Vauxhall Astra (2015-2021) review - MPG, CO2 and running costs

The Vauxhall Astra’s refreshed engine range brings with it improvements in fuel economy and emissions. Average fuel economy figures don’t dip below 50mpg, aside from the most powerful 1.4-litre 143bhp CVT auto model at 49.6mpg.

The most efficient options in the range are the diesels. The lesser-powered six-speed manual version in entry-level SE spec, returns a maximum of 65.7mpg under the WLTP testing procedure, and emits just 113g/km of CO2. Provided you don’t need to drive in diesel-banned city centres very often, this engine is the most frugal choice.

Vauxhall claims all 1.2-litre petrol versions (110PS, 130PS and 145PS) manage to emit 119g/km of CO2, while WLTP figures show average efficiency of up to 54.3mpg.

The automatics fare well, too. The CVT-equipped, 143bhp 1.4-litre engine manages 50.4mpg with CO2 emissions from 129g/km, while the most powerful 1.5-litre diesel auto version returns up to 56.5mpg on average and emits 133g/km of CO2.

There’s little doubt that the Astra’s revised engine line-up has kept it competitive in this segment – it’s a welcome bonus that each unit performs well too.

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Insurance groups 

Insurance groups are on par with those of the Astra's rivals, especially with the strong raft of safety and security kit the Astra gets as standard. Lower-spec cars start at group 14, rising to group 19 for the 1.5-litre 120bhp diesel in Ultimate Nav trim.

Depreciation

The Astra has never been a particularly strong performer when it comes to depreciation, due to the numbers finding their way onto the market and the fact that the old car was never a class leader.

Data suggests the latest model won't be particularly great at holding onto its value, either, with an average of 34% retained over three years and 36,000 miles.