At last Vauxhall has done it. For years the car maker has been talking about simplifying its range so customers would find it easier to choose which kit they wanted with their new vehicle.
And almost as importantly, it gives journalists with a poor memory (like this one) half a chance when wading through the specs offered on each car.
So may we now introduce the new Vauxhall Astra, available in only three different trim levels.
Hurrah!
Ironically, as the number of trim levels has gone down, the number of types of powertrain available has gone up. You can buy this latest Astra with a petrol engine with two different power outputs, with a diesel engine and as a PHEV. Next year you’ll also be able to buy it fully electric too.
Finally, six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic gearboxes are available.
Vauxhall is part of the giant Stellantis group and shares its powertrains (and platform) with Peugeot which, in the case of the Astra, means the latest 308.
The estate version of that car, called the 308 SW, is already on sale here but the Astra estate – or Sports Tourer – is coming in a couple of months. For our test we have an Astra GS Line which is the middle trim bookended by entry-level Design at one end and by Ultimate at the other.
According to Vauxhall, GS Line is likely to be the most popular, specified with the 1.2-litre 130PS petrol engine and six-speed manual gearbox. On your driveway for £27,210.
In another feat of simplification Vauxhall has cut options available to only five on this car. Metallic paint, even snazzier metallic paint, a tow bar, diamond cut alloy wheels and also leather seats with heating and cooling options.
Like Peugeot, Vauxhall is on a roll with its styling. Mark Adams has been in charge of that at Vauxhall for 20 years and has overseen some great designs – the Astra GTC coupe being one.
Vauxhall’s Visor front end styling on the current Mokka has been incorporated onto the Astra. I think it looks great on the outside – and in the cabin.
That’s down to Vauxhall’s ‘Pure Panel’ display stretching from the A-pillar to the centre of the dashboard and it looks rather smart.
There are a good selection of buttons and knobs for heating and ventilation and other oft-used systems – and you get a little rest for your thumb which helps when using the touchscreen on a bumpy road.
There’s plenty of space up front in the Astra but it isn’t quite so generous in the back.
Tall passengers will find their heads near the headliner.
Other rival hatchbacks are more spacious. But the Astra hatch has a decent-sized boot at 422 litres, and if that isn’t enough for your lifestyle then the Sports Tourer is your machine.
There’s little to complain about with the 1.2 petrol engine.
Performance is merely average with a 0-62mph time of 9.7sec but it’s more than adequate. The manual gearbox is smooth and easy to use.
But if you do a lot of town driving or stop/start motorway misery then go for the automatic. It would be the best choice even though it adds £1,500 to the price of the car.
The Astra in this configuration is commendably economical with miles per gallon in the mid 40s not difficult to achieve.
It’s comfortable to drive too, with a nice smooth ride.
The new Vauxhall Astra might not shoot to the top of the class in all departments, but it’s a good looking car that’s well priced and will prove economical to run.
If you’re a serial Vauxhall owner and are looking to replace your current Astra you’ll love this new one. And it’ll even take you less time to choose it on Vauxhall’s configurator.
The facts
Vauxhall Astra GS Line 130
Price: £27,210
Engine: 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol, 129bhp
0-62mph: 9.7sec
Fuel consumption: 49.6-52.3mpg
Co2: 123-128g/km
