NEW ASTRA SHINES IN HATCHBACK TRIPLE TEST

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Alexina Jones
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1 Britain s biggest and best car buyer s guide Reprinted from What Car? November and December 2015 NEW ASTRA SHINES IN HATCHBACK TRIPLE TEST The Astra is easily the best car Vauxhall has produced in the past decade

NEW 1.6 CDTi 136 Tech Line List price 18,880 The new Astra is lighter and more efficient than the old model, and offers more interior space.

2 Triple test Reprinted from What Car? December 2015 vs vs THE CONTENDERS 1.5 TDCi 120 Zetec List price 19,795 The Focus is traditionally the one to choose for driver appeal, and it s a tough car to beat on price. 1.6 TDI 110 SE Business List price 19,650 The Octavia is the class leader for interior space, and it s the most well-equipped, too. NEW 1.6 CDTi 136 Tech Line List price 18,880 The new Astra is lighter and more efficient than the old model, and offers more interior space. Return of the hatch The SUV might be on the rise, but the traditional hatchback has plenty of life left in it. We try three tempting alternatives WITH A SEEMINGLY endless stream of small SUVs hogging the limelight, it d be easy to overlook the traditional family hatchback. In fact, cars like the and, together with their peers, still account for a quarter of all new cars sold in Britain. These less adventurous-looking models might not stand out as boldly in the office car park, but they re often better to drive and cheaper to buy than their more fashionable equivalents. The latter is especially true of the all-new Astra, which undercuts its key rivals on price and promises a much more entertaining drive than its predecessor. That s on top of improved practicality and lots more high-tech gadgetry. Can it see off the fun-driving and the uber-practical, though? We ve rounded up tax-friendly 1.6-litre diesel versions of all three cars to find out. >>

Triple test Reprinted from What Car? December 2015 vs vs What are they like to drive? The Astra is the most powerful, and the fastest to accelerate up to speed.

The Skoda s engine starts to pull from lower revs than the Ford s, but because the Octavia has only five gears (its rivals have six) there s a relatively big jump between each one.

It s a pity the Astra s engine doesn t marry its strong performance with impressive refinement.

Mind you, the Skoda s engine has an annoying resonance at low revs, and, while the Ford s engine is quietest, it still isn t as hushed as you might hope.

Its steering has too strong a self-centering action, but is super-precise and provides you with a good sense of connection with the front wheels.

The Vauxhall s steering could be better, though; it s always a little too light and the weight doesn t build quickly enough when you turn in to corners at faster speeds.

The Octavia feels altogether more cumbersome than its smaller rivals, although it still handles tidily enough and has plenty of grip.

It manages to soak up all manner of road imperfections without fuss; the relatively small 16in wheels and high-walled tyres fitted to Zetec models helping here.

However, while you re certainly more aware of bumps as they pass beneath the car than in the Ford, things never become too jarring, even over badly eroded road surfaces.

Astra is very agile, although we wish the steering was more engaging Ford s boot is the smallest here, but it has the flattest surface with its rear seats down.

Rear head- and leg room are very good Astra s boot looks small next to the Octavia s but is still big enough for family use.

feels classy and neatly ordered The Astra s dash impresses, its soft, dense upper underlined by a sturdy piano black section Plenty of wheel and seat adjustment, and adjustable lumbar support is

Focus s 8.0in screen is bright, but it s let down by some on-screen icons that are too small to hit confidently while driving, along with unintuitive menus.

There s no option to add further smartphone integration, such as the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, either. SE Business versions of the Octavia get a relatively tiny 5.8in touchscreen.

However, the graphics aren t particularly sharp and the screen is often sluggish to respond to the touch. At least satellite navigation, Bluetooth, a DAB radio and a USB socket are all standard.

