Vauxhall Astra vs SEAT Leon & Ford Focus

It’s judgement day for the new Vauxhall Astra. The British-built hatchback is a very important car for the brand, as it aims to finally take the spoils at the top of the class.

• Best family hatchbacks 

Vauxhall has given the model a thorough overhaul, with cleaner yet more powerful engines, a new platform and plenty of weight saving under the skin.

36

So how does the new Astra measure up against its rivals? We’ve lined up two tough contenders for its first test.

• Best family cars

First up is the SEAT Leon. It’s our reigning compact hatchback champ and has seen off some talented opposition to hold on to its crown. But can the Astra finally topple it?

36

We’ve also pitched the Vauxhall against its arch-rival for fleet sales: the Ford Focus.

We’re testing diesel versions of all three, so the Astra, with 1.6 CDTi power, will need to overcome the Focus in 1.5 TDCi guise, as well as the Leon 1.6 TDI Ecomotive.

36

The question is, does it have enough talent to shine through?

• Vauxhall Astra review

• SEAT Leon review

• Ford Focus review

Click the links above to read individual reviews, and scroll down to see which popular hatch wins this test...

Verdict

Space race

36

Compact hatchbacks need to accommodate growing families, so space is important. With its small boot and more cramped cabin, the Focus trails its rivals. The Astra and Leon are closely matched, as the former gets more rear legroom but a boot that’s 10 litres smaller. It also has a false boot floor when ordered with a space-saver spare wheel.

Infotainment

36

All three cars get user-friendly infotainment touchscreens as standard. Sat-nav is included in the Astra and Leon and a good-value £250 upgrade on the Ford. Only the Vauxhall is available with the Apple CarPlay set-up (above), which mirrors your iPhone’s screen and apps.

Performance

36

The Astra led the way at the track, but we were shocked by how big its advantage was over its rivals. Not only was it quicker than its 1.6-litre competition, it showed a clean pair of heels to a 148bhp 2.0-litre TDI Leon we also had on test.

Verdict

1st place: Vauxhall Astra

36

It was a close one, but the Astra just takes the spoils. With its blend of style, space, low running costs and hi-tech kit, the newcomer covers all the family car bases. It’s also better to drive than ever, while its 1.6-litre diesel delivers extremely punchy performance. And in SRi trim, the car comes with loads of safety kit. It’s been a long time coming, but Vauxhall is back on top.

2nd place: SEAT Leon

36

Although this is the Leon’s first defeat, it’s still an excellent compact family hatch. Sharp design and engaging driving dynamics make it a fine choice, plus Ecomotive models are cheap to run. Yet it can’t match the Astra’s performance, refinement and long list of valuable safety kit. And in a class this close, that’s enough to see it knocked off top spot.

3rd place: Ford Focus

36

If you value driving fun above all else, then the Focus is still in a league of its own. With its agile, engaging handling and eager 1.5-litre TDCi engine, the Ford is a car that always puts a smile on your face. Plus, it’s attractively priced and well equipped in Zetec guise. Yet the cracks are starting to show in the five-year-old design, as it’s not as spacious or refined as its rivals here.

Other options in this category 

Kia Cee’d 1.6 CRDi 3

Price: £20,495 Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 126bhp

Recently facelifted Cee’d looks smart, comes with loads of kit and is backed by a seven-year warranty. The 1.6-litre isn’t the best performer, but it emits just 100g/km of CO2.

Peugeot 308 1.6 HDi Allure

Price: £21,045 Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 118bhp

Handsome and refined 308 matches class leaders for comfort and quality. It’s also good to drive, while smooth 1.6 HDi punches above its weight and delivers decent economy.

Key specs: