A bold new future for this familiar name

Eighth-gen Astra marks a major step forward, writes Matt Allan

The Vauxhall Astra has been a major name in the family hatchback segment for more than 40 years but has in recent years been overshadowed as rivals have been updated and modernised.

However, now it’s the Astra’s turn to embrace the future with this all-new eight generation.

Visually, the new car is a breath of fresh air, with its striking Vizor front end and slim LED headlights. It creates an instantly recognisable “face” for the car. Elsewhere, the rest of the exterior design is clean, simple and modern.

In line with the unfussy exterior styling, the interior has undergone a “visual detox”. That means Vauxhall has removed unnecessary or distracting elements while retaining physical controls for essential functions.

It’s a successful approach that creates an uncluttered but easy to use interior which balances physical switches with controls via the 10-inch touchscreen. Other elements are more of a mixed bag. Some materials have a high-quality look and feel but elsewhere the Astra lags behind more premium-feeling rivals.

The new car is wider but only fractionally longer than the old model, meaning passenger leg room is adequate rather than generous but the extra width makes it feel more spacious.

In 2023 we’ll get an allelectric Astra but from launch there is the option of a plug-in hybrid setup.

This uses a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine and 80kW motor. Initial models offer 178bhp and an official EV range of 43 miles, with a222bhp version arriving later this year.

Like many PHEVs, the Astra is reasonably rapid but the transitionfro mE V to petrol gets jerky under heavy throttle. A lighter right foot allows fora smooth er shift and makes the most of the responsive EV function. Official economy is 256mpg but on one 50-mile run, I averaged an impressive 120mpg.

Beside the P HE V, a 1.2 petrol with 108 or128bhp is joined by a 128 bhp diesel. All models come with a six-speed manual but an eight-speed auto is an option.

The more powerful petrol is a decent choice. Power is adequate rather than generous but it feels lively at lower speeds and pretty flexible.

The Astra has always lagged behind the Focus for driving experience and this new model is no different. Body control and grip are good and the steering is direct but utterly lacking in feel. If you want driver engagement look to the Focus or Mazda3.

However, the Astra has virtually every rival beaten for ride comfort and refinement, offering enviable composure over lumps and bumps and hugely impressive noise suppression.

As with any new model, the Astra squeezes in new technology, including the latest adaptive Intelli Lux LED headlights. An updated driver assistance suite brings collision mitigation and lane assistance but also adds semi-autonomous lane changing.

Prices start at £23,275 for a Design with the 108bhp petrol and all models feature alloy wheels, Pure Panel displays with twin 10-inch screens, wireless smartphone mirroring, auto-dipping LED lights and cruise control.

GS Line starts at £26,700 for the 128bhp petrol and adds most of the kit you’ll need, while Ultimate models start at £29,185.

The latest Astra’s ride comfort and refinement are among thebes tin class, and the new design is bold. However, it still occupies a middle ground elsewhere, blending in rather than standing out.