Yeah I hate all touch sensitive buttons. Some of them must be physical. Besides still the cars are not fully autonoumus. I don't trust them %100 even firms says that. I want to understand buttons functions without looking them. It's called intuivity, user-friendly.
Why are car testers/reviewers obsessed with "scratchy plastics"? Do they fondle it all the time whilst driving? What do you expect on cars built to a budget. 🤔
I really don't mind about hard plastic. I like to drive a car and not touch the dashboard all the time like I have some kind of fetish perversion.But to be honest piano black plastic is really an awful material in every way.
True. I think because this is a sister car to the Peugeot 308 then the VW Golf ( rightly or wrongly ) has been targeted. Peugeot see themselves as more of an upmarket brand than they used to be. Plus there is a big push on the Astra as being a Germanic rival to the Golf through Opel
Not just here in the UK, Vauxhall was historically part of the GM group and globally Ford and GM are massive rivals, in Australian motorsports its as fierce as the Celtic/Rangers rivalry
I said it before and ill say it again, ever since PSA came in to influence and take care of the Vauxhall brand, I feel they have done an amazing job to rekindle Vauxhall with its original identity with a great nod to the looks of some vintage Vauxhall/Opel icons that shaped the brand. Well done PSA, well done 👏
@@jasonreid4936 French cars tend to be better than the shit Volkswagen puts out, aside of Skoda and Seat. Sorry to burst your bubble, but brands like VW and Audi have really gone backwards with their QA.
@@kierenhook4387 looking through the years I think the front end gives a nod to the Opel manta, interior wise though yeah it does sport that peugeot look.. 😅
I think this is a great looking car - best Astra yet infact. Some parts are excellent, some show where costs had to be kept under control, but overall, this is a fine looking vehicle. It's a shame most reviewers seem to always associate today's VX with VX of old and treat them too negatively - they are quite different animals these days, and their cars generally offer good quality, kit and performance without breaking the bank. That's why they sell so many - their cars are for the every day driver who can't afford (or maybe doesn't want) to spend silly money on anything else.
I have an Astra J for 9 years now, I really prefer it over a vx group car from the same cat. , its handling and comfort is amazingly good compared to more expensive cars, and the only downside in the new Astra that is not coming with the wattslink rear suspension like the old one but it may be has the same driving characteristcs we don't know until we trying it
If im honest I don’t really like the styling of this new astra, I much prefer older astras design - but aside from the exterior styling everything else is a huge upgrade
@@aadi8568 the overall design is new but there is something wrong with some parts like the front grill looks cheap and the rear lights the interior also has some bad shapes like the left side air vent and the center consol very boxy
Getting there. Credit where credit is due.. However the deal breaker is the rear indicators! WTF! How many rear end crashes? Insane! Back to the drawing board Opel. Thanks Rory for another excellent review.
As someone who watches these EU car reviews in Canada... Man you don't want to buy an Euro car in NA. Most of them don't have amber turn signals at all and just use the brake lights.
Tesla rear indicators are about the same size on the Model 3. Also, the old Ford S-Max also had tiny indicators but they were halogen so even more dangerous.
I am super happy with my Astra K, and this is most likely my next car in the future. Doesn't look as good, but is fresh and modern while not going into extremes like most cars these days.
I'd take slightly noisy cooled seats any day over a car of equivalent price such as the Golf, Focus, A-Class, 1 Series that don't offer that feature at all. As for the colour, I love it.
It looks far better than a standard Golf, which looks way to bland. However, the engine choice is poor. Interior is good, probably better than a golf, but beaten by other German brands. I think it will do very well.
I can't see anything wrong with engine choices. 1.2 Turbo with 110 and 130 is good. Also got 1.5 Diesel / 1.6 Hybrid / Electric they're just good selections
C segment cars don’t need huge engines anymore, and especially when fuel prices are rising like crazy. The Astra’s engine choice is pretty much identical to the 308 and DS4.
@@glennchinyangarara8225 I agree they don't need to be huge, but it would have been good to see a choice with around 180-190 bhp. Maybe there will be a 'sport' focused model later on in production
Your reviews are really good and balanced. Too me it feels very much like a PSA product but I suppose VAG group as just as guilty and it keeps Vauxhall, and a staple British car. The Astra going, which is great! Would love to try one. Looks like a great job. 🙂👍
Just like the quarterlight fins, the yellow paint is a homage to the Mk1 Astra which featured this colour. Even the visor styling is a nod to past models like the Monza.
I like the way the incorporated the plastic triangular section just behind the rear door section on the body work, reminds me of my first car mk2 Astra.
Really like the look of the new Astra. I hope that they spice it up with a more powerful SRi that just isn’t a trim level, but more capable performance and handling……..maybe a GSi to compete with a Golf R etc. Good work Vauxhall.
Got my Astra 1.2 Turbo 130 GS Line on order in black, should be with me in May/June time. Bit concerned about that back indicator but really looking forward to driving it now!
@@dano8012 Thanks! Turned up last week and I'm absolutely loving it. Quite quick for a 1.2 engine, the turbo helps with that though. Interior is amazing and the panoramic, bird eye view camera is a game changer for parking ha. It even has games on 😂
I think all PHEV’s only really make sense if you do have a home charging option. If you don’t have a full charge at the start of everyday, its just like driving round with a boot full of cement, any fuel efficiency gained from the EV mode would be destroyed by the weight of the batteries
A large percentage of people in the market for a new car (homeowners) have the option to home charge that's a big pool of people. Anyone daft enough to buy a phev and use it as an ice deserves to lose 💰. Company car drivers should be penalised for being profligate with company money in the event they don't use the ev option and rely entirely on the ice
I’m a retired car owner my wife has a Lexus hybrid and I’m seriously looking at PHEVs. We do maybe 10-20 miles each daily (mostly various school runs) plus one 200 mile round trip each fortnight visiting an elderly relative so apart from that one longer trip I think I could survive on electric for the whole rest of the time possibly…
Its nice to see an affordable everyday car for a change. Those rear lights, how on earth did they get approved for the road? Can we really call this a Vauxhall though?
