Skip advert
Advertisement

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

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

Design 

As with the dynamics, the outside isn’t very thrilling. It’s not ugly, but it’s also not especially good looking – it’s safe.

It’s distinctly an Astra too. In isolation, it convinces you it’s not that dissimilar to the old model in the way it looks. But spot the two together and the new Astra does look markedly different. Not better or worse, just different. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Puncture-proof airless tyres are on the horizon, but they won’t work on performance cars
Airless tyres
News

Puncture-proof airless tyres are on the horizon, but they won’t work on performance cars

Airless tyre technology developed by the likes of Goodyear, Michelin and Bridgestone could see use in autonomous vehicles and public transport in the …
28 Nov 2025
How a sub-200bhp runabout exposes the problem with today’s performance cars
695C Turismo
Opinion

How a sub-200bhp runabout exposes the problem with today’s performance cars

A shortage of long-term test cars flags up a wider problem, says Meaden
27 Nov 2025
BMW Z4 M40i Handschalter Fast Fleet test – living with Munich's manual drop-top
evo Fast Fleet BMW Z4 Handschalter
Long term tests

BMW Z4 M40i Handschalter Fast Fleet test – living with Munich's manual drop-top

Is top-down motoring in winter a folly? Not if you time it right…
27 Nov 2025