3 Triple test Reprinted from What Car? December 2015 vs vs What are they like to drive? The Astra is the most powerful, and the fastest to accelerate up to speed. That s true no matter whether you re working the engine hard or using its low-rev pulling power to build speed in the higher gears. The other two are sluggish by comparison. The Skoda s engine starts to pull from lower revs than the Ford s, but because the Octavia has only five gears (its rivals have six) there s a relatively big jump between each one. Around town, you often find yourself trundling along at a speed where neither second nor third gear feels right. It s a pity the Astra s engine doesn t marry its strong performance with impressive refinement. You feel some vibration through the controls when you put your foot down, and a typical diesel dirge fills the cabin when you accelerate hard. Mind you, the Skoda s engine has an annoying resonance at low revs, and, while the Ford s engine is quietest, it still isn t as hushed as you might hope. However, the Focus does stand out in other ways. It s the most entertaining of the three, turning in to corners without too much body lean. Its steering has too strong a self-centering action, but is super-precise and provides you with a good sense of connection with the front wheels. The Astra feels even more alert and willing to change direction, and there s even less body lean during hard cornering. The Vauxhall s steering could be better, though; it s always a little too light and the weight doesn t build quickly enough when you turn in to corners at faster speeds. At least the steering s lightness makes the Astra easy to manoeuvre. The Octavia feels altogether more cumbersome than its smaller rivals, although it still handles tidily enough and has plenty of grip. Given that it isn t really much fun to drive, it s a shame the ride isn t a little more settled around town. We certainly don t have many criticisms about the way the Ford rides. It manages to soak up all manner of road imperfections without fuss; the relatively small 16in wheels and high-walled tyres fitted to Zetec models helping here. The Astra is altogether firmer the optional 17in wheels fitted to our test car were no doubt partly to blame. However, while you re certainly more aware of bumps as they pass beneath the car than in the Ford, things never become too jarring, even over badly eroded road surfaces. FORD FOCUS Focus is the best to drive, combining tidy handling with a comfy ride SKODA OCTAVIA Octavia feels its size, but it doesn t disgrace itself through the bends VAUXHALL ASTRA BEST HANDLING Astra is very agile, although we wish the steering was more engaging Ford s boot is the smallest here, but it has the flattest surface with its rear seats down. Rear cabin is cramped, though BEST BOOT Nothing can touch the Skoda s boot in this class. It s huge and access is brilliant. Rear head- and leg room are very good Astra s boot looks small next to the Octavia s but is still big enough for family use. Good rear leg room equals Octavia s The Ford s cabin doesn t feel as appealing as the others, mainly due to its hard plastics BEST DRIVING POSITION Dashboard is similar to a VW Golf s, which means it feels classy and neatly ordered The Astra s dash impresses, its soft, dense upper underlined by a sturdy piano black section Plenty of wheel and seat adjustment, and adjustable lumbar support is standard An excellent driving position, and standard rear parking sensors make reversing easier There s enough adjustment for drivers of all sizes and the pedals are well positioned INFOTAINMENT The Focus s 8.0in screen is bright, but it s let down by some on-screen icons that are too small to hit confidently while driving, along with unintuitive menus. A DAB radio, Bluetooth and a USB socket all come as standard but, disappointingly, satnav costs an extra 300. There s no option to add further smartphone integration, such as the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, either. SE Business versions of the Octavia get a relatively tiny 5.8in touchscreen. It works in much the same way as the larger (optional) system, meaning the menus are easy to navigate. However, the graphics aren t particularly sharp and the screen is often sluggish to respond to the touch. At least satellite navigation, Bluetooth, a DAB radio and a USB socket are all standard. The Astra gets Vauxhall s brand new infotainment system, which is generally very impressive. The 8.0in touchscreen is bright and responsive, and the onscreen icons are big enough to hit accurately while driving. A DAB radio, Blue-tooth, sat-nav and USB connectivity are all standard, too, as is the super-slick Apple CarPlay feature that allows seamless smartphone integration. What are they like inside? Even tall drivers won t struggle for space in any of these hatchbacks; all offer generous leg- and head room in the front, and plenty of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel. The Focus s seat holds you in position best through corners, but the Octavia s benefits from a slightly more supportive base. The Astra s driver s seat is comfortable enough, but it s disappointing you have to pay ( 250) extra for adjustable lumbar support, especially when Ford and Skoda include this feature as standard. On the plus side, paying 250 also gets you adjustable thigh support for the seat base, which neither rival offers. The Octavia sets the benchmark for interior quality, with its dense, soft-touch dashboard and solid, well-damped switchgear. However, the new Astra isn t far behind for outright quality and the layout of its dashboard, while not quite as user-friendly as the Skoda s, is logical and easy to get the hang of. By contrast, the Ford s interior feels a little cheap. The main surface of the dashboard is soft to the touch, but there are too many hard, unappealing plastics elsewhere in the cabin. Many of the buttons and switches also feel comparatively lightweight. Few family cars can compete with the Octavia on rear space, but the Astra gives it a run for its money with an equal amount of leg room. The Skoda has a little more rear head room, but taller adults will be happy in both, and three sitting side-by-side will be much more comfortable in either of these cars than in the Ford. The Octavia remains the benchmark for boot space, too. Its 590-litre capacity almost makes the Astra s 370 and Focus s 316 litres look stingy, although the high lip at the entrance and lack of a height-adjustable boot floor do count against the Skoda. The result of the latter is a large step up in the extended load bay when you fold down the rear seats. Both of these issues also afflict the Astra, although the Vauxhall s load bay is usefully square in shape and there s plenty of space for a couple of suitcases or a huge weekly shop. The Focus s boot is relatively shallow, and the opening narrow. Annoyingly, too, you need to flip up the rear seatbases before the seatbacks fold down flat, although doing this does at least mean there s no step in the floor of the extended load area. >>