Definitely not a vauxhall. It's a generic car made by Stallantis, and badge engineered into all it's many brands (Peugeot, Opel, Vauxhall, Fiat, Chrysler, Alfa, etc)
The last Vauxhall that wasn't a rebadged other brand was the Viva, which went out of production in 1979. Since then, all Opels and Vauxhalls have been the same design, using General Motors parts. Since GM sold its European operation to PSA, Vauxhalls (and Opels) now share Peugeot group parts. It's true that both Vauxhall and Opel Astras were made in Britain until this model, which is made in Germany. The British factory will now make electric vans for Vauxhall, Opel, Peugeot and Citroen.
Well, I'd rag on this car having Peugeot engineering under the bonnet, but overall that's probably an improvement over Vauxhall engineering. Does look quite smart though.
First things first. Rory's taste in hoodies is really outlandish and I would definitely buy one for myself. The 8th edition Astra is the best looking for a long time. I am n to sure about the rear light cluster, how is that ever legal. I have never rated the Golf, but I do love the Astra. Great upload.
I think when you got to economy you answered your own question: "A diesel is available for some reason?" 60+mpog in the real world and no messing around with a charger...and I expect it's cheaper!
Looks like vauxhalls fortunes have changed stunning car great review as I type this Corsa is number one mokka is number 3 in UK sales chart this astra could easily become top 3 sales well done vauxhall turning things around like to see new models built in uk
On the back doors there's replication of the mk1 astra going on a little with the plastic triangle at the back and even the sloping of the corner on the back doors going to that is almost the same
In so many ways this is better than the golf, interior for starters, Volkswagen have heavily cut costs in terms of quality and features whilst underdog brands like kia and Vauxhall seem to be walking all over them, good to see a big German brand like Volkswagen have some proper competition to kick them back into action, looking forward to buying one of these in 5 years when they're cheap
The front end, the sticking up air vent on the left side of the dashboard, the third spoke on the steering wheel, the shark fin cover on the C pillar are all an homage to the golden days of Opel (Kadetts especially)
Vauxhall designers: "We need to find a way to hide the Vauxhall badges so people aren't embarrassed about driving it" Rory: "it's very clever how they've blacked out the badges so it hides the sensors" Vauxhall designers: "errr.... Yeah that's what we were going for all along"
Why do carmakers and motoring journalists like digital displays so much? They suck. But the rest of the car is very catching. Boots space 540 litres? that's huge
Its weird, I know they're not paid but every reviewer jizz's on digital screens and the size of them, like how are they better than analog gauges that are easy and simple to read and dont need 15 menus to see what I want.
I never thought that having physical buttons would be a talking point in car reviews and a major selling point for a car. But here we are. STOP GETTING RID OF PHYSICAL BUTTONS IN CARS. NOT EVERY TREND IS WORTH FOLLOWING.
At one time Vuaxhall Ellesmere Port recieved engine's from Holden and built Astras for Holden, so engine's travelled from Australia, were put in the car and were sent back to Australia.
If Vauxhall were politcially allowed to bring out the Mk1 Breadvan it would sell in mass again as it would be a fraction of the cost of these high spec cars
I remember reading about the 1988 version of the Astra GTE which was given a 156bhp engine. Some car reviewers then were saying that _"150 bhp is probably the limit for a front wheel drive car due to torque steer."_ How times have changed 8-))...
@@adams7405 I never drove one. But reading the articles etcetera, they always said that it would destroy the Golf GTi in a straight line. Though they also said that on a twisty back road, the Golf was probably quicker. That aside, I almost bought a 2nd hand GTE but foolishly went out and got an MG Midget instead 8-((... C'est la vie... You live and learn 8-))...
I was going to order this so took one for a test drive. Got to the first roundabout and knew I didn't want it! Looks good, interior nice, seats comfy but the steering has a HUGE deadzone, you turn the wheel then 2 seconds after the car turns, there is literally no feedback through the wheel. Its drive is similar to a boat, not sure if that's just EPAS. They could design the best looking car in the world but if the steering feedback is crap what is the point, I don't buy a car to be outside of it looking at it, I buy it to drive.
It actually pays homage to the Opel Manta’s front end, and was previewed on the GTX concept from 2017. The Ioniq 5 may have taken inspiration from them?
It's derived from the first Opel/Vauxhall Manta A, which design was already derived from the original Camaro, since they were a GM subsidiary. Ironically the group that owns Vauxhall/Opel (PSA, and now Stellantis) also owns Chrysler nowadays.
I had a mark 1 astra gte back in the day, whenever the hell that was, and I loved that car. Fast ( for then), great handling and looked pretty good at well. I might add, if was totally reliable over the 3 years of ownership as well. For a long time they got worse I think, and lost their cool. Also had an old cavalier Sri and if was a great car as well. Later had a vectra, which was rubbish. Can never understand how manufacturers manage to get worse sometimes.
