2016 Vauxhall Astra review – new Astra is best yet, but can it excite?

With an excellent engine and an outstanding ride the new Astra has some great attributes, but sadly it isn’t a drivers’ car

Evo rating
Price
from £15,295
  • Great engine, unexpectedly fast and feels well built
  • Overall, just not very exciting

evo Verdict

It may well have been crowned European Car of the Year for 2016, but has the new Astra been designed to thrill or exhilarate? Sadly not, it lacks any real feedback and has very safe handling characteristics that don’t allow for any adjustability. However, the Astra has elements that do feel very well judged. The most powerful engine available not only makes the Astra surprisingly quick, but it’s also a pleasure to rev. It’s also very comfortable as the ride is exceptional, and the controls are well positioned to suit spirited driving, too.

Its attributes may not add up to make the new Astra the most exciting car, but it’s the best base Astra we’ve tried and it has certainly made us eagerly anticipate the VXR version.

evo Tip

Don’t go for the optional 18” wheels. Stick with the smaller 17s as they help create the luxurious, comfortable ride. That may not sound particularly thrilling, but the Astra isn’t the most sporty or direct handling car so it might as well ride nicely instead.

evo Comment

‘The new Astra isn’t a bad car but it isn’t a particularly memorable car to drive either. What is encouraging is the feeling of lightness and compactness, which are excellent starting points for future hotter versions. Pop a sportier petrol engine under the bonnet, tweak the springs and dampers and you might have a rather good hot hatch.’ Henry Catchpole

Most Popular

The BMW M3 is going electric in its next generation
BMW M3 teaser
News

The BMW M3 is going electric in its next generation

The next M3 supersaloon is receiving a pure-electric powertrain, but it’s not all bad news…
30 Nov 2023
Used car deals of the week
Main used car deals
Advice

Used car deals of the week

In this week's used car deals, we've sourced everything from a BMW M3 to a Maserati MC20
30 Nov 2023
Best car tyres 2023: evo performance tyre test
Best car tyres 2023
Features

Best car tyres 2023: evo performance tyre test

Which tyre should you choose for your performance car? This year’s evo tyre test puts eight strong contenders through their paces to find the very bes…
1 Dec 2023