Summary
The Vauxhall Astra is a medium-sized five-door hatchback and estate. This model was launched in 2015 and was the seventh generation of the Astra model in the Vauxhall family. It received a facelift in the autumn of 2019, and ended production in 2021.
This Astra was the last model developed under Vauxhall’s previous GM ownership, with the all-new 2022 model being built on Stellantis underpinnings shared with the new Peugeot 308. It is built at Vauxhall’s plant in Ellesmere Port in Cheshire, which will also not be the case with the next model.
The Vauxhall Astra received mostly positive reviews from the UK motoring media. It was praised for being comfortable, practical and economical, although not as desirable as a Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf. The updates made as part of the mid-life update received praise, particularly its range of new engines.
An all-new Vauxhall Astra was unveiled in July 2021, which arrived in the UK in early 2022. Unlike the previous model, this is not built in Britain.
Reliability hasn’t been a strong point for the Astra of late. In the 2021 What Car? reliability survey, it was ranked second-to-last (23rd out of 24 cars) in the family car category. The previous year wasn’t much better, where it placed equal 19th out of 24 cars.
- Vauxhall Astra (2022 onwards) – Expert Rating
- More Vauxhall Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features
Key specifications
Body style: Five-door hatch and estate
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price when new: From £18,890 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2015
Last updated: Autumn 2019
Ended production: Autumn 2021
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual Elite Nav
“With new engines and more equipment, Vauxhall has done an impressive job with the mid-life refresh for the Astra and made it into a more appealing package.”
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Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Astra is easy to live with, offers a quality interior, has enough performance while majoring on ride comfort, and boasts competitive levels of equipment.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“It can’t quite match the Volkswagen Golf or Ford Focus as a complete package but the Vauxhall Astra is a capable, comfortable and efficient all-rounder nonetheless. There should be an Astra to suit most needs thanks to a wide range of trims, but even entry SE models are decently equipped.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7 / 10
“A quietly impressive car overall.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual 145 Elite Nav
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s a shame the cabin is the way it is for there is so much to otherwise recommend about the Vauxhall Astra otherwise. It’s good value, good to drive, and with impressive real-world performance and economy, and you can drive it happy in the knowledge you’re supporting UK manufacturing.”
Read review
Score: 8 / 10
“Vauxhall’s British-built hatchback is a contender once again.”
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Car
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel manual ecoFLEX
Score: 8 / 10
“The Astra might not have the desirability of the Golf – and really that’s its downfall – but it’s affordable, economical spacious and balances long-distance comfort with a surprising amount of back-road fun.”
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Model reviewed: Sports Tourer Estate 1.6-litre petrol Elite Nav
Score: 8 / 10
“The new Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer impressed us as much as the likeable hatchback did. This is a well thought-through wagon and one we think more buyers should consider before they plough drone-like into the next fashionable SUV or MPV.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual
Score: 9 / 10
“An updated range of engines and improved comfort and refinement have allowed the Vauxhall Astra to be brought back into line with new rivals. It’s perhaps not as well-rounded as the Ford Focus, but this mid-life update has done a sterling job of improving the Astra.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.2 / 10
“This Vauxhall Astra is the best yet. It combines efficient engines, an enjoyable driving experience and a stylish design to make it one of the best family hatchbacks on sale.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Sports Tourer estate range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer is a small estate car with a spacious cabin and a relatively big boot, but alternatives are more practical still and feel nicer inside.”
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Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 7 / 10
“The Vauxhall Astra is a sensible small family car that looks pretty stylish and is even quite good fun to drive, but alternatives are roomier and feel posher inside.”
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Daily Mail
Model reviewed: SRi Nav
Score: 6 / 10
“Surprisingly attractive, comfortable and likeable. It feels quick (ish), nimble (ish), with fuel economy verging on the inconceivable. The start of a new chapter for Vauxhall?” (Chris Evans)
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Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel automatic
Score: 6 / 10
“The new Vauxhall Astra might not be as sporty as the Ford Focus but that doesn’t matter to most drivers. It’s a better all-rounder and more comfortable. It goes to show that you can make little changes and still get a big improvement.”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel automatic Elite Nav
Score: 6 / 10
“The Vauxhall Astra – at least when fitted with the 1.5-litre diesel engine and nine-speed automatic transmission – doesn’t have much performance, the economy isn’t class-leading, the driving experience isn’t rewarding, and the overall package is only average.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Sports Tourer estate range
Score: 7 / 10
“If you want to be a big player in the car market you have to have a few essentials. One of those is a compact hatchback- a Volkswagen Golf or Ford Focus competitor essentially, and almost as important is that you have an estate spin-off of that car too.”