The Astra K elite nav is such a nice drive. I never managed to acquire a gte back in 90s but I do imagine the power and drive of that probably is streets ahead of the old cult classic
Asking a musician to help with making the warning sounds not annoying,that’s bloody genius,probably got the idea from an automobile magazine quiz for finding out what the readers believe will influence the industry with prizes to lure but never give.happened to my idea for the magiccarpet ride which ended up on mercedes and rolls Royce without ever a mention of me who wrote that idea in!
They share the same platform, but now we can say it vice versa - Peugeot is based on Opel, as quite a lot of the development was made in Rüsselsheim. Stellantis increased the number of departments in Rüsselsheim development centre so now many of the brands benefit the German engineering and Peugeot and Fiat finally could be classified as real cars :D ;)
@@b2523 Why not? Opel has much better reliability record then any of the French (and Italians in that regards as now Fiat an Alfa new models also share this tech).
Other than the plastic bits and the lack of a 2 litre petrol and diesel version you have to say its a great car overall and hopefully in thr future they do a a VXR version.
@@bojansalmic9811 I think they are related products as Peugeot own Opel/Vauxhall. To my eyes the Astra is better looking. I also prefer the Corsa to the Peugeot 209 which are definitely related.
I have just bought a Peugeot with practically the same drive train as this car. There is a Tesco within walking distance with free (yes, free) chargers. I can park the car, go back home and come back 3 hours later that evening, and I AM NOT PAYING ANYTHING FOR FUEL. Now that does make sense. I visited my son and daughter-in-law last weekend in London. There was an on-street charger at the end of their road. I charged the car, while I was parked down the road from their house. So you charge when there is an opportunity, but there is no range anxiety when you can't. Great!
you should ashamed, using a free supermarket car park charger to charge your car, but not use the shop and go home until car is charged. How selfish is that. Clogging up a space a true supermarket customer could use while they shop.
@@paulmasterson552 Why should I be ashamed? It takes over 3 hours to charge the car. It doesn’t take me 3 hours to do my shopping. I’m simply using the closest charger to my flat. It happens to be free. Tesco get plenty of business from me. They offer loyalty cards, special offers. That’s marketing. Free car electricity is just another way of marketing. I don’t know how long they will continue to supply electricity free of charge. It’s a promotional offer like their ClubCard.
Oh for Pete's sake, I've just bought a used 2020 1.2t Astra just 3 weeks ago! This does look sweet to be fair. And in hybrid mode you reckon 200 odd miles to the galleon?! Beats my 45/50. Actually 45/50 ain't too shabby for this thing, I have hit a 60 average so far. I reckon I could afford a new one if I start saving now and give it 20 years.
Don't trouble yourself, you bought a good Astra k still made with GM parts, bit of mitsubushi touch with the engine so it's good enough. New astra 2022 is a mechanically a Peugeot in a vauxhall wrapping. Gearbox, engines, suspension, base all French. Your astra will outlive newer cars. So will probably my Astra J 1.4t. 12 years now, well maintained, GM/German designed car and engine runs like new.
@Kzn Nzn Oil changed every 8-10k instead of their recommended 20k. A lot of of these engines have problems with timing chain rattle. The higher the mileage the worse the sound. It's about £1500 for new timing chain, so I'll give it a miss
@@janhermanvanman9581 Ah yeah I absolutely love the Astra I have now. I mean, I haven't owned many cars in my time as they're stupid money, but it's the best car I've driven. Want to look after this thing as best I can.
Ran a fleet of 40 Astra - never never never wud I touch them again. On average 40% off the road due to mechanical failures. No parts available and the dealer network cud not care less. Appalling brand.
Corrections for the boot space: Astra hatchback 422 Astra hatchback as plug in hybrid: 352 Astra sports tourer 608 Astra sports tourer as plug in hybrid 548
@JamJarz in that case it’s not an insignia? They’ve already got the grand land, mokka, and whatever else suvs, why would they do that? You’re not wrong it’s just very odd
I think it would be helpful with these hybrid reviews to include battery replacement cost as if that big or huge bill ( looking at you mercedes) is coming in the first 10 yrs then that's going affect residuals alot.
@@bullittuk There are several reported cases of batteries needing replacement coming out now,Mercedes being one of them.Charging £15,000 plus labour to replace on a 12 yr old car.
@@andyhunt457 Who puts a brand new engine in a 12 yr old car? A greater percentage of engines go pop than batteries are likely to fail, yet another lame argument...
@@bullittuk I think yr missing the point the car is worth £12,000 still but now he has to spend 15k to get it fixed. Surely you don't think that's acceptable. As the lame excuse I would never buy a phev they are pointless for my needs.I still get 60mpg out of my 2litre diesel
@@andyhunt457 60 mpg🤣 I've averaged 150 mpg over the last six months in my phev and nobody had to sit behind me in traffic choking on my diesel fumes. And I think you missed the point if someone is stupid enough to go for a new rather than used power unit, battery or ice on a 12 yr old car they get what they deserve
It's definitely a step up for vauxhall, a handsome looking car nicer interior and better specs than before. As for the rear indicators, they are about the same size as the Tesla model 3 rear indicators, are they not?
Vitamin D through a glass? What are rumbling about? Have you skipped school classes? Your body can't make vitamin D from sun that went via glass... LOOOOOOOL
Quit like it, I've always preferred Astra then Golf and had few. Opel definitely aged well better then VW. It is over a decade now since they have one of the best seat in the business... but really don't like the bloody engines! Motorisation is total disappointment!
In Germany, many parking garages have charging stations for e-cars. Supermarkets also have a few parking spaces for e-cars. There you can always charge your car a little bit and if there is a petrol car on it, it will get a ticket (the driver, to be exactly).
