The New Astra (Vauxhall Astra Mk III (1991-98))

Member Name: D1A1

Product:	Vauxhall Astra Mk III (1991-98)
Date:	15/10/00 (189 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: 2nd hand Value - Buy 2nd hand!

Disadvantages: Ultimately 1st year depreciation

So, why don't dooyoo have a place other than the 'other vauxhalls' for me to put a review of the Vauxhall Astra? Well, it doesn't matter.

The Astra is a revelation compared with the old model it replaced, and yet it still goes by the same name; I guess becuase people are femiliar with it. So just how much better is the new Astra than the old? Well, for starters the design is so much better. Admittedly, most previous Vauxhall cars were not that stylish, and the new Astra isn't overly exciting but the 3 Door model is so much more sporty looking than the 5 door.

The interior isn't as dull as every car magazine and program will tell you, in fact it is very organised and sensible. Just because the Ford Focus has cutting Edge design doesn't mean the Astra is dull. But my real complaint is about the back seats in the 3 door model. They're SO uncomfortable, that I just cannot sit in them for more than 45 minutes, has anyone else found this?

But in general the car is very solid; it feels solid and is very smooth and punchy, but it isn't as good as Ford's car. However, it does equal the ford in many places and is better than the Golf overall, which is a real achievement for Vauxhall.

The car is not that cheap new, but look around abroad or go for a nearly new car and you'll pick up a bargain as the Astra deprediates heavily in it's first year. You can pick up a new shape LS for about £14000 new, but buy 2nd hand and you could easily find one for less than £7500 which is brilliant value.

A reworked chasis and Lotus tuned suspension has helped make the Astra 'raise the standard'.

Summary: