Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch (2005-2010) Car Review

Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch (2005-2010) Review Change...

Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch (2005-2010) Performance

With a broad range of engine variants available to the Astra Sport Hatch buyer there is a choice to suit most people, though the more powerful engines seem to best suit the sporty looks of the car. The entry level 1.4 produces 90PS, while the 1.6 delivers a handy 115PS, which is enough for most everyday driving. The diesel versions of the Astra Sport Hatch further enhance the choice available, with performance of these models brisk and punchy from low down. This is especially true of the 150PS 1.9CDTi, which is a class leader.

Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch (2005-2010) Driving

The Astra Sport Hatch has a more dynamic feel to it than its 5 door sibling, with a lowered body and more sporty suspension enhancing the overall impression created by the car. Enjoyable to drive, with decent steering and good levels of grip, the Astra Sport Hatch makes driving fun and entertaining when it can be, without losing the comfort required for the rest of the time. Although some may see the Sport Hatch and Hatchback as being pretty much identical apart from the number of doors this is far from the truth. They really are very different cars.

Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch (2005-2010) Equipment

Equipment levels on the Astra Sport Hatch are pretty high due to the fact that the lower specification variants seen in the five door range are not included. This makes the SXi the entry level Sport Hatch, giving it air conditioning, ABS, remote central locking, leather steering wheel and 16 inch alloys as standard. Steering mounted controls for the CD system are also included.

Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch (2005-2010) Practicality

The design details that make the Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch such an attractive car are not at the expense of practicality. As a three-door hatchback the car has a boot capacity around the class average while rear seat passengers enjoy sufficient headroom and legroom to remain comfortable.

Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch (2005-2010) Quality

Vauxhall has earned itself a good reputation when it comes to quality – from the fit and finish of the panels through to the way everything is put together and how it works. This reputation is evident in the Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch, which has been called one of the best built small family cars on the road by some experts. This quality extends to the engine bay and mechanicals too, with strong quiet engines and running gear working with great reliability.

Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch (2005-2010) Safety

Gaining the maximum five star Euro NCAP rating, the Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch is equipped with front, side and curtain airbags for driver and front passenger protection, along with seatbelt pre-tensioners. The Astra SRi Sport Hatch also gets traction control as standard, while all models have ABS and EBD plus EBA (Emergency Brake Assist) for a little extra braking force in emergency situations.

Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch (2005-2010) Running costs

Day to day running costs for the Astra Sport Hatch are pretty good overall, with 20,000 miles (or 12 months) between services and a 3 year (60,000 mile) warranty for peace of mind and ongoing protection. Fuel economy figures for the petrol-engined Sport Hatch models range from 46.3mpg to 36.2mpg (combined) with the diesel options going from 62.8mpg to 40.9mpg (combined). These are pretty impressive numbers that really help cut overall running costs.The Astra Sport Hatch is also part of the ecoFLEX Vauxhall range, an ongoing effort by the manufacturer to help reduce the cars impact on the environment through improving key areas such as emissions, recycling and fuel consumption. As well as being better for the environment ecoFLEX also provides fiscal benefits including low road tax costs and the lowest tax band for Benefits in Kind on some Astra Sport Hatch diesel models for company car drivers.