@@Fastvoice they’re all co-developed on the same platform, and the suspension setup and ride quality/comfort and cosmetic details such as interior extrerior style is all different from one another. The parent company is Stellantis which develops the platform and the subsidiaries are the brand that cars made on this platform are sold on
Would you buy this or a Golf?
This 👍
@@Silver-st2zq A Golf
@@ericl6386 No thanks.
If I could afford a car maybe
I already bought an Opel Crossland automatic two years ago. Great car.
Just the fact that it has physical buttons, would make me choose this over a Golf.
Same here, I won't be getting another Golf.
knob gang
Yeah I hate all touch sensitive buttons. Some of them must be physical. Besides still the cars are not fully autonoumus. I don't trust them %100 even firms says that. I want to understand buttons functions without looking them. It's called intuivity, user-friendly.
@@listenmullahsb my pristine 15 year old Astra G would beg to differ.
@@listenmullahsb your defo talking shit most friends who have had golfs break down all the time 🤣 old golfs are machines though
Why are car testers/reviewers obsessed with "scratchy plastics"? Do they fondle it all the time whilst driving? What do you expect on cars built to a budget. 🤔
This! ⬆️
Mmmmmmm.... scratchy plastic....😗
Like Matt Watsons flick test😂
They expect fine Italian leather on a budget city car 😂
I really don't mind about hard plastic. I like to drive a car and not touch the dashboard all the time like I have some kind of fetish perversion.But to be honest piano black plastic is really an awful material in every way.
It's main competition as always been a Ford in the UK. You where either a Ford buyer or a Vauxhall buyer back in the day..
True. I think because this is a sister car to the Peugeot 308 then the VW Golf ( rightly or wrongly ) has been targeted. Peugeot see themselves as more of an upmarket brand than they used to be. Plus there is a big push on the Astra as being a Germanic rival to the Golf through Opel
Were
Not just here in the UK, Vauxhall was historically part of the GM group and globally Ford and GM are massive rivals, in Australian motorsports its as fierce as the Celtic/Rangers rivalry
Ford is way better than Opel (Vauxhall)
Agreed. Was a bit stumped to hear this was a golf rival. Never heard that ever.
I said it before and ill say it again, ever since PSA came in to influence and take care of the Vauxhall brand, I feel they have done an amazing job to rekindle Vauxhall with its original identity with a great nod to the looks of some vintage Vauxhall/Opel icons that shaped the brand. Well done PSA, well done 👏
French cars are crap and now vauxhall are worse now stay with German cars but not the golf they are shitter the PSA cars
@@jasonreid4936 French cars tend to be better than the shit Volkswagen puts out, aside of Skoda and Seat.
Sorry to burst your bubble, but brands like VW and Audi have really gone backwards with their QA.
@@tehnoob19 Agreed, well said.. 👏
Rekindle vauxhall with it's original identity.... really this astra looks and feels like a peugeot where is the vauxhall identity in it
@@kierenhook4387 looking through the years I think the front end gives a nod to the Opel manta, interior wise though yeah it does sport that peugeot look.. 😅
I think this is a great looking car - best Astra yet infact. Some parts are excellent, some show where costs had to be kept under control, but overall, this is a fine looking vehicle. It's a shame most reviewers seem to always associate today's VX with VX of old and treat them too negatively - they are quite different animals these days, and their cars generally offer good quality, kit and performance without breaking the bank. That's why they sell so many - their cars are for the every day driver who can't afford (or maybe doesn't want) to spend silly money on anything else.
I have an Astra J for 9 years now, I really prefer it over a vx group car from the same cat. , its handling and comfort is amazingly good compared to more expensive cars, and the only downside in the new Astra that is not coming with the wattslink rear suspension like the old one but it may be has the same driving characteristcs we don't know until we trying it
@@xfx990 I'm on my 3rd Insignia now - great cars with lots of kit and good value. Better than the Superb, Passat and Mondeo in my opinion.
If im honest I don’t really like the styling of this new astra, I much prefer older astras design - but aside from the exterior styling everything else is a huge upgrade
@@aadi8568 the old one looked boring in my opinion, like every other car. This looks great
@@aadi8568 the overall design is new but there is something wrong with some parts like the front grill looks cheap and the rear lights
the interior also has some bad shapes like the left side air vent and the center consol very boxy
I've never ever considered an Opel before but this car's design is on an entirely different level, seriously interested in driving one.
Is it better to get this or Peugeot 208?
@@Pit-jt3lw 208 is cheaper and smaller. 308, on the other hand, is essentially the same car as new Astra underneath.
I think under PSA's name, Opels could rather be desireable for a change. I do still love the Peugeot cars they are based on a little bit more.
@@regnam503 going with Mazda 3 instead
@@Pit-jt3lw a completely different philosophy to making a family car.
14:35 I like the colour…Wouldn’t buy it in yellow mind, but it’s nice to look at, and probably looks better in the sunshine of Portugal 😆
yellow? that’s gold baby!
I think Rory forgot to mention the colour options but okay. For me a black / blue colour is a preferred choice
Getting there. Credit where credit is due.. However the deal breaker is the rear indicators! WTF! How many rear end crashes? Insane! Back to the drawing board Opel. Thanks Rory for another excellent review.
As someone who watches these EU car reviews in Canada... Man you don't want to buy an Euro car in NA. Most of them don't have amber turn signals at all and just use the brake lights.
Tesla rear indicators are about the same size on the Model 3.