Triple test vs vs What will they cost? If you re a company car driver the small differences between these three in benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax costs are unlikely to help you make your mind up.

However, if you re leasing, the Ford and Vauxhall are cheaper options than the Skoda.

For private buyers, the big discounts offered by Ford dealers mean the Focus will cost you 911 less than the Astra over three years, and 750 less than the Octavia.

All are reasonably economical, too, although the Skoda returned a slightly disappointing 51.3mpg in our real world tests, compared with the Vauxhall s 55.1mpg and the Ford s 58.5mpg.

All three cars come with airconditioning, a multifunction steering wheel and electric windows front and rear, but the Skoda is the only one with climate control.

4 Triple test vs vs What will they cost? If you re a company car driver the small differences between these three in benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax costs are unlikely to help you make your mind up. Yes, choosing the Vauxhall will require the lowest monthly salary sacrifice, but there s only around 5 a month between all three cars, assuming you re a 40% rate taxpayer. However, if you re leasing, the Ford and Vauxhall are cheaper options than the Skoda. Take out a 36-month contract with a 10,000-mile annual limit, and the Astra and Focus come in at 195 and 197 a month respectively, while the Octavia will set you back a relatively hefty 265. For private buyers, the big discounts offered by Ford dealers mean the Focus will cost you 911 less than the Astra over three years, and 750 less than the Octavia. All three cars will cost you a similar amount to service, come with three-year warranties and are expected to depreciate at roughly the same rate over the first three years. All are reasonably economical, too, although the Skoda returned a slightly disappointing 51.3mpg in our real world tests, compared with the Vauxhall s 55.1mpg and the Ford s 58.5mpg. However, the Astra s more powerful engine does push up its insurance premiums. All three cars come with airconditioning, a multifunction steering wheel and electric windows front and rear, but the Skoda is the only one with climate control. The Octavia is also the only one of the three with rear parking sensors, although, along with the Focus, it misses out on automatic headlights and LED daytime running lights, which the Astra gets as standard. The Focus also does without cruise control, which its rivals come with as standard. A factory supply problem means Tech Line Astras built before January 2016 will have steel rims rather than alloy wheels. The Focus and the Octavia come with alloys. Both Ford and Skoda offer only one solid paint colour as standard (red and dark blue); the Vauxhall is available with a choice of either of those at no extra charge. >> WHAT WILL IT COST YOU? Prices List price Target Price Company car tax until April 2016/ 17/ 18/ 19 Contract hire (per month) Cheapest to own if you re buying privately 19,795 17, Resale value (by year) g/km 112/105/ 118/ 132 per month ,481 58% % % % Three-year cost 9693 Total 15, Emissions and economy 58.5mpg Attractive company car tax costs, but leasing is expensive Depreciation Insurance Servicing Road tax True MPG 1437 True MPG 51.3mpg 19,650 18, / 105/ 118/ 131 per month ,987 61% % % % 10,263 Total 16, VED from second year 99g/km 17% 17% Lowest costs for employees and fleet providers CHEAPEST COMPANY CAR 1686 CO2 55.1mpg 99g/km 18,880 18, / 100/ 113/ 126 per month ,328 60% % % % 10,323 Total 16, tax liability 0 17% EQUIPMENT Standard 7 Not available Alloys Colour screen size DAB/USB/ Bluetooth Air-con/ climate control Multifunction steering wheel Auto lights/ wipers Sat-nav Cruise control Adjustable driver s lumbar support Front/rear parking sensors Metallic paint Airbags 16in 8.0in / / /7 550* / in 5.8in / / / 485** 350/ in^ 8.0in / / /7 /7 250^^ *Includes automatic city braking, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition and auto high beam **Includes auto lights, wipers and auto-dimming rear-view mirror ^Only from January 2016 ^^Includes 16-way electrically adjustable driver s seat + Includes both front and rear parking sensors

Reader test team The seventh generation of the popular Astra promises more space, less weight and lower running costs, but has it done enough to impress our readers?

