2002 Vