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

Living with the Toyota GR Yaris, a homologation hot hatch for £20k
evo Fast Fleet Toyota GR Yaris
Long term tests

Living with the Toyota GR Yaris, a homologation hot hatch for £20k

As the mystery of the GR’s true fuel tank capacity is solved, a new enigma emerges
27 Jan 2026
Cupra Leon VZ review – is this now the best hot hatch you can buy?
Cupra Leon VZ
Reviews

Cupra Leon VZ review – is this now the best hot hatch you can buy?

The choice of full-sized front-drive hot hatches now doesn’t include the Civic Type R. Can the Cupra Leon VZ take the top spot?
26 Jan 2026
Caterham Project V is delayed, but a running prototype is finally here
Caterham Project V
News

Caterham Project V is delayed, but a running prototype is finally here

Caterham’s new age electric coupe is now officially behind schedule, but the first running prototype has now been unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon
13 Jan 2026