2003 Vauxhall Astra SRi review from UK and Ireland

No problems have arisen with the car. It hasn't missed a beat in 10000 miles!

(I plan to keep the car for at least 4 years, so will keep updating on reliability through the comments section)

After reliable and economic service from my first car, an Astra 1.4LSi, I decided to upgrade to something a little more sporty. I certainly have not been disappointed!

The engine is strong and torquey, pulling cleanly from all revs right the way up to the red line. It has the power to worry far more expensive cars! Its certainly a quick little car.

Handling is excellent, far improved over the pre-98 Astra. This car is a joy to drive.

The interior is comfortable and good for long journeys. Motorway cruising is relaxed despite the short gearing which sees the engine spinning at 3250rpm at 70mph. The optional cruise control fitted to my car is simple to use.

My only small complaint about the car is the slightly dull interior styling. None the less, the interior feels well built and doesn't rattle.

As nothing has gone wrong with the car, its only been to the dealer once - for its first annual service. The dealer service was very good - friendly staff, and the service was completed within the hour. The cost was £97, quite expensive for what was effectively an oil and filter and a check, but still fairly cheap compared to other car manufacturers.

Fuel consumption - 36.4mpg over the 10000 miles (yes, I am sad enough to have calculated it! :-) ) Ranges between 34mpg when driven hard to 38mpg driven normally. I consider this to be very good for a car with a 1.8 litre engine that's designed to be a little sporty.

Overall, this is an excellent car that is great to drive, and great to own thanks to its reliability and fairly low running costs. I would strongly reccomend it.