New Vauxhall Astra prototype review - pictures

We were given the chance to drive a pre-production prototype version to get a feel for how the car is shaping up.

<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Astra is a big deal for UK, which is why GM has spent so much time over here developing new model.</span></p>

<p class="p1">The Astra prototypes we drove featured the 1.4 turbo petrol engine and the ‘Whisper’ diesel.</p>

<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The outgoing Astra still sells well, but it’s much heavier and less fun than rivals. The new car cuts weight by 130kg on average.</span></p>

<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Boot space is said to be similar to the current car's.</span></p>

Vauxhall says there’ll be&nbsp;a strong tech story to tell, with matrix beam LED lights.

<p class="p1">The Whisper diesel was impressively refined on rural Bedfordshire roads Vauxhall has been testing new car on, and in town it served up decent punch.</p>

<p class="p1">With its mix of comfort and feedback, Astra is well suited to UK drivers’ needs.</p>

<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The Astra copes admirably with broken surfaces; it’s comfy yet communicative.</span></p>

<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The steering is lighter and more responsive – a bit too light away from the straight-ahead for our liking.</span></p>

<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The new Astra is smaller than the current car - 9mm shorter and 26mm lower.</span></p>

<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The Astra will be a major competitor against not only the Golf and Focus, but our current favourite five-door family hatch, the SEAT Leon.</span></p>

<p class="p1"><span class="s1">GM’s excellent OnStar safety and concierge call system will also be available.</span></p>

<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The old car’s infuriating handbrake, which seemed designed to trap your fingers, has been replaced by a far more convenient electronic parking brake.</span></p>