Vauxhall astra sport hatch for sale

About Vauxhall Astra

Now into its sixth generation, its success is largely based on its ability to effectively satisfy the needs of a family while still offering good handling and excitement. Along with good looks and a focus on quality finishings, the Astra continues to go from strength to strength today.

Why buy a used Astra?

Excelling in a number of areas, the Astra's success is largely - like the rest of the Vauxhall range - due to its practicality and the quality of its design. Astras have maintained a chic aesthetic across all generations, and while the interiors of older models might feel a little dated, the modern models are fitted with class-leading equipment and finishings.

The Astra's space is very good, especially in the most recent models, which not only contend with those in its own class, but those above it. The 375 litre boot in the sixth generation model doesn't make it the biggest in its class in terms of luggage space, but the cabin is sizeable, and in this way is closer to its bigger brother the Insignia than it may look from the outside. An estate option pushes the boot space up to 500 litres, which certainly makes it one of the most practically versatile cars in its class.

Owing to its popularity, there are a number of different performance options, ranging from the 1.2 litre petrol engines featured in previous generations, to the 2.0 litre turbocharged options found in models across the fleet. Of the best performing is the 1.4 turbo, which packs in a decent level of power considering its size and efficiency.

This efficiency is shared across much of the range, especially the frugal diesels, which also feature eco-flex technology, keeping emissions low and mpg returns high. The 1.3 diesel eco-flex offers a reported mpg figure of over 70, while emissions are kept under the 100g/km, road-tax-exempt threshold.

While the cost of an Astra from new may put many buyers off, an initially rapid depreciation means that they are at their best value when on the used market. As there are so many on UK roads, this also means that finding a bargain is a very real possibility.

Astra updates

First launched in 1979, the Astra is one of the leading small family cars on the market.

Here is a short overview of the Vauxhall Astra's thirty year history.

• The first Vauxhall Astra was launched in 1980, and was the first car in the Vauxhall range to feature front wheel drive.
• Proving popular very quickly, the Astra is named What Car? magazine's Car of the Year in 1980.
• The second generation Astra was launched in 1984 featuring a body redesigned with better aerodynamics in mind.
• In 1985 the Astra was named the European Car of the Year.
• 1991 saw the introduction of the third generation Astra, which carried on its growing popularity.
• In 1998 the Astra Mk4 was launched in the UK featuring greatly improved ride and handling.
• In 2001 the Astra Mk4 was the UK's second highest selling car behind the Ford Focus, a position it held again in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
• 2004 saw the Astra Mk5 introduced in the UK as a five-door hatchback, and later a five-door estate and three-door hatchback. It was the first Astra to feature a five star Euro NCAP crash test rating.
• The sixth generation Astra was launched in 2009 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
• The Astra was the second highest selling car in 2010, outselling the Ford Focus to become the most popular small family car in the UK, and ending the Focus' thirty year claim to the title.

Which used Astra should I buy?

A popular car, there are a number of different model Astras to choose from, including five-door, three-door, hatchback and saloon options. Here are the latest models and their features.

Vauxhall Astra Expression and ES

ESP, driver and passenger's, front seat side-impact and curtain airbags, 16" steel wheels, air conditioning, radio/CD player with MP3 capabilities and AUX connection.

Vauxhall Astra Exclusiv

Cruise control, steering mounted audio controls, ESP, driver and passenger's, front seat side-impact and curtain airbags, 16" steel wheels, air conditioning, radio/CD player with MP3 capabilities and AUX connection.

Vauxhall Astra Tech Line

Satellite navigation system, SD card slot, shark fin aerial, multi-function trip computer, cruise control, steering mounted audio controls, ESP, driver and passenger's, front seat side-impact and curtain airbags, 17" 10-spoke alloy wheels, air conditioning, DMB digital radio/CD player with MP3 capabilities and AUX and USB connection, Bluetooth connectivity.

Vauxhall Astra Energy

Cruise control, Salta cloth trim, LED daytime running lights, ESP, driver and passenger's, front seat side-impact and curtain airbags, 17" alloy wheels, air conditioning, radio/CD player with MP3 capabilities and AUX and USB connection.

Vauxhall Astra SE

Cruise control, steering mounted audio controls, rain-sensing wipers, multi-function trip computer, chrome-effect styling features, ESP, driver and passenger's, front seat side-impact and curtain airbags, 17" 10-spoke alloy wheels, air conditioning, radio/CD player with MP3 capabilities and AUX connection.

Vauxhall Astra SRI

Cruise control, steering mounted audio controls, lowered sports suspension, sports front seats, multi-function trip computer, ESP, driver and passenger's, front seat side-impact and curtain airbags, 17" five-spoke alloy wheels, air conditioning, radio/CD player with MP3 capabilities and AUX connection.

Vauxhall Astra Elite

Dual zone electronic climate control, heated front seats, sports front seats, cruise control, steering mounted audio controls, rain-sensing wipers, multi-function trip computer, chrome-effect styling features, ESP, driver and passenger's, front seat side-impact and curtain airbags, 17" 10-spoke alloy wheels, air conditioning, radio/CD player with MP3 capabilities and AUX connection.

What should I look for when buying a used Astra?

• Check to see that all electrics work by testing any electric windows, lights, radios and air conditioning. If there are problems with these it could be costly and difficult to sort out in the long run.
• There have been complaints in manual Astras of clutch judder. When on a test drive check that the car accelerates smoothly with no clutch judder, which could be a sign of misalignment or excessive wear.
• Have a look at the service history, especially to see that the cam belt has been changed - this should be done every 50,000 miles.
• Some diesel Astras have had water pumps fail, which is more likely if it is not replaced regularly. This should be replaced every 40,000 miles, so its worth making sure there is evidence of this.
• The rear electric windows have been known to suffer from loose connections. Check these work, but if not it should be a straightforward job to rectify.
• Test the suspension by pushing down on the bumper when the car is stationary. Any noises - most likely banging noises - could indicate that the bushes are worn.