bot Our 2022 Vauxhall Astra Hatchback Review
Our 2022 Vauxhall Astra Hatchback Review

Our 2022 Vauxhall Astra Hatchback Review

By Libby Foster
24-11-2022

Thinking of Leasing a Vauxhall Astra?

The Vauxhall Astra has traditionally been recognised as one of the best value-for-money hatchbacks in the family car segment, which has helped it become a popular vehicle throughout its four-decade existence. Will that success continue with this brand-new eighth-generation Astra? To help it compete with rivals, Vauxhall has given it a sharper appearance, electrified engine choices, and cutting-edge technology.


Earlier versions of the Astra offered substantial amounts of kit and a variety of engines, but it didn't excel in any particular area. Does this model possess the qualities necessary to compete with the top family vehicles? Let’s find out together!


Vauxhall Astra Drive

The Vauxhall Astra has four different engine options: two petrol, one diesel, and one petrol plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The more potent of the two petrol vehicles is the 1.2-litre 130. It's easy to drive about town thanks to the ample torque at low revs, but it quickly runs out of petrol while overtaking or speeding down a motorway slip road. The 130 is offered with both a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The latter's performance is also compromised by its excruciatingly slow downshifting, which results in a 0-60 mph time of 9.5 seconds, which is longer than that of the Seat Leon 1.5 TSI Evo 150 by more than a second.


The Plug-in Hybrid-e 180 produces 178 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 7.6 seconds using a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor. Only an eight-speed automatic transmission is offered, but most people will find the performance to be swift enough. Although the Astra is not as speedy on battery alone as the Leon e-Hybrid, it still has enough power for town and city driving without using any petrol. The PHEV's official 42-mile electric-only range is comparable to that of the Leon e-Hybrid.


The Astra doesn't have the most agile handling of family cars, but it corners well enough. The suspension does a respectable job of controlling body lean while maintaining good grip levels, so the Astra feels steady enough to feel secure.

Vauxhall Astra

 

Vauxhall Astra Interior 

It shouldn't take long to get a comfortable driving posture in the Vauxhall Astra thanks to the steering wheel and seat's many adjustments. The pedals aren't too close together, but some drivers could discover that if the steering wheel is set too low, the top of the instrument panel is blocked. The GS Line and Ultimate models' seats are quite comfortable, with lots of cornering support and substantial bolstering.


The Astra may be a better option for those who find the Peugeot 308's dashboard arrangement to be a touch difficult. To keep your eyes on the road, the basic 10in digital instrument panel is seen through the steering wheel rather than above it. Ultimate models also come with a head-up display.


Vauxhall Astra Space

The Vauxhall Astra has plenty of head and legroom for someone over six feet tall, so they won't have to squeeze into the front. You won't be bumping elbows with the doors or each other either. The Astra's rear area isn't as roomy as that of certain competitors; compared to the Ford Focus or Seat Leon, there is less room for feet beneath the front seats and less leg room.


The 422-litre boot of the Astra hatchback is a practical square shape with a low lip to pull big objects over. That outperforms the majority of its competitors, such as the VW Golf and Toyota Corolla. The boot of the Plug-in Hybrid-e model is smaller, at 352 litres. What exactly does that mean in practice? The Astra should be more than roomy enough for a large weekly shop, a pair of buggies, or luggage for a family vacation. 


Conclusion 

The Vauxhall Astra combines affordability with a smooth ride, superb handling, and acceptable performance. To take advantage of Astra's competitive pricing, we advise staying with the lower trim levels because it fails to compete with the more capable vehicles in its class. If the Vauxhall Astra Hatchback 1.2 Turbo 130 Gs Line 5dr has piqued your interest, it could be yours on a personal contract hire for as little as £278.99per month (inc VAT)*. 


At MWVC, have a variety of Vauxhall Astra car leasing options for you to pick from. So, whether you're looking to lease a car for business use or personal use, our expert sales team can assist you in finding the best price. Are you still unsure if a car lease is the best option for you? One of our representatives will be pleased to assist you if you call 0116 259 9548.


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*All pricing is correct at the time of publishing