BEST USED COMPACT FAMILY HATCH VAUXHALL ASTRA Mk7
OUR PICK Vauxhall Astra 2015 (65) 1.6 CDTI 136 SRI Nav, 30,000 miles, £9,899
AS a new car, the latest Vauxhall Astra continues to mix it with the front-runners in the class, and it won the Best Compact Family Car crown at our New Car Awards in 2016. The British-built hatchback also makes an excellent second-hand buy, thanks to a ready supply that keeps prices at a temptingly low level.
But low prices aren’t the only reason why we’d recommend the Astra over rivals such as the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. The Vauxhall’s breadth of ability is wide, as it manages to be comfortable, a quiet cruiser and an enjoyable car to drive.
The composed chassis complements a set of strong and frugal petrol and diesel engines. There’s something for everyone, but the 134bhp 1.6 CDTI diesel is our choice thanks to its torquey power delivery and potential to return more than 70mpg.
It’s practical, too, with an impressive amount of leg and headroom for adults in the back and a sizeable 370-litre boot. Vauxhall has also put in some effort to improve quality, as the interior feels solidly constructed and looks classy. Given the example we’ve picked out is only a few years old, the interior should have worn well thanks to the robust and classy materials.
It’s the technology that stands out most, though. Lesser models still come with decent kit, but we’d go for SRI Nav spec, which features Vauxhall’s excellent Onstar system that adds a concierge service to download sat-nav destinations direct to your car. It can help track your vehicle if stolen and call the emergency services if you’ve had a crash, too. There’s even a Wifi hotspot available, while the eight-inch touchscreen is sharp and easy to use.
What’s more, the Astra is one of the safest cars in its class, with a five-star Euro NCAP rating, so buying used means you don’t have to sacrifice any cutting-edge kit.
“The Astra’s breadth of ability is wide, as it manages to be comfortable, a quiet cruiser and enjoyable to drive”