1999 Vauxhall Astra Sport review from UK and Ireland

After looking at a number of cars to replace my troublesome clio I somewhat suprisingly (too myself anyway) decided on an astra.

I test drove the Focus, which felt stodgy and rather bus like as did the Nissan Primera, The VW Golf I liked, but being 21 insurance and high resale values meant I couldn't get the spec I wanted.

I first test drove an 1.6 8v Club and was instantly impressed with the handling and overall quality. The 8v wasn't as nippy as my clio so that instantly discarded that engine, I then test drove the 1.6 16v which was significantly more powerful than the 8v version, I was pretty much taken with it untill I test drove the 1.8 16v Sport.

The difference between the 1.8 and 1.6 is vast, While the 1.6 is adequetly powered to deal with anything you'd ask of it. The 1.8 however is a wolf in sheeps clothing.

8.5 seconds is the official 0-62 time although I would say its slightly faster than that, but it's the low geared box that really makes this car special. 5th is accessable from about 35mph and accelerates as willingly as you would expect from fourth. Put it in third however and you will be pushed back in your seat.

This power does not come at the expense of fuel economy however, In my first month with the car I have averaged about 38mpg which is pretty good considering A: I have pushed the car a little more than I usually would and B: I drive mostly in Swindon which means the urban cycle is significantly reduced thanks to all the roundabouts.

So far I have absolutly nothing negative to say about this stunning car.

I haven't even begin to touch on how comfortable and refined it is, or how tight it feels to drive.

Make sure you buy one with Traction Control as it completely changes the whole feeling of the car, it make it feel a lot tighter and gives you the confidence to take each corner a little bit faster.

Don't listen to anyone who calls the Astra bland and boring, I would call it classy, exciting, fun and excilerating.