Vauxhall Astra (2015-2021) review - Reliability and safety

Euro NCAP awarded the Astra five stars for crash safety in 2015, and the car benefits from a full range of driver aids and equipment.

The Driving Assistance Pack, which is standard on Griffin and Elite Nav Premium editions, provides a forward-facing camera that brings with it all sorts of assistance and safety benefits.

There’s autonomous emergency braking to help prevent you bumping into the car in front at low speeds (the car will also tell you if you’re travelling a safe distance from the car in front), Lane Departure Warning will let you know if you’re wandering out of your lane on the motorway, while Lane Keep Assist will gently turn the steering wheel to help stay in lane.

The Astra will also read and display road sign speed limit information and warn you if there’s someone in your blind spot. And, as with rivals, there are self-parking systems available, too.

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Vauxhall did not do too well in our 2020 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, finishing 29th out of 30 manufacturers. The current, refreshed Astra did not feature, but its broadly similar predecessor only managed a 75th-place finish out of 100. Owners criticised front-seat comfort, safety features and child-friendliness – but smartphone connectivity, refinement and engines were more able to impress. We reckon the newer car’s updates should see the Astra climb the ranks next time around.

Warranty 

Vauxhall’s Lifetime Warranty is no longer – the company didn’t see much value in it and consumers didn’t seem that bothered either. So instead, there’s now a standard three-year, 60,000-mile warranty that’s a match for rivals’ cover.

Servicing

Vauxhall offers a range of servicing packages; Vauxhall Care is the most comprehensive, offering three years servicing, two years roadside assistance and a free MoT when your car needs it. Standalone fixed-price services are also available, including all parts and labour with no hidden costs, plus a 12-month warranty on any work.