1994 Vauxhall Astra Sport 1.8 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Surprisingly good, cheap to run warm hatch

Faults:

Front suspension bushes collapsed. Main dealer fixed at reasonable cost.

Replaced thermostat myself.

Nothing else to date.

General Comments:

Performance is good once you get above 3,000rpm. Under that it can seem slow.

Handling surprisingly good; loads of grip and not too much body roll. Brakes easily up to the power.

Interior seems well screwed together - no rattles, broken trim. Onboard computer is useful.

Very comfortable seats, can drive this car all day with no aches.

Considering the performance, economy pretty good.

Although just an Astra, the colour coding, alloys, roof aerial etc. make it look good.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th November, 2002

1994 Vauxhall Astra LS 1.7 diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Good workhorse

Faults:

Head gasket at 120,000.

Clutch at 120,000.

Starter motor replaced twice.

Brake master cylinder.

Cold starting problems.

General Comments:

Head gasket, possibly due to first owner (company) thrashing.

This car has always been reluctant to fire into life when the weather gets cold. I have tried new glow plugs, heavy duty calcium battery and various cold start parts, any ideas?

Returns 57mpg with my slow driving style.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th August, 2001

31st Aug 2003, 02:24

Update.

Have changed this for an M reg 1.7D merit which starts fine and runs great. It has had a new head fitted and brake master cylinder, but still has that rattle from the drivers door if the window is shut tight. The best £600 I've spent this year!

1994 Vauxhall Astra Mark 3 Cesaro Sport 1.6 injection from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Absolutely spanking!

Faults:

Rear shocks went at 60k, but I'm really giving the car a thrashing and she still won't give in.

Very cheap parts available widespread. Interior is still mint!

The ICE is good with components in the front and coaxials in the back.

Wheelspins and burnouts can prove expensive since 195/60/14 tyres don't come too cheap!

If only Vauxhall put discs on the back then this car would be perfect!!!

General Comments:

Lovely performance, 0-60 under 10 seconds and easily hits 100 with no effort at all! (damn Gatsos won't let me take her to the limit!).

Loads of grip with the 195/60/14 alloys.

I've beaten a BMW 325i and a Punto GT, and this car is standard!!!

Can't wait to see the performance when I slap a Pipercross filter and Piper straight through on it! De-cat pipe and chip should get me hitting 120-125bhp from the 95bhp standard!!

The gearbox is too close in ratio between 3rd, 4th and 5th and screwing the car involves giving the clutch a hiding too! She'll hit 135mph no problem! I WANT A GSi Now!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th May, 2001

24th Jul 2001, 09:36

This man knows what he's talking about. Great performance for a small engine. I'm the git who undertakes everyone in a Pineapple Yellow version!

27th Jan 2002, 12:18

Absolute Rubbish!

Them other cars weren't trying mate - 0-60 in 10 seconds - my mum's old Metro could do that.

27th Jan 2002, 12:24

What a load of crap! My Astra GTE (2.0 16V) with 156bhp will reach a top speed of 140mph, so there is no way a 1.6 8v Astra would even nearly get to 135mph, it would be more like 120mph. Secondly, having 95bhp standard, adding a chip, exhaust and air filter would not give you 125bhp, you might get an extra 15bhp if you're lucky.

Because of this I very much doubt you beat 325s, though possibly a Punto GT. And I would not recommend completely removing the air filter if you value your engine.

27th Jan 2002, 13:42

Questions have to be asked of this review, the 325i and Punto Gt that he beat in a 1.6 Astra is total nonsense.

A 325i will hit 60 in under 8 seconds as far as I know, getting this 1.6 astra under 10 would be a struggle.

27th Jan 2002, 13:45

Those power and speed figures are way out. Get to a rolling road to do before and after comparisons of modifications and if you want to test your top speed, don't rely on your speedo. They generally under-read at a rate of around 10%.

27th Jan 2002, 16:34

MIG has landed.