8364]

Hiya. I like the car that much that I have got mine coming very soon. And in red. Can't beat the colour. Thanks for the info.

[@maartendemuynck3653]

The more you look at this new Astra ... the more you start to appreciate the way its predecessor looked (especially the facelifted version). Top-of-the-line variants of that car were so classy, almost like some kind of "reasonably priced premium", regardless of which body style you went for: hatchback, estate or saloon. This new generation is actually so much better in so many areas ... but it doesn't look the part. Such a shame you can't have it all.

[@lifeliver5999]

Did anyone notice the number plate is live for Vauxhall

[@smashingpumpkin1986]

Vauxhall have surprised me, I'm quite impressed.

[@TestAutomobila]

Very good test, but every generation of Astra is 100 kg lighter? If is true this Astra wil have 500 kg, from first generation to this they claim that every generation is lighter for 100 kg, 5 generation x100 kg is 500 kg. This is lie, this generation have around 300 kg more than first Astra F. Best regards from Serbia... Very, very good car.

[@Dreadpirateflappy]

+TestAutomobila Not sure they ever claimed the J was lighter than the H to be fair...

[@xero1982]

+Monkeybox Gaming Having owned both the H and J, I would say from feel alone that the J model was actually a little bit heavier. Got my eye on a new K model very soon, this review has tipped my decision over the edge, can't hold back much longer!

[@evoxpress]

is mat working for carwow too?

[@shadnowc5494]

only carwow now

[@Nozuka621]

great review!

[@losmeets98]

I really like the C-pillar on the outside, only a shame the blinkers are still on the side of the car instead of integrated into the mirrors, that's quite 2008 ;p

[@ApurtureSci]

+ Louis smeets I agree, I have found it something that's actually put me off Vauxhalls quite a bit. Looks much cleaner when integrated well into the door mirrors.

[@losmeets98]

***** me too, the design is beautiful, its just that one little annoying thing ;p

[@Djeseret]

+louis smeets Are you not aware that blinkers integrated into the mirrors are a cheaper solution? It is more expensive to mount a separate electrical system in the car's front wing. It is uglier, much poorer visibility, repair cost of a broken mirror will be considerably more expensive. And to not having it is a way to distinguish Vauxhall from the crowd.

[@losmeets98]

Djeseret I don't care if its cheaper, it helps to make the car look more earpdynamic. This lightbulb sticking out makes it look less modern imo

[@aquaphoenixx]

@Carbuyer Why didn't you mention the massage seats and the fact that they have an award for being good to your back? I know that they are optional but for some people this is will influence the buying decision. I think that this differentiates the Astra in this frankly boring segment.

[@SPYCRABFAN]

Exactly I bought the elite model of this which comes as standard with AGR comfort leather seats which are the most comforting car seats I've ever sat in plus it has so many functions for lumbar leg length etc even heated rear seats with there own separate buttons in the back with USB ports and a heated steering wheel for winter. The amount of car you get with the elite astra k is phenomenal better than any car I've ever drove.

[@Dreadpirateflappy]

+Chris Miller How are you finding the Elite? I am torn between the SRI and the Elite. Are the seats comfortable? Is the ambient lighting in the doors any good?

[@crosseyxpoweruk]

I test drove 3 astras and none of them had exposed wires from the drivers cubby hole!