VAUXHALL ASTRA

FROM £600 Steep depreciation means the Astra offers a lot of car for a used budget

THE Vauxhall Astra, Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf have ruled the hatchback class for two decades. In that time, value for money, a huge dealer network and elaborate marketing campaigns have made the Astra a household name.

Its immense popularity means prices have been driven down, and the Astra is one of the biggest second-hand bargains around. Previous-generation Mk6 Astras are readily available for less than the cost of a deposit on a new car, while even the latest version can now be had for city car prices.

History

ACROSS the generations, the Astra has been available as a three and five-door hatch, a coupé, a practical estate and as a folding hard-top convertible. All have their own merits, with the three-door Astra Sport Hatch and later GTC models being particularly attractive, if not as well-suited to family life.

A baffling array of engines and trims have been offered over the years, but the 1.6-litre petrol and 1.7-litre diesel engines were stalwarts of the Mk5 and Mk6 Astra, while SRi trim has always added a sporting flavour, with nicer wheels and handling upgrades.

All-new underpinnings revitalised the Astra in Mk7 form, to the extent it clinched the 2015 European Car of the Year Award. Handling improved and turbocharging became prevalent, with the 1.4-litre up to 124bhp.

Which one?

THE Mk5 three-door Sport Hatch is handsome and the 1.6-litre petrol is sprightly and easy to maintain. Step up to a Mk6 and the 1.6litre ‘whisper’ diesel is economical, while the twin-turbo 2.0-litre diesel is surprisingly potent. A 1.4-litre turbo petrol makes the most sense in the Mk7, offering reasonable power and running costs. Trim levels can be confusing, but SE is a good starting point, while SRi is sporty and Elite is luxurious.

Alternatives include the Focus and Golf, while the SEAT Leon has a bit more flair and the Kia Cee’d is a reliable choice.

Verdict

TWO negatives of the new Astra – namely sharp depreciation and their sheer numbers – work in favour of the second-hand shopper. There are few such talented cars available for bargain-basement prices.