Vauxhall Astra

When was the last time you paid any attention to a car alarm? Well, by the time it had sounded for the fifth time in a row, the system fitted to our new long-term Vauxhall Astra 1.9 CDTI SRi had me taking notice. But then it was midnight.
It seemed to have a profound effect on everyone who heard it the next morning, too. Parked in the back of Auto Express's high-security car park, you would have thought the vehicle was safe. The Astra clearly didn't agree and spent two hours yelping in distress at nothing in particular.
This wasn't the best impression the flagship diesel model could have made, but I am happy to report that the system appears to have cured itself. Time is obviously a great healer.
That said, the root of the alarm's decision to sound every five minutes has me rattled, and with 3,338 miles on the clock, I'm convinced the car's electronic brain is about to go into meltdown. Unfair perhaps, because it's yet to let me down, although there have been a couple of unusual 'moments'. The satellite-navigation system has hiccuped, and I could swear the vehicle's warning lights have flickered mysteriously a few times.
Still, it's not all bad news. Despite the apparent electrical disturbances, the interior is extremely well built and the car's shutlines are ruler straight. I can squeeze 450 miles out of the 52-litre tank, which equates to just under 40mpg. Not bad for a car that spends its life cruising up and down the A1, or crawling through heavy city traffic. The engine
is refined at speed, and I really like having six gears, although the shift could feel more positive.
The ride is more of a disappointment. While the 18-inch alloy wheels look great and offer plenty of grip, they destroy the Astra's composure on rough roads. Although the steering is positive and the Vauxhall is predictable at speed, the car seems to follow your lead, rather than work with you. The best way of describing it is to highlight the moment's hesitation as you turn into a corner.
What makes life more difficult is the fact the hatchback is surprisingly impractical. The cabin lacks versatility, the boot opening is narrow and the rear seats are relatively small. Bulky loads are a struggle and transporting a family of five is something you'd only ever do out of necessity. Still, it's a cautious thumbs up for a car that has provided efficient transport to and from work. But at £17,495, I can't help feeling the Astra should do more. Dan Strong
Second Opinion
Our new long-term Astra is great for long journeys. When it first arrived, I grabbed the keys and took it away on a week-long round-Britain holiday. After 1,000 miles, I found myself really impressed by the CDTI's economy and in-gear punch, but less pleased with the road noise generated by the 18-inch alloys. Gary Lord, production editor