Also, the old Ford S-Max also had tiny indicators but they were halogen so even more dangerous.
If someone who rear ends you it's their fault not yours bro
There madness I have had afew near misses due to these indicators and tiny brake lights especially in the sun you can't see tham whatsoever
I am super happy with my Astra K, and this is most likely my next car in the future. Doesn't look as good, but is fresh and modern while not going into extremes like most cars these days.
I'd take slightly noisy cooled seats any day over a car of equivalent price such as the Golf, Focus, A-Class, 1 Series that don't offer that feature at all.
As for the colour, I love it.
Thanks for mentioning the issue with paddle shifting. I've seen a few other reviews but no one mentioned that
The Astra looks good. Much better than the Mk6 I had when they brought it to Canada. But… your sweatshirt 🔥
Very nice and modern and distinctive using simple lines!!! Well done Opel!!!
The fact the Astra is now being compared to the Golf and not the Focus speaks volumes!
I would never buy a Vauxhall again in my life with the problems I’ve had. Customer service is shocking too
I hear you. What’s your next option?
@@dano8012 I sold my Vauxhall and brought a brand new mk4.5 focus ST line and I love it
It looks far better than a standard Golf, which looks way to bland. However, the engine choice is poor. Interior is good, probably better than a golf, but beaten by other German brands. I think it will do very well.
I can't see anything wrong with engine choices. 1.2 Turbo with 110 and 130 is good. Also got 1.5 Diesel / 1.6 Hybrid / Electric they're just good selections
I prefer this 1.2 130 to the 1.0 VW versions.
Much nicer to drive
Yeah i get what you mean they need a 2L turbocharged petrol version to really compete with VW group cars and even merc a class tbf
C segment cars don’t need huge engines anymore, and especially when fuel prices are rising like crazy. The Astra’s engine choice is pretty much identical to the 308 and DS4.
@@glennchinyangarara8225 I agree they don't need to be huge, but it would have been good to see a choice with around 180-190 bhp. Maybe there will be a 'sport' focused model later on in production
I always compared an Astra to a Focus. Golf's used to be for different people. Maybe that's all changed? Maybe I should be paying attention more ay 😅
Naa they're the same size. Also the makes are of the same class (I think).
It's always been Golf vs Kadett/Astra for as long as I can remember at least a good 3/4 generations before the first Focus
Your reviews are really good and balanced. Too me it feels very much like a PSA product but I suppose VAG group as just as guilty and it keeps Vauxhall, and a staple British car. The Astra going, which is great! Would love to try one. Looks like a great job. 🙂👍
Just like the quarterlight fins, the yellow paint is a homage to the Mk1 Astra which featured this colour. Even the visor styling is a nod to past models like the Monza.
I like the way the incorporated the plastic triangular section just behind the rear door section on the body work, reminds me of my first car mk2 Astra.
Really like the look of the new Astra. I hope that they spice it up with a more powerful SRi that just isn’t a trim level, but more capable performance and handling……..maybe a GSi to compete with a Golf R etc. Good work Vauxhall.
Or better yet a VXR. Or better yet, both GSI and a hot VXR version.
*Opel
Stunning!!!
Simply Stunning, love it and will take it over the Golf and competition anyday
What a handsome production car. It looks so modern, dynamic and expensive
Outstandin exterior design, the face mostly with it's retro style, it blew me away!
Bloody hell Rory you can’t measure leg room with the front seat practically horizontal 🥲
Great review anyway ✌🏻
Got my Astra 1.2 Turbo 130 GS Line on order in black, should be with me in May/June time. Bit concerned about that back indicator but really looking forward to driving it now!
@@dano8012 Thanks! Turned up last week and I'm absolutely loving it. Quite quick for a 1.2 engine, the turbo helps with that though. Interior is amazing and the panoramic, bird eye view camera is a game changer for parking ha. It even has games on 😂
How long did you wait mate
Can't wait to test it 🙂
Love his sweatshirt! Only Rory can pull this off looking cool
I think all PHEV’s only really make sense if you do have a home charging option. If you don’t have a full charge at the start of everyday, its just like driving round with a boot full of cement, any fuel efficiency gained from the EV mode would be destroyed by the weight of the batteries
A large percentage of people in the market for a new car (homeowners) have the option to home charge that's a big pool of people. Anyone daft enough to buy a phev and use it as an ice deserves to lose 💰. Company car drivers should be penalised for being profligate with company money in the event they don't use the ev option and rely entirely on the ice
@@bullittuk yes I’ve also read that..
I’m a retired car owner my wife has a Lexus hybrid and I’m seriously looking at PHEVs. We do maybe 10-20 miles each daily (mostly various school runs) plus one 200 mile round trip each fortnight visiting an elderly relative so apart from that one longer trip I think I could survive on electric for the whole rest of the time possibly…
@@philtucker1224 For daily run around 20 miles it's good. If I were you, i would prefer an electric car. Spend less on fuel and taxes
@@Has7DCT thanks Hasif 👍
I like this car a lot.
And the journalist does a top notch job.
Its nice to see an affordable everyday car for a change. Those rear lights, how on earth did they get approved for the road? Can we really call this a Vauxhall though?
Definitely not a vauxhall. It's a generic car made by Stallantis, and badge engineered into all it's many brands (Peugeot, Opel, Vauxhall, Fiat, Chrysler, Alfa, etc)
The last Vauxhall that wasn't a rebadged other brand was the Viva, which went out of production in 1979. Since then, all Opels and Vauxhalls have been the same design, using General Motors parts. Since GM sold its European operation to PSA, Vauxhalls (and Opels) now share Peugeot group parts. It's true that both Vauxhall and Opel Astras were made in Britain until this model, which is made in Germany. The British factory will now make electric vans for Vauxhall, Opel, Peugeot and Citroen.
