Vauxhall Astra cars

What types of used Vauxhall Astra cars are there?

A used Vauxhall Astra has remained a popular choice among UK motorists as it’s progressed over the years.  

It was the first Vauxhall to be front-wheel drive and has since provided stiff competition for the likes of Peugeot, Volkswagen and Ford as a leading family hatchback.  

The latest iteration of this durable car is by far the best in terms of how it drives, its sleek design as well as its interior being more luxurious than ever before.    

The Astra feels spacious, despite being a hatchback, making it a great choice as a small family car. Over the years the Astra has been refined, with improvements to the technology, safety and performance while still maintaining an affordable price tag.    

It’s also more distinctive and comes with an impressive range of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid engines. There’s also the Astra Electric with a 258-mile range. 

Trims include the Design, GS, Ultimate and GSe.

– Read our Vauxhall Astra review

What features does the Vauxhall Astra have?

Vauxhall is extremely generous when it comes to kitting out its Astras on all trims.   

Later models come with a 10-inch touchscreen, which is enough to keep you and all the family happy.

Despite its high-tech infotainment screen, there's also an array of dials and buttons, meaning you can adjust the temperature and sound system with ease.   

The new models also come with Bluetooth and cruise control as standard. As you head up the trim levels, you can have a lot more tech at your disposal.

You can get your hands on heated seats, dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable and folding wing mirrors.   

Plus, to make life behind the wheel even smoother, you can also get rear parking sensors and a self-dimming interior. 

Is the Vauxhall Astra reliable?

Because the Astra now shares its platform with other cars under the Stellantis umbrella, it’s a very reliable car that’s unlikely to mess you around. 

From its solid petrol engines to its fit and finish, everything works very well and is solidly built.  

It’s a safe car too, which has been proved following its most recent Euro NCAP crash test in 2022, where it scored four out of five stars for excellent occupant safety. 

How much does the Vauxhall Astra cost to run?

Despite its bargain price, the Astra is fun and enjoyable to drive. It comfortably glides over speedbumps and potholes while feeling like a great cruiser on the motorway, as it feels firm at higher speeds.   

If you find yourself on a twisty country road, the handling of the Astra holds its own – its nimble and responsive steering allows you to comfortably take on tight turns.   

The latest Astras are economical across the board, with petrol engines averaging 52mpg, diesel averaging 65mpg and the plug-in hybrid averaging comfortably over 200mpg. That’s ideal for cutting running costs. 

The Astra doesn’t claim to be a sports car, but the hybrid version does 0-62mph in a respectable 7.7 seconds, meaning it's nippy enough for city driving and trips on the motorway.   

The transition between the petrol engine and the electric motor is very smooth, too. Vauxhall claims you will get an impressive 43 miles on battery power alone – meaning you can save on fuel costs.  

The electric motor is silent from a standing start, and the delivery of power at slow and high speeds is seamless. While there is a 225hp model available, we would say the 180hp option is plenty for everyday driving and is also a cheaper car to buy.    

Who is the Vauxhall Astra suitable for?

You should buy a used Vauxhall Astra if you need a car to get you from A to B efficiently and in comfort (and now style with the newer model).  

And if you need the extra practicality then the Sports Tourer estate is the car for you, especially if you want to bring your furry friend along for the ride. 

Its closest rivals include the Volkswagen Golf, Mazda 3 and Honda Civic.