Vauxhall Astra Estate Change...
Review
Vauxhall Astra Estate Performance
Sharing the engines available in the rest of the Vauxhall Astra range, the Astra Estate is not short of options when it comes to choosing a powerplant. The smallest engine, a 90PS 1.4, is probably lacking a little power should the Estate be carrying loads regularly, with the more zesty 1.6 being the preferred choice. The diesel variants of the Astra Estate are expected to be the most popular, having the torque to pull from all speeds as well as economy and power. The 1.7CDTi comes in either 100PS or 110PS guises, though company car drivers would do better to take the more powerful of the two since it sits in the lowest tax band.
Vauxhall Astra Estate Driving
The Vauxhall Astra Estate, though heavier and longer than the 5 door hatchback, handles just as well, which is testament to the design work put in to developing the car. Body roll is limited, with the suspension doing a fine job and the steering is precise, offering good levels of feedback to the driver. Whether empty or carrying a load the Astra Estate rides comfortably over bumps.
Vauxhall Astra Estate Equipment
The entry level Astra Estate Life comes as standard with a high specification of equipment, including ABS, CD stereo, front and side airbags and Air Conditioning on the 1.7CDTi Life. Other models build on this good base, with alloy wheels, electric mirrors and driving aids like ESP-plus (Electronic Stability Programme – plus) and cruise control all available.
Vauxhall Astra Estate Practicality
Practicality is what the Vauxhall Astra Estate is all about, providing a nice flat load area, with easy loading through the tailgate and the flexibility of 60/40 split rear seats. Rear seat passengers will also find there is plenty of legroom, with headroom also more than adequate, helped by the Estate roofline not tapering down like the hatch variants.
Vauxhall Astra Estate Quality
An overall sense of quality pervades every part of the Vauxhall Astra Estate. From the high quality dashboard materials and switch mechanisms through to top quality seat materials which, as well as looking good are also very comfortable. The engines in the Astra Estate carry on the quality experience, being refined, powerful and, according to fleet industry information, very reliable.
Vauxhall Astra Estate Safety
With the maximum 5 star Euro NCAP rating for occupant protection the Vauxhall Astra Estate is clearly designed with safety in mind; something everyone considers vital. Importantly for Estate owners is the fact that child safety specifically gets a very good four star rating, helped by the ISOFIX child seat fitments which ensure correct seat fitment.
Anti-lock brakes (ABS) plus front and side airbags for both driver and passenger are standard across the range, with stability control system available as options.
Vauxhall Astra Estate Running costs
Running costs for the Astra Estate are relatively inexpensive in comparison with some of its class competitors. Service intervals come up after 20,000 miles (or 12 months) on all petrol and diesel versions. Combined fuel consumption figures vary from 35.8mpg in the petrol-engined Astra Estate 1.8i VVT Auto up to 62.8mpg in the diesel-fuelled 1.7CDTi 16v (110PS).
CO2 emissions, used to ascertain company car driver benefit in kind taxation and road tax, are good across the Astra Estate range, with the 1.7CDTi 16v (110PS) ranking in the lowest possible tax band, the emissions being just 119g/km.
Vauxhall offers a 3 year/60,000 miles warranty as standard across the range, with further peace of mind provided by the inclusion of breakdown cover in the first year of ownership (Vauxhall Assistance).
The Vauxhall Astra Estate is also included within the ecoFLEX range, where the manufacturer builds in factors designed to help minimise the impact on the environment. These can be seen through the low emissions figures, improved fuel management and the use of recyclable materials where possible.
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