@@richardwilton722 it goes beyond that as PSA is now part of Stallantis
@@chrisogrady28 Indeed. No doubt future model launches will have shared parts between the Peugeot side of things and the Fiat/Jeep side.
Well, I'd rag on this car having Peugeot engineering under the bonnet, but overall that's probably an improvement over Vauxhall engineering. Does look quite smart though.
First things first. Rory's taste in hoodies is really outlandish and I would definitely buy one for myself. The 8th edition Astra is the best looking for a long time. I am n to sure about the rear light cluster, how is that ever legal. I have never rated the Golf, but I do love the Astra. Great upload.
I think when you got to economy you answered your own question: "A diesel is available for some reason?" 60+mpog in the real world and no messing around with a charger...and I expect it's cheaper!
Plus more boot space, less weight which helps with braking, acceleration, tyre wear, handling etc.
Rory Reid is a legend> first time I’ve seen him since old top gear such a calm guy
It looks like the previous generation has got some cosmetic tweaks They've down well I like the look of this new generation 👌
Saying hello from US where we won’t get this. Lol. Sweet car. I’m a proud Golf owner.
Looks like vauxhalls fortunes have changed stunning car great review as I type this Corsa is number one mokka is number 3 in UK sales chart this astra could easily become top 3 sales well done vauxhall turning things around like to see new models built in uk
Great overall design for the price.
Stop copying Carwow
U r good enough
Led headlights that don't dazzle. Yeah, ok. Loved that colour since 306 days
Blaze yellow on the 306! LED headlights are just awful blind the daylights out of everyone
I think the Astra has come along way but the Corolla/Mazda 3 should be considered too.
Mazda 3 is in the mix definitely. Carola not up to these standards.
Corolla my ass
LOL...you can't be serious about the Corolla, Mazda 3 most definitely!
On the back doors there's replication of the mk1 astra going on a little with the plastic triangle at the back and even the sloping of the corner on the back doors going to that is almost the same
548L boot capacity? in an Astra? That can't be right.
That's the number for the bigger "Sports Tourer" Hybrid. The Hatchback Hybrid has only 352 to 1.268 l (folded rear seats).
I was thinking that too....
I'm loving this new Opel/Vauxhall design language
In so many ways this is better than the golf, interior for starters, Volkswagen have heavily cut costs in terms of quality and features whilst underdog brands like kia and Vauxhall seem to be walking all over them, good to see a big German brand like Volkswagen have some proper competition to kick them back into action, looking forward to buying one of these in 5 years when they're cheap
The front end, the sticking up air vent on the left side of the dashboard, the third spoke on the steering wheel, the shark fin cover on the C pillar are all an homage to the golden days of Opel (Kadetts especially)
Rory's reviews are great
Vauxhall designers: "We need to find a way to hide the Vauxhall badges so people aren't embarrassed about driving it"
Rory: "it's very clever how they've blacked out the badges so it hides the sensors"
Vauxhall designers: "errr.... Yeah that's what we were going for all along"
people who judge a car by its badge are snobs, BUT at the same time the badge is what gives the car its identity so its 50/50 really
Rory, good video, just as we expected! But your hoodie simply stole the show!! 🤭😁
Why do carmakers and motoring journalists like digital displays so much? They suck.
But the rest of the car is very catching. Boots space 540 litres? that's huge
Its weird, I know they're not paid but every reviewer jizz's on digital screens and the size of them, like how are they better than analog gauges that are easy and simple to read and dont need 15 menus to see what I want.
I never thought that having physical buttons would be a talking point in car reviews and a major selling point for a car. But here we are. STOP GETTING RID OF PHYSICAL BUTTONS IN CARS. NOT EVERY TREND IS WORTH FOLLOWING.
no one might read this, but my first ever car was a '99 Holden (technically Vauxhall) Astra. Miss that car! Hopefully still out there somewhere.
At one time Vuaxhall Ellesmere Port recieved engine's from Holden and built Astras for Holden, so engine's travelled from Australia, were put in the car and were sent back to Australia.
If Vauxhall were politcially allowed to bring out the Mk1 Breadvan it would sell in mass again as it would be a fraction of the cost of these high spec cars
I remember reading about the 1988 version of the Astra GTE which was given a 156bhp engine. Some car reviewers then were saying that _"150 bhp is probably the limit for a front wheel drive car due to torque steer."_
How times have changed 8-))...
I also remember them saying that the ride was too hard!
Yes I had one,closer to 160 BHP and 1000 kgs,much faster than this one,not too bad with the torque steer.Leather seats and digital dash as well.
@@adams7405 I never drove one. But reading the articles etcetera, they always said that it would destroy the Golf GTi in a straight line. Though they also said that on a twisty back road, the Golf was probably quicker.
That aside, I almost bought a 2nd hand GTE but foolishly went out and got an MG Midget instead 8-((...
C'est la vie... You live and learn 8-))...
I was going to order this so took one for a test drive. Got to the first roundabout and knew I didn't want it! Looks good, interior nice, seats comfy but the steering has a HUGE deadzone, you turn the wheel then 2 seconds after the car turns, there is literally no feedback through the wheel. Its drive is similar to a boat, not sure if that's just EPAS. They could design the best looking car in the world but if the steering feedback is crap what is the point, I don't buy a car to be outside of it looking at it, I buy it to drive.
