Talk to me about.......Vauxhall Astras!!

CSMonkeh

CSMonkeh

CSMonkeh

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Hants/Berks Border
Yes yes I know its a vauxhall but that isn't a bad thing!
Aygo is ready to be paid off (finance) so looking at getting a current-shape Astra.
Specifically looking at either the 1.6 16v or 1.7 CDTi (bro had this engine in previous-gen astra and went like stink!)

Any thoughts, experiences??

How it'll be financed is yet to be decided tbh...:(
 
The 1.7 cdti certainly doesn't go like stink - the 1.9 150 is the closest diesel astra to being quick.

Anyway, the current astra is a pretty good car - not sure on the current engine lineup but the 1.6/1.8 na was always particularly weak imo - turbocharged units are much better.
 
CSMonkeh said:
Aygo is ready to be paid off

1.7 CDTi (bro had this engine in previous-gen astra and went like stink!

Any thoughts, experiences??

How it'll be financed is yet to be decided tbh...:(
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Firstly if the Aygo is paid off why not keep it & build up some cash.

Secondly
1.7 CDTi (bro had this engine in previous-gen astra and went like stink!
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I'm looking forward to the responses to that. :p
 
I don't get the interior of the newer astra's. Its like they tried to cram as many buttons in as possible. Way too confusing.

Good ride quality though, nice and quiet. The 1.7 only feels like 'stink' because it bleches out a bit of power when the turbo kicks in. In reality it is very average.
 
I like the new astra actually and prefer it over the new focus. Both seem to suffer the mass of buttons problem.

1.7 is not quick at all. They do a reasonable 2.0 litre (165Ps I believe) lump that isn't too shabby but pretty much a standard affair in terms of power compared to the competition. Rodenal I think you're having a herp derp moment dude I thought the 1.9 was last gen. Do you actually need a diesel though? the 1.6 turbos would be my engine of choice.
 
It's a generic diesel hatch. Which is absolutely fine - as a tool to get from A to B there is nothing at all wrong with it, it's fairly nice to drive, its fairly well specified and it's reasonably reliable.

It is, however, not worth taking out a whacking great finance deal in order to have one.

It's the sort of car you think 'Hmm, that'll do' when you get one at the airport rental desk. Not the sort of car you finance a 5 figure sum to drive.
 
I've had the 1.4T, the 2.0cdti 160 and the newer 2.0cdti 165 (for around 5 months each). I've also taken a 1.5 on a c.500 mile motorway jaunt. The 1.6 isnt really enough power imo. I've not driven a 1.7cdti but I hear it's better than the 1.6.

If you're going to buy, then get a nearly new one from a dealer.

Interior is of good quality, and the mass of buttons you get used to quite quickly. It rides well, with relatively low road noise and plenty of 'big car feel'.

Steering is a bit light around the straight ahead, but it's not bad. Try to get an SRi for better feel and stiff suspension (the Exclusiv and SE are quite a bit softer).

I imagine a GTC is out of budget, but it you could afford one it would be a much much better choice. It's a cracking car imo.
 
Joe T said:
I've had the 1.4T, the 2.0cdti 160 and the newer 2.0cdti 165 (for around 5 months each). I've also taken a 1.5 on a c.500 mile motorway jaunt. The 1.6 isnt really enough power imo. I've not driven a 1.7cdti but I hear it's better than the 1.6.

If you're going to buy, then get a nearly new one from a dealer.

Interior is of good quality, and the mass of buttons you get used to quite quickly. It rides well, with relatively low road noise and plenty of 'big car feel'.

Steering is a bit light around the straight ahead, but it's not bad. Try to get an SRi for better feel and stiff suspension (the Exclusiv and SE are quite a bit softer).

I imagine a GTC is out of budget, but it you could afford one it would be a much much better choice. It's a cracking car imo.
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Don't get an SRi without an engine to match.
I have the 1.7 CDTI Sri, yes it looks Ok, is built ok, but it's a heavy car with a not very powerful engine, and in Sri trim comes with rock hard suspension and massive wheels that transmit every bump and road imperfection right through you. So you have the pleasure of going not very fast and being uncomfortable too.
It does corner quite well considering and has a quiet cabin.
 
4T5 said:
Firstly if the Aygo is paid off why not keep it & build up some cash.

Secondly
I'm looking forward to the responses to that. :p
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1) Was an idea for like 5 minutes but to be frank its 1.0 3 cylinder!! I don't even have a rev counter as standard. Don't get me wrong its a decent car but would be nice to get something better for once. Just to mention my 2 previous cars were Saxos (1.1 then a VTS) so be nice for a little 'luxury'

2)Yeh he texted me back basically saying what the?? Maybe he was just booting it all the time..
 
CSMonkeh said:
1) Was an idea for like 5 minutes but to be frank its 1.0 3 cylinder!! I don't even have a rev counter as standard. Don't get me wrong its a decent car but would be nice to get something better for once. Just to mention my 2 previous cars were Saxos (1.1 then a VTS) so be nice for a little 'luxury'

2)Yeh he texted me back basically saying what the?? Maybe he was just booting it all the time..
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Have you tried the new Ford Focus 3 cylinder 1.0 engine? It isn't all that bad...
 
If you wan't a Diesel the 2.0 CDTi 163bhp unit is actually quite good in the new Astra. It has around the same usable power as the older 1.9 CDTi 16v engine but with far better eco credentials.

The newer 2.0 Bi turbo 192bhp Diesels give a 0-60 of 7.8s a top speed of 139mph and still average around 50mpg. Not really too shabbby for an oil burner. These are now being used in all the 3 & 5 door models and not just the GTC although will be costly.
 
The 1.7 in my last gen astra estate is gutless, sounds terrible and barely manages 45mpg so can't imagine it'd be a great experience in a car that weighs 300kg more :p

If petrol is a possibility it's got to be better...
 
Sounds like the latest gen Astras use the exact same 1.7CDTi engine from the previous generation. I believe its an Isuzu unit? I was looking at the new GTC with this engine, but now am thinking I should consider the petrol option if it can only return 45mpg!
 
darwin said:
Sounds like the latest gen Astras use the exact same 1.7CDTi engine from the previous generation. I believe its an Isuzu unit? I was looking at the new GTC with this engine, but now am thinking I should consider the petrol option if it can only return 45mpg!
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I've just got a 1.7 Diesel with start / stop. The car is boggo spec (company) however I'm getting around 55mpg and it has only done 1000 miles. Granted I don't drive very spiritedly (that's what my Alfa is for) however I'd say that you are probably doing something wrong if you are only returning 45mpg.
 
CooK1E said:
I've just got a 1.7 Diesel with start / stop. The car is boggo spec (company) however I'm getting around 55mpg and it has only done 1000 miles. Granted I don't drive very spiritedly (that's what my Alfa is for) however I'd say that you are probably doing something wrong if you are only returning 45mpg.
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Mine only returns 47 on average.

If I stick the cruise on on the motorway it just about creeps into the 50's
 
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