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New Vauxhall Astra prototype review - pictures

by: Auto Express team

5 May 2015

Go to: New Vauxhall Astra 2015 prototype review

The new Vauxhall Astra will go on sale towards the end of 2015.
We were given the chance to drive a pre-production prototype version to get a feel for how the car is shaping up.
Astra is a big deal for UK, which is why GM has spent so much time over here developing new model.
The Astra prototypes we drove featured the 1.4 turbo petrol engine and the ‘Whisper’ diesel.
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.
Boot space is said to be similar to the current car's.
Vauxhall says there’ll be a strong tech story to tell, with matrix beam LED lights.
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.
With its mix of comfort and feedback, Astra is well suited to UK drivers’ needs.
The Astra copes admirably with broken surfaces; it’s comfy yet communicative.
The steering is lighter and more responsive – a bit too light away from the straight-ahead for our liking.
The new Astra is smaller than the current car - 9mm shorter and 26mm lower.
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.
GM’s excellent OnStar safety and concierge call system will also be available.
The old car’s infuriating handbrake, which seemed designed to trap your fingers, has been replaced by a far more convenient electronic parking brake.