Very mk8 Golf from the rear. Better looking than the droopy faced mk8 at the front. For a Vauxhall, it’s alright.
if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.........
Nice hoodie Raury!Even better review n commentary as usual,awesome job!
A performance variant could look really interesting and aggressive
Always thought its rivalry was with the Ford Focus.
It resembles a Hyundai Ioniq 5, especially the front end.
It actually pays homage to the Opel Manta’s front end, and was previewed on the GTX concept from 2017. The Ioniq 5 may have taken inspiration from them?
@@ks_00_sk it's possible
I love Vauxhall's new sharper design. Front end gives me modern Camaro/Charger vibes!
It's derived from the first Opel/Vauxhall Manta A, which design was already derived from the original Camaro, since they were a GM subsidiary. Ironically the group that owns Vauxhall/Opel (PSA, and now Stellantis) also owns Chrysler nowadays.
I had a mark 1 astra gte back in the day, whenever the hell that was, and I loved that car. Fast ( for then), great handling and looked pretty good at well. I might add, if was totally reliable over the 3 years of ownership as well. For a long time they got worse I think, and lost their cool. Also had an old cavalier Sri and if was a great car as well.
Later had a vectra, which was rubbish. Can never understand how manufacturers manage to get worse sometimes.
Good old cavalier SRI...120 MPH easily up the M1 and mine did 300,000 miles no problem
I had mine in the all white, loved it to bits 👌
The Astra K elite nav is such a nice drive. I never managed to acquire a gte back in 90s but I do imagine the power and drive of that probably is streets ahead of the old cult classic
Asking a musician to help with making the warning sounds not annoying,that’s bloody genius,probably got the idea from an automobile magazine quiz for finding out what the readers believe will influence the industry with prizes to lure but never give.happened to my idea for the magiccarpet ride which ended up on mercedes and rolls Royce without ever a mention of me who wrote that idea in!
Is the new Astra based on the Peugeot 308 platform? Would make sense I guess, similar to the 208/Corsa.
They share the same platform, but now we can say it vice versa - Peugeot is based on Opel, as quite a lot of the development was made in Rüsselsheim. Stellantis increased the number of departments in Rüsselsheim development centre so now many of the brands benefit the German engineering and Peugeot and Fiat finally could be classified as real cars :D ;)
Peugeot looks better inside and out, looks way more premium
@@Truthbomb918 It only looks :) Haven't sit in 308 but Insignia is literally class above 508
@@BenzinioB Surprised to learn that Peugeot will benefit the German technology, from Opel. That's definitely not good news !!!
@@b2523 Why not? Opel has much better reliability record then any of the French (and Italians in that regards as now Fiat an Alfa new models also share this tech).
Other than the plastic bits and the lack of a 2 litre petrol and diesel version you have to say its a great car overall and hopefully in thr future they do a a VXR version.
Now that is one good looking car. Best in class.
best is P 308
@@bojansalmic9811
I think they are related products as Peugeot own Opel/Vauxhall.
To my eyes the Astra is better looking. I also prefer the Corsa to the Peugeot 209 which are definitely related.
@@kb9072 different eyes different taste 😎
I have just bought a Peugeot with practically the same drive train as this car. There is a Tesco within walking distance with free (yes, free) chargers. I can park the car, go back home and come back 3 hours later that evening, and I AM NOT PAYING ANYTHING FOR FUEL. Now that does make sense. I visited my son and daughter-in-law last weekend in London. There was an on-street charger at the end of their road. I charged the car, while I was parked down the road from their house. So you charge when there is an opportunity, but there is no range anxiety when you can't. Great!
you should ashamed, using a free supermarket car park charger to charge your car, but not use the shop and go home until car is charged. How selfish is that. Clogging up a space a true supermarket customer could use while they shop.
@@paulmasterson552 Why should I be ashamed? It takes over 3 hours to charge the car. It doesn’t take me 3 hours to do my shopping. I’m simply using the closest charger to my flat. It happens to be free. Tesco get plenty of business from me. They offer loyalty cards, special offers. That’s marketing. Free car electricity is just another way of marketing. I don’t know how long they will continue to supply electricity free of charge. It’s a promotional offer like their ClubCard.
Oh for Pete's sake, I've just bought a used 2020 1.2t Astra just 3 weeks ago!
This does look sweet to be fair. And in hybrid mode you reckon 200 odd miles to the galleon?! Beats my 45/50. Actually 45/50 ain't too shabby for this thing, I have hit a 60 average so far.
I reckon I could afford a new one if I start saving now and give it 20 years.
Don't trouble yourself, you bought a good Astra k still made with GM parts, bit of mitsubushi touch with the engine so it's good enough.
New astra 2022 is a mechanically a Peugeot in a vauxhall wrapping. Gearbox, engines, suspension, base all French. Your astra will outlive newer cars. So will probably my Astra J 1.4t. 12 years now, well maintained, GM/German designed car and engine runs like new.
@@janhermanvanman9581 Got 2017 K 1.6cdti and the engine sounds like an old tractor at 114k miles
@Kzn Nzn Oil changed every 8-10k instead of their recommended 20k. A lot of of these engines have problems with timing chain rattle. The higher the mileage the worse the sound. It's about £1500 for new timing chain, so I'll give it a miss
@@janhermanvanman9581 Ah yeah I absolutely love the Astra I have now. I mean, I haven't owned many cars in my time as they're stupid money, but it's the best car I've driven. Want to look after this thing as best I can.
