Astra moves to premium level

Recently I had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a 1.6 litre Exclusiv, powered by a smooth 1,598cc 16 valve engine with the capability of reaching a top speed of 118mph, where legal.

The 115bhp can also whisk you from rest to 60mph in just 10.9 seconds.

Good news on economy, this petrol unit can deliver 44.8mpg on the combined fuel cycle and the CO2 figure is 147g/km, this puts it in the annual VED band of 125.

Running costs are a key element, especially with the rising cost of fuel and even driving in town this Astra can reward with 34mpg.

Exclusiv delivers an excellent range of standard equipment, although my test car had a number of options, which I will mention later.

Included as standard and first to the all important safety, Electronic Stability Programme, driver and front passenger airbags and active safety front seat head restraints. On the security front, remote control central deadlocking.

Now to creature comforts, air con, driver’s seat height adjuster, electrically operated front windows, electrically operated and adjustable heated door mirrors, just the job on a cold and frosty morning, cruise control, very handy on those long motorway journeys and steering wheel mounted audio controls.

Storage and we all carry quite an array of items around in our cars, Astra provides 370 litres for luggage and in the back of the front seats there are storage pockets, ideal for books and maps.

The interior of the new Astra has the premium feel and there are nice touches such as ambient lights in the centre console and roof and for in car entertainment, the CD 400 CD player with MP3 format stereo radio is all part of the package.

The exterior lines of the Astra are clean and not fussy, yet the profile has not been vastly altered, you will still recognise this Vauxhall as an Astra.

Sixteen inch wheels with flush wheel trims (standard fit) and daytime running lights are other exterior features of this well appointed car.

However, my test car was equipped with 17 inch ten spoke alloy wheels and well worth the extra 460. You may or may not agree, but in my book alloys add the finishing touch to any car.

The other options fitted to this car were, the CD500 Sat Nav (835), Remote control ultrasonic security alarm system (240), another item worth having and very comfy ergonomic front seats (460).

On the road the Astra has good road manners, is comfy and with this engine noise levels are relatively low.

Built in the UK, where in fact left hand drive Opel Astras are also produced, the latest generation Astra a good all round car.

THE FACTS:

Car tested: Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Exclusive

Engine: 1.6 litre, 16v, 115bhp

Performance: top speed: 118mph; 0-60mph 10.9 seconds

Economy: 44.8mpg (Combined fuel cycle)

Insurance: Group 4E

Annual VED: 125

On the road price: 17,010; as tested with options: 18,855