There s a big increase in space and the boot is massive, which will be a selling point for lots of families, no doubt. There s a more upmarket feel to the car and the finish is much better.

It s novel, so it could prove to be a good selling point.

November 2015 system are impressive, although I m not sure I ll use gadgets like the one that allows me to phone someone to input a destination in the sat-nav for me.

I would be tempted to add the LED headlights and sat-nav from the options list, though. It s an impressive package; now you get a lot more for your money.

Photography: John Bradshaw The boot is spacious, but there s one slight issue which may make some buyers think twice.

5 Reader test team The seventh generation of the popular Astra promises more space, less weight and lower running costs, but has it done enough to impress our readers? MIKE OLDFIELD Age 26 Job IT support Drives BMW 323 Coupé The Astra is a lot more appealing now. There s a big increase in space and the boot is massive, which will be a selling point for lots of families, no doubt. There s a more upmarket feel to the car and the finish is much better. The interior plastics certainly look to be of a higher quality than they were before. The touchscreen is very simple to use and it s well laid out, and Apple s CarPlay is another great addition. It s novel, so it could prove to be a good selling point. The safety features you get with the OnStar connectivity Watch the readers at /rtt-astra Mike is pleased with the more upmarket feel to the interior Reprinted from What Car? November 2015 system are impressive, although I m not sure I ll use gadgets like the one that allows me to phone someone to input a destination in the sat-nav for me. I would definitely buy this car, though. I d go for the new 1.0-litre turbo, and SRi trim is well priced when you consider the kit you get. I would be tempted to add the LED headlights and sat-nav from the options list, though. It s an impressive package; now you get a lot more for your money. PETER SIMPSON Age 46 Job Project manager Drives Hyundai ix35 Its distinctive lines cut a really sporty shape Sukhdev Sembi There s been a big step up in interior quality Ian Hirst Words: Doug Revolta Photography: John Bradshaw The boot is spacious, but there s one slight issue which may make some buyers think twice. It sits very low and has a big lip, which, on the one hand, gives you extra depth for large suitcases, but it could also make it trickier to load things into and out of. It may take some getting used to, but it probably isn t a major drawback; the boot s generous size will still attract family buyers. The styling is great, though. It s certainly more up to date than the previous model, and I do like the floating roof design at the rear; it makes the car look very Peter wonders if the high boot lip might be an issue when loading sleek and stylish. That sleekness is continued inside as well. It s a more premium cabin with a layout that is noticeably simpler than the last version, and it feels as though it s made from better quality materials. I m slightly sceptical of the OnStar system because I m not sure it will be used that often. However, the tech you get with the car as standard should certainly make it a tempting buy, and all the app integration and phone connectivity draws me in. I can see it s going to be difficult for its rivals to beat it. THE LATEST VERSION of the goes on sale in October, and will be priced from 15,295 to 23,520. It s smaller and lighter than the model it replaces, and yet it features increased interior space and a much better quality interior, and all for a lower price. It s also the first Vauxhall model to get the new OnStar in-car connectivity system as standard. However, it ll need to be a big improvement over the previous Astra if it s to compete against its hatchback rivals, such as the Ford Focus and VW Golf. We invited What Car? readers along for their verdicts. If you d like to be part of a future reader test team, or have a question about a specific upcoming car, us at with your details. IAN HIRST Age 25 Job Mechanic Drives I ve been familiar with Astras for a long time and I can see a huge leap forward with this new generation. What I like about it is the fact that you can see influences from the previous versions, but there are more sharp angles in the design than in the Mk6, which is a very rounded shape. I m very impressed with the new car s styling. It takes the best bits from the older models and puts them all into this one neat package. Inside the car, the increase in space is very noticeable. I like the driver s seat to be set quite far back, and when I put it in a Ian is impressed by the increase in space, especially in the rear seats position that I m comfortable with, I am still able to sit in the rear easily. That s something I m not able to do in my current Mk5 Astra. There s a big step up in quality; the plastics used for the dashboard are much improved, and I d say it gives the Volkswagen Golf a run for its money in terms of interior fittings. SRi trim seems like a good choice, and I m sure it will be a popular one. However I would be tempted to upgrade to the range-topping Elite to get a few luxuries, like the leather interior and heated rear seats. The Astra s new technology and greater efficiency impresses readers SUKHDEV SEMBI Age 48 Job Operations manager Drives Vauxhall Corsa I currently own a Corsa, which I m very pleased with, but I need something bigger. The Astra looks like it s the answer. I cover around 35,000 miles a year, so I need a car that will be good for frequent long journeys, and the Astra has a really comfortable driving position that allows me plenty of adjustment. I would choose a diesel, and I d probably go for the 1.6 Ecoflex engine that comes out in January I m quite sure this car would cope with those big trips. The OnStar system is a fantastic addition and I m sure The driving position drew particular praise from Sukhdev other manufacturers will be taking up similar systems as well. It s a great safety feature; the more people get to know about it, the more they ll be interested in it. I m struggling to fault the car as an overall package. I ve had experience of the sixth-generation Astra and I wasn t a big fan of its looks, but this seems much better and its distinctive lines really help it cut a sporty shape. It s up to the same level as its class-leading rivals in this segment, and it ticks all the boxes for me. The Mk8 will have a tough act to follow.