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Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 7 / 10
“The Vauxhall Astra is a good car with a bland image and forgettable styling. It’s much better than many give it credit for, particularly the latest versions. Use this as an opportunity to bag a bargain on the secondhand market and get an able, likeable car for thousands less than some of the alternatives.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“The new Astra is certainly much improved compared to the car it replaces, especially when it comes to the interior, while comfort levels are impressive. “
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Motors.co.uk
Score: 8 / 10
“The Vauxhall Astra has stylish looks, affordable pricing and is good to drive.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 7.6 / 10
“Astra gains cleaner engines – time to look at it again?”
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Model reviewed: Sports Tourer estate range
Score: 8 / 10
“Spacious Vauxhall Astra estate is a good all-rounder, but lacks badge appeal”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol manual SRi
Score: 4 / 10
“It was red and turbocharged and would be fine for anyone who needs four wheels and a place to sit down when moving about.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual Elite Nav
Score: 8 / 10
“With these new economical and powerful drivelines, chassis tweaks and connectivity improvements, the Vauxhall Astra is a fitting rival to the Focus and Golf even if it doesn’t show a clear lead.”
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Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel manual Tech Line
Score: 8 / 10
“The Vauxhall Astra is a solid performer that undercuts the VW Golf in price and serves as a tempting alternative to mainstream rivals with its blend of space, equipment and performance.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 6 / 10
“Not as far behind the Ford Focus as you might think. Vauxhall’s facelifted hatch is a very competent thing… but an all-new one lurks around the corner.”
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What Car?
Score: 8 / 10
“There’s a range of engine choices for the Sports Tourer, including petrol and diesel options, that offer competitive fuel economy, alongside CO2 emissions figures that will appeal to private and company car buyers alike.”
Read review
Score: 8 / 10
“The Vauxhall Astra is a well-rounded, good-value family hatch that offers plenty of room at an affordable price.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2015
Date expired: January 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 86%
Child protection: 84%
Vulnerable road users: 83%
Safety assist: 75%
Notes on safety rating
The Vauxhall Astra was awarded a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP back when this model was launched in 2015. However, this rating expired in January 2022 as the Astra no longer met the requirements for a five-star car. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.
However, if you are comparing a used Vauxhall Astra to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.
Eco rating
No eco rating
The Vauxhall Astra was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 916
Average repair cost: £584.92
Last updated: January 2024
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
As of February 2024, the Vauxhall Astra has a below-average reliability rating of 59%, according to warranty data provided exclusively to us by our commercial partner, MotorEasy. This score applies to both this generation Astra and also to (pre-2015) generations, which is good news if you are considering a used Vauxhall Astra.
Average repair bills for the Astra are reasonably inexpensive at just under £600, although this is still more than the price of a used car warranty so it’s worth considering.
Unfortunately, the most common problems for warranty claims are engine issues, which are also expensive with an average repair bill of nearly £1,100. Gearbox repairs are also expensive, averaging about £1,000.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Vauxhall Astra received
2020
- Carbuyer Awards – Best Used Car
2017
- What Car? Awards – Best Family Car
- Fleet News Awards – Best Lower Medium Car
2016
- European Car of the Year
- UK Car of the Year Awards – Best Small Hatch
- Auto Express Awards – Best Compact Family Car
- Carbuyer Best Car Awards – Best Family Car
- Car Tech Awards – Tech Car of the Year + Best Self-Parking System + Best Safety Innovation
- Autocar Awards – Game-Changer Award
- What Car? Awards – Best Buy Under £18,000
- Fleet News Awards – Best Lower Medium Car
- Telegraph Cars Awards – Best Estate Car
2015
- Golden Steering Wheel Awards – Best Compact Car
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Vauxhall Astra, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Alfa Romeo Giulietta | Citroën C4 | Fiat Tipo | Ford Focus | Honda Civic | Hyundai i30 | Kia Ceed | Mazda 3 | Peugeot 308 | Renault Mégane | SEAT Leon | Skoda Scala | Skoda Octavia | Suzuki Swace | Toyota Auris | Volkswagen Golf
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