Quick but quirky (Vauxhall Astra Coupé Turbo Edition 2.0i 16v turbo 2-door)

Name: DiceyDC

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Product:	Vauxhall Astra Coupé Turbo Edition 2.0i 16v turbo 2-door
Date:	11/11/02 (1409 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: fun and fast, toys, looks

Disadvantages: long-haul comfort for big lads, minor quirks

I bought an 8month old Astra Coupe turbo 5 months ago, slightly on impulse since my initial choices of a Volvo C70 and a 406 coupe were thin on the ground at the time.
The Astra is a very nice looking car close up and although it doesn't turn heads, all of my friends and family that have seen it have appreciated the looks.
The interior is nice if unspectacualr, although the red leather on my one definitely lifts it up a notch or two - especially with those heated seats (even though it feels slightly akin to having just wet yourself the first time you try them.)
The sound system is excellent, the AC good, and all in all it has enough toys to keep most gadget obsessive's like myself happy.
However, I am about to trade it in, and here's why. Whilst the Astra is a cracking drive, especially when driven fast, with responsive handling and a very good engine and gearbox (which is exceptionally crisp,) it does have a tendency to stutter around town and, for reasons unknown (even after being checked out by a Vauxhall dealer) the gearstick will occassionally pop out of first gear.
These however are relatively minor complaints - the reason I'm about to swap, probably for a 406 coup, is long-haul driving comfort. I'm 6'2", which although tall is not obscene, and after any journey over an hour or so I'll have significant pain in my back and right leg. I've tried every possible combination of the (highly adjustable it has to be said) seat and steering column, but nothing seems to work. I've also never had this in any previous cars.
My guess is it's the very rigid and narrow sport seats forcing my leg into an unnatural position, but that is just that - a guess.

So if you're big (tall that is - I'm not a fat lad, but I'm not skinny either!) and thinking about this car, think carefully. For everyone else, I have to say it's a very enjoyable motoring companion, and you'll certainly
have fun.

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