Skip advert
Advertisement

2016 Vauxhall Astra review – new Astra is best yet, but can it excite? - Design

With an excellent engine and an outstanding ride the new Astra has some great attributes, but sadly it isn’t a drivers’ car

Evo rating
RRP
from £15,295
  • Great engine, unexpectedly fast and feels well built
  • Overall, just not very exciting

Design 

As with the dynamics, the outside isn’t very thrilling. It’s not ugly, but it’s also not especially good looking – it’s safe.

It’s distinctly an Astra too. In isolation, it convinces you it’s not that dissimilar to the old model in the way it looks. But spot the two together and the new Astra does look markedly different. Not better or worse, just different. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Four hyper hatches for two-thirds less than the new £92k Audi RS3 Competition
Used hyper hatches
News

Four hyper hatches for two-thirds less than the new £92k Audi RS3 Competition

Whatever happened to accessible hot hatchbacks? Nevermind the £92k Audi RS3 Competition, buy these instead
19 Mar 2026
Peugeot’s new petrol engine swaps belts for chains to improve reliability
Peugeot Turbo 100
News

Peugeot’s new petrol engine swaps belts for chains to improve reliability

New engine isn’t performance-oriented but does address some reliability issues around so-called ‘wet belts’, swapping them out altogether for chains
16 Mar 2026
Car makers are U-turning on EVs but car buyers are going to pay the price
Plug-in hybrid Lamborghini
Opinion

Car makers are U-turning on EVs but car buyers are going to pay the price

While the combustion engines we love have a stay of execution, the future won't be all sunshine and rainbows for car enthusiasts
17 Mar 2026