When one of the hates is a optional colour, another that the sunroof isn't the full roof and that the seats are noisy then it's a pretty good car
When German car trying to be British but it's actually French. 👍
All i take home from this review is: " Looks like Radioactive Vomit"
Fantastic mate 😂
Ran a fleet of 40 Astra - never never never wud I touch them again. On average 40% off the road due to mechanical failures. No parts available and the dealer network cud not care less.
Appalling brand.
The colour and the centre line down the bonnet just remind me of my dads vauxhall viva from my childhood! 😄
I've never been a Vauxhall fan but I think it looks good
Idk how but I vibe with that hoodie lmao
Corrections for the boot space:
Astra hatchback 422
Astra hatchback as plug in hybrid: 352
Astra sports tourer 608
Astra sports tourer as plug in hybrid 548
I was scrolling down the comments to search for this - not only I heard that
I really like the new design of Opel and can't wait for the new Insignia
@JamJarz in that case it’s not an insignia? They’ve already got the grand land, mokka, and whatever else suvs, why would they do that? You’re not wrong it’s just very odd
Wait - if it's the Vauxhall version and not the Opel version, why is the steering wheel on the left?
well spotted
I saw that, it's wierd, they make Opel's in RHD for Ireland, south Africa etc, but vauxhall is only sold in the UK
It's an Opel Astra test car with Vauxhall badges in Germany
I actually know people that worked at Ellesmere Port (Vauxhall plant in Liverpool) so I could ask.
On a a side note. I like your hoodie
Opel badge looks better than Vauxhall, they should bring it to the UK
no it doesn't. It looks like something from a disney movie with the silly lightning logo
I have astra 3 rd generation and it's brilliant no issue now i'm thinking about buy brand new 👌
My beatifull Portugal, youre always welcome here!
Wow that car looks so good! Too bad they don’t bring all brands to the US… so much space for nothing!
What do you mean by "so much space for nothing" ?
I do like it and the desingn but i do miss the GM Styling and the freshness of the Astra K,its way too french.
Great video Rory :D
I think it would be helpful with these hybrid reviews to include battery replacement cost as if that big or huge bill ( looking at you mercedes) is coming in the first 10 yrs then that's going affect residuals alot.
I run a ten year old phev and the battery is as good as new
@@bullittuk There are several reported cases of batteries needing replacement coming out now,Mercedes being one of them.Charging £15,000 plus labour to replace on a 12 yr old car.
@@andyhunt457 Who puts a brand new engine in a 12 yr old car? A greater percentage of engines go pop than batteries are likely to fail, yet another lame argument...
@@bullittuk I think yr missing the point the car is worth £12,000 still but now he has to spend 15k to get it fixed. Surely you don't think that's acceptable.
As the lame excuse I would never buy a phev they are pointless for my needs.I still get 60mpg out of my 2litre diesel
@@andyhunt457 60 mpg🤣
I've averaged 150 mpg over the last six months in my phev and nobody had to sit behind me in traffic choking on my diesel fumes. And I think you missed the point if someone is stupid enough to go for a new rather than used power unit, battery or ice on a 12 yr old car they get what they deserve
Great review. The sound of those indicators - the bike courier from Spaced should not be getting into this car…
It's definitely a step up for vauxhall, a handsome looking car nicer interior and better specs than before. As for the rear indicators, they are about the same size as the Tesla model 3 rear indicators, are they not?
Yes, about the same size as the Model 3 and also the Ford S-Max
Vitamin D through a glass? What are rumbling about? Have you skipped school classes? Your body can't make vitamin D from sun that went via glass... LOOOOOOOL
Getting very carwow vibes from this review
Used to watch carwow videos, but they got more silly with each video to a point of being unwatchable for me. Hopefully Autotrader doesn't follow suit
GS line and above models now get the pure panel pro infotainment system as standard which has an all glass display and no bezels.
Quit like it, I've always preferred Astra then Golf and had few. Opel definitely aged well better then VW.
It is over a decade now since they have one of the best seat in the business... but really don't like the bloody engines! Motorisation is total disappointment!
That hoody gave me a right chuckle. Fair play man, fair play :D
Is it me or does the front end give off Ioniq 5 vibes
In Germany, many parking garages have charging stations for e-cars. Supermarkets also have a few parking spaces for e-cars. There you can always charge your car a little bit and if there is a petrol car on it, it will get a ticket (the driver, to be exactly).
Hello Peugeot 308 🤣
Love the fact you can still get a diesel regardless of what this guy says. Nice sweatshirt.
Should be credit to Opel. All Vauxhall has done is slap their badge on it
It's Stellantis that puts the Vauxhall badge on. There is no real company called Vauxhall or Opel any more, they're just trademarks. 😉
@@Fastvoice No! Opel does a lot of development in the factory.
@@Fastvoice Vauxhall is just the trademark. Opel is the developer
@@ks_00_sk It's based on the EMP2 platform from PSA and technically a Peugeot 308 version 3 (or a DS4 if you like).
@@Fastvoice they’re all co-developed on the same platform, and the suspension setup and ride quality/comfort and cosmetic details such as interior extrerior style is all different from one another. The parent company is Stellantis which develops the platform and the subsidiaries are the brand that cars made on this platform are sold on
Good looking car, and great they’ve been sensible with the dash controls.
Still can't beat my Mk5 Astra with wind up windows in the back 😅
Mine has 16 valves - 8 in the radio!
Boring yes but my old one is still going after 230.000 miles.
@@adams7405 150,000 and keeps going. Paid £450 for it 6 years ago!