6 vs vs OUR VERDICT CDTi 136 Tech Line Triple test STATS, SPECS AND RATINGS 1.6 CDTi 136 Tech Line List price 18,880 Measurements Internal figures in bold are best in test Dimensions in cm Space litres For Strong performance; good to drive; lots of infotainment kit; smart cabin; practical by class standards Against Engine refinement; overly light steering; no lumbar support Verdict At this price point, diesel hatchbacks don t get any better TDI 110 SE Business 3 The Astra is easily the best car Vauxhall has produced in the past decade 1.5 TDCi 120 Zetec Turning circle(m) Economy True MPG 55.1mpg Average (Govt) 76.3mpg Tank 48 litres Emissions 99g/km, Euro 6 Safety Euro NCAP crash rating Not tested Engine and performance Size 1598cc, 4cyl diesel Peak power 134bhp@3500rpm Peak torque 236Ib ft@2000rpm 0-60mph 8.7 sec Top speed 127 mph For Class-leading space; lots of kit; high-quality cabin Against Performance; contract hire rates; gearshift Verdict Not the best Octavia, but still a fine choice THE NEW ASTRA is hugely important for Vauxhall and happily it doesn t disappoint. It s easily the best car the company has produced in the past decade, and it deservedly (if only narrowly) beats the in this match-up. True, it isn t as big as its Czech rival nor as classy inside, but it still impresses on both fronts while being faster, more fun to drive and cheaper to run as a company car particularly if you re leasing. It must be said that there are better versions of the Octavia, so the Astra has more work ahead of it before it can be considered the overall class leader. However, at this price point, and among diesel hatchbacks, the Vauxhall is without equal, and only a few fixable flaws (a slightly firm ride, overly light steering and the absence of rear parking sensors and adjustable lumbar support from the equipment list) stand between it and our hallowed five-star rating. We hope we can recommend the rest of the Astra range as highly as we can this model. The Focus is left languishing For Great to drive; most refined; big discounts Against Cramped, cheap-feeling interior; not much kit Verdict Not rounded enough to challenge here in last place. It s undeniably a very fine thing to drive, balancing fun handling against a comfortable ride better than any of its rivals here. It s also relatively refined and, if you re buying privately, is available with some very attractive discounts. Sadly, the Ford is badly let down by its cramped rear seats, comparatively pokey boot and low-rent interior. It s also the least generously equipped, and the only one of the three that doesn t come with sat-nav as standard. Performance figures Acceleration 30-70mph through the gears Weather conditions Dry 8.8sec 30 50mph in 3rd/4th/5th/6th (sec) mph in 3rd/4th/5th/6th (sec) Braking 30 0mph/70 0mph Buying 8.2m 44.9m Website Car pictured 1.6 CDTi 136 SRi Nav in Power Red paint with optional Intellilux LED Matrix headlights ( 995); parking pack ( 595); and electronic climate control ( 395) OVERALL VERDICT Performance Ride & handling Behind the wheel Infotainment systems Quality & reliability Equipment Safety & security Refinement Space & practicality Buying & owning

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WINNERS SKODA S AWARD. More cars u Bigger tests u Data and advice. The best value in their class

WINNERS SKODA S AWARD. More cars u Bigger tests u Data and advice. The best value in their class More cars u Bigger tests u Data and advice Britain s biggest and best car buyer s guide Reprinted from Awards SKODA S AWARD WINNERS The Skoda Octavia takes the Family Car prize, while the Skoda Superb