Performance and 0-60mph time
First of all, the Astra is fast. Not gut-wrenchingly, pinned-to-the-back-of-your-seat quick, but far faster than a non-VXR Astra has any right to be. The 1.6 turbocharged petrol engine, the most powerful engine on offer, gives the Astra a surprising turn of pace. 197bhp is a lot for just an ordinary hatch back, a couple of years ago that was the realm of hot hatches. The figures suggest it’s quick too, with a 0-60 time of 6.6sec. That’s 0.1sec quicker than a first generation, manual Porsche Boxster! The Astra doesn’t make a fuss of going fast, if you don’t pay close attention to your speed, you can find yourself going unexpectedly quickly.
