2001 Vauxhall Astra SXi 1.6 16v from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Excellent
Faults:
Nothing as yet.
General Comments:
This is a really nice car.
It is very economical and with insurance group 5 appeals to younger drivers who want a sporty looking car without the ridiculous insurance costs.
Don't be fooled into thinking it will compete with a GTi at the traffic lights because at 100bhp it won't. If you want to be doing that then get the 1.8 version with another 23bhp or an SRi.
The interior is tidy, but slightly dull, but the little extras such as steering wheel stereo controls and sports seats make up for it slightly. Plus theres always an abundance of interior styling parts available.
In terms of handling this car is great. The stiffer sports suspension means you can corner on rails. It also makes a lovely sound from 4000rpm on-wards. Fit an induction kit and it will sound even better.
The exterior styling is a lot nicer than the standard Mk4 Astra. Nice alloys from 2001 on-wards. The 3 door looks ten times better than the 5 door.
The only minus point I have found so far is that if you open the boot after it has been raining and you have a lot of water beading following waxing it, it will deposit a substantial amount of water into the boot at both sides.
In summery if you want a bit of a sporty car without the costs of a proper sports car then this a great buy.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 19th October, 2004
6th Jan 2009, 19:20
I think the Astra is a rubbish car and it does not handle well as standard. Let off the acceleration on a roundabout and your back end comes right round. That's the only thing I like, but that's not good handling.
The engine management comes on every couple of days.
It's the slowest thing I've had in ages. Had an Escort GTi before this, 115bhp, unbelievable difference.
19th Nov 2004, 08:02
Hi could'nt agree more with your comments, the SXi is an excellent car!
I have a 51 plate 1.8 three door which I purchased about a month ago. So far it has been superb! Like you said the handling is sublime and the car feels very well planted on the tarmac.
My only concern at this point is that I am nearing the dreaded 40,000 mile service where it seems the Cam Belt needs changing so I am being reasonably gentle with the car!
All in all superb though and the 1.8 certainly goes well and sounds great above 3500 rpm!