For longer than I’ve been doing this job, and that’s quite a long time, the Vauxhall Astra has been cast in the role of perpetual bridesmaid, smiling through gritted teeth as, yet again, the Volkswagen Golf glides smugly up the aisle without so much as a backward glance at its hapless rival.
But of late two things have happened. First, Volkswagen messed up the Golf. I’ve not read a review that says the current eighth generation car is better than its predecessor. Second, Vauxhall was absorbed into Stellantis, which now owns everything from Maserati and Alfa Romeo to Citroën and Peugeot. And the talismanic boss Carlos Tavares is charging forward at the head of product-led recovery, of which the new Astra is just one example.
It may not look like it inside or out, but it shares the same platform, suspension and powertrains as the Peugeot 308; once that news would induce groans, but no longer. This middle-of-the-range 1.2-litre turbo Astra is a thoroughly capable, likeable car. It looks good and its little three-pot motor delivers decent performance. I didn’t think the eight-speed auto was worth the extra £1500 it cost but, slightly lumpy ride aside, there was little else to criticise. Refined, well equipped and with an infotainment system you can actually understand and operate with ease, it’s an Astra I’d have over the equivalent Golf. And I’ve never written that before. AF
• Price £27,210 (auto £1500 extra)
• Engine 1.2 litres, three cylinders, petrol, turbocharged
• Power 129bhp
• Torque 170lb ft
• Weight 1266kg
• Power to weight 102bhp per tonne
• Transmission Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
• 0-60mph 9.7sec
• Top speed 130mph
• Economy 52.3mpg
• CO2 123g/km
• Verdict Put a ring on it.
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