2002 Vauxhall Astra SRi review from UK and Ireland

Not a thing has gone wrong so far. The only niggling fault is the brake calipers sound like they are sticking when reversing. Only had the car 1 month so hopefully no major problems!

This is a great car, certainly a step up from the Punto 1.2 Sporting we had before.

The engine is sweet-revving and, to be honest, is more suited to cruising than tearing around. From a standing start it is quick though, and very easy to wheel spin if, like me, you sometimes have a heavy foot! The ride is firm, but not harsh, and the suspension is tuned well. Cornering is excellent, gradual Motorway slip road bends have been taken at 100mph! You have to be careful when driving, as it wants to keep going and the ride is so good that you don't realise you are doing 85 in a 60mph zone.

Inside the story is a bit mixed. For £1,500 more you can get the coupe which comes with:

-Multi-CD (single in SRi)

-Trip Computer (not present in SRi)

-Heated Leather Seats (not present in SRi)

And it looks a bit nicer too, although I am not complaining too much.

Mine came with the full Irmscher Body kit, so has spoiler and lower skirts all round. This really makes it look the part, especially the split oval tailpipe.

For my first 'big engine' car I am really pleased, and spend a lot of time comparing my car to others! My only gripe is I want some Aluminium effect interior parts (again the coupe comes with some), but this will set me back another £700. It does come with Air-con, ABS, Traction Control and CD player. Also electric windows and mirrors (heated too).

Economy is okay, it is a big engine, but can do 350 miles on a full tank (which at 71.7p per litre is roughly £31 - i.e. petrol is less than 10p a mile at the moment). Yet to have a service, but tyres (205/50/R16/V) are about £100 each.

All in all, a cracking little number which attracts quite a few stares! My Fiancee drives it to work in the week and has said she has spoken to people who never acknowledged her when she drove the Punto! We wanted a car for her motorway journeys, but also to have some fun in, and the Astra fits the bill.