Vauxhall Antara

• Rating:
• Latest deal price: from £20,093 to £20,093
• For : Rugged looks, decent value, lots of standard equipment
• Against : Low rent cabin, high running costs, limited choice

Despite its sharp looks and generous equipment levels, the Vauxhall Antara has stuggled to make an impact in the compact SUV sector. A recent facelift resulted in tweaked styling and improved cabin quality, but has failed to improve the car’s fortunes against popular rivals, such as the VW Tiguan and Ford Kuga. What’s more, buyers can only choose from two trim levels and one engine, while the high CO2 emissions and thirst for fuel further limit its appeal. As you’d expect, there’s a choice of two-wheel and four-wheel-drive transmissions, and all models get hill decent control.

Our pick: Vauxhall Antara 2.2 CDTi (163) Exclusiv AWD

Styling

There’s no denying the Vauxhall Antara has plenty of kerb appeal. The mix of high riding stance, sharp creases and tough looking plastic body mouldings make the Vauxhall more eye-catching than the bland VW Tiguan. Buyers can choose from Exclusiv and SE trim levels, with the latter being identified by its huge 19-inch alloy wheels, Xenon headlamps and extra chrome trim. Sadly, the Antara’s cabin can’t live up to the promise of its exterior. Many of the materials are low rent, while the switchgear looks and feels dated. At least there’s plenty of kit to distract you, with air-con, heated seats and a multi-function steering wheel. The SE adds leather seat trim and cruise control, plus automatic headlamps and wipers.

Driving and Performance

If you’re looking for driving fun, then the Antara will be a disappointment, as it can’t match the Ford Kuga and VW Tiguan for involvement behind the wheel. Still, precise steering, good body control, a supple ride and decent refinement make the Antara a composed and relaxing choice, and the four-wheel-drive versions provide confidence in slippery conditions, and are surprisingly capable off-road. The only engine on offer is a smooth and torquey 2.2-litre diesel, available with either 161bhp or 182bhp. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard across the range, while four-wheel drive models can be specified with a six-ratio automatic that delivers slick shifts but saps performance. Generous seat and steering wheel adjustment makes it easy to get comfortable, while the high driving position gives a commanding view of the road.

MPG and running costs

Look past the attractive price tag and long list of standard equipment, and you’ll discover the Vauxhall is expensive to run. Even in entry-level two-wheel drive guise, the Antara emits 167g/km of CO2 – although a 40mpg return at the pumps should be possible. Choose a range-topping four-wheel-drive machine with an auto gearbox, and emissions and fuel consumption rocket to 205g/km and 36.2mpg respectively. A BlueMotion-equipped VW Tiguan will easily eclipse these figures, making it a much more eco-friendly choice. Still, depreciation is good, with most versions retaining more than 40 per cent of their value after three years. And you won’t spend a fortune on extras, as sat-nav and metallic paint are the only options.

Practicality

Compact SUVs are famed for their family-friendly versatility – and the Antara is no exception. There’s enough room for five adults, while those in the back get class-competitive head and legroom. There are useful storage cubbies and lidded compartments and a foldout rear armrest. SE models get a fold flat front passenger seat for accommodating extra long loads. Swinging open the large tailgate reveals a usefully low loading lip and 420 litres of carrying capacity. Fold the rear bench flat and the amount of available space increases to 1,420 litres. Finally, the combination of four-wheel drive and standard self-leveling suspension makes the Vauxhall an excellent choice for towing.

Safety and reliability

The Antara hasn’t been put under the Euro NCAP microscope, but there’s no reason to suspect it would perform badly if put to the test. Every model benefits from six airbags, electronic stability control and adaptive brake lights, which flash rapidly during an emergency stop. You also get side impact beams, ISOFIX seat fittings and front passenger airbag deactivation switch. All of the mechanicals are tried and tested in other Vauxhall models, so should prove durable. The first owner of the car benefits from a unique warranty that lasts the lifetime of the car or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Model Variants and Specifications

• Vauxhall Antara EXCLUSIV 2.2CDTi 163PS FWD £19995
• Vauxhall Antara EXCLUSIV 2.2CDTi 163PS AWD £22345
• Vauxhall Antara EXCLUSIV 2.2CDTi 163PS AWD Auto £23795
• Vauxhall Antara SE 2.2CDTi 163PS AWD £24395
• Vauxhall Antara SE 2.2CDTi 184PS AWD £25455
• Vauxhall Antara SE 2.2CDTi 163PS AWD Auto £25855
• Vauxhall Antara SE 2.2CDTi 184PS AWD Auto £26905