2008 Vauxhall Astra SXI - Sport Hatch review from UK and Ireland

I've had the car for nearly 3 weeks, and nothing has gone wrong yet!

Bought the car new as I work for one of Vauxhalls long list of "partner" companies e. g BT, Royal Mail, and got a 15% discount.

The 1.4 16v engine seems quite quick to me, as I previously owned a 1.2 8v Corsa. It's not blistering, and is suitable for those who aren't worried about performance. I feel that most people who have had 1.6 engines and higher will find it sluggish. 0-60 is quoted at 12.7 seconds. I'm returning around 45mpg.

The interior features/dash are very user friendly, the best part being the volume and trip computer controls located on the steering wheel, very well placed. The slight let down are the knobs used to adjust the blowers; they are low down and are hard to see.

The indicators are the new touch type, which are annoying to begin with, but actually to my surprise, now I am used to them, are great.

The "sports" seats are very supportive and have good side suppport, and also have lumbar adjustment for your lower back and height adjustment, both which are useful. The back seats are also good for a 3 door vehicle.

The car gets a lot of stick for its rear visibility. The rear windscreen is small, but you do get used to it, and it's not a massive issue like I thought it would be. Parking sensors are optional.

Handling is good, there is only slight body roll, and the lowered sports suspension which comes as standard isn't as hard as some reviews made out, and is not as hard as I expected, it caters well.

The service from the Vauxhall dealership was of a high standard, and they were good to deal with. Vauxhall have allowed me to spread my service costs so I will have a "free" service come next year.

Overall I am pleased with my purchase so far, and would recommend you consider one if you are after a 3 door hatch.