2004 Vauxhall Astra Reviews - Page 2 of 3

Emission control indicator light has just come on and holds steady while car is running.

I'm still just as enthusiastic about this little car, 1.6 twin port (2-door, as I was when I first purchased it in April this year. It's a little sweetheart with a delightful engine. I have to really watch myself as the car will hit 70mph with no effort at all.

My only gripe is I'm only 5ft and I struggle to get into a comfortable driving position - even with all the seat adjustments available. However, I can at least easily reach the pedals! This is actually a man's car, but what the heck - it's jolly good fun! As I have read in similar comments - it sticks to the road like glue and sneaks around bends fantastically - driving around Cornwall was a dream!

I failed the test on 0-60 in 11 or so seconds as I didn't realise that you cannot over rev this car in 1st gear - it doesn't like it! Now I know better and being 'naughty' at pull away from traffic lights needs restraining in a big way.

The boot (trunk) is amazingly large. The rear seat capacity is just as impressive. This is a 'kinda sporty' little car with family room.

It's a new car, and touch wood, is still running good.

From a 1.0 Corsa to a 1.6 twin-port SXi Astra is a big jump.

Apart from that, it's really nice.

The car is seriously quick, and handles like it's on rails with its 205/50/16 tires, and with the sports suspension.

When I got the car, it had the full Irmscher body kit on it. The only the I need for it now is the Irmscher exhaust. I really like the Vauxhall Astra 1.6 twin-port SXi.

Condensation in near side head lamp at 45000.

Ventilation panel lamp failure at 49000.

The car is very fast off the mark and handles all road conditions extremely well.

Cabin brightened up with factory fit multi CD Auto changer and chrom rings for ventilation panel. All other dials white and chrome rings.

Alcantara leather is a pain to keep clean.

Had to replace a tyre within the first few weeks of ownership (due to a puncture). Very hard to get hold of the Dunlop SP8000 that is recommended in the owners manual. Contacted 3 Vauxhall dealerships, none of whom were able to supply one.

No other faults to report, and more to the point, I have not (yet) seen one broken down by the side of the road.

Ride is smooth despite the lower suspension coupled with the low profile tyres.

Cruise control can maximize fuel economy on long journeys. I've had returns of 36 / 37 MPG on long motorway trips.

Any serious acceleration *drinks* fuel. Town driving regularly returns me 22 MPG.

Average combined fuel consumption is around 32 MPG, which is comparable to my girlfriend's Fiat Punto HGT.

The car's handling is predictable and progressive even in the wet, and the car's ESP system will hide minor mistakes.

Insurance is remarkably cheap despite the 197 BHP beast strapped under the bonnet.

The seats are reasonably comfortable, although not as comfortable as the seats in my previous car (a Rover 218 VVC Coupe).

Drivers should be mindful of watching their speed in this car as it is so well composed, it feels like you are traveling at a crawling pace even at 70 MPH.

Quick 0-60 times are effortless.

Motorway driving is lazy as the majority of the 189 lb/ft of torque is available from 1950 RPM through 6000 RPM, meaning you are not required to go up and down the gears constantly.

A couple of small gripes :-

1.) The lack of rear windscreen wiper.

2.) I have size 10 feet, and I find that there is a foam 'roof' in the footwell that you can catch your feet on when driving, which is mildly irritating.

Other than that, there is very little to moan about.

Pick up an ex-demo for a good deal. I bought a 5 month old ex-demo with 3000 miles on the clock and saved £12000 on new!