REVIEW: Of all the new Vauxhall Astra variants, could the diesel version be the unlikely pick of the bunch? Felix_Page_ is our man behind the wheel
At idle and under load, this is a gruff-sounding engine that doesn’t marry up aurally with what is otherwise a resoundingly successful and overtly premium design overhaul – inside and out – for the Astra. It fades away at a stride, but getting there is a reminder of why it has always been difficult to feel particularly inspired by the soundtrack of a diesel, and the Astra’s ride isn’t quite quiet enough or soft enough to compensate for the noise.
Really, though, those are small flaws in a product that feels like it should cost much more than it does. The cabin is far more visually inspiring than that of any form of Focus and the clear and intuitive touchscreen system infotainment betters the oft-frustrating one in the Seat Leon and the Volkswagen Golf. Everything is largely where you expect it to be – save for a couple of functions that require some menu-delving – and it feels as comfy and roomy as anything comparable.
Our car was in mid-rung GS Line trim, and while the concept of a circa- £30k middling Astra requires a bit of a mental adjustment, it still feels like pretty darn good value if you take into account the recent astronomical hikes in new car prices generally. We have a 360deg parking camera, intelligent adaptive cruise control, wireless smartphone mirroring, dual-zone climate control, puddle lights and so on.
It’s a generous package, but top tip: the range-topping Ultimate, with its wireless smartphone charger, jazzier wheels and panoramic sunroof, can be had for less than a grand more than the GS Line with a few options added. Peruse the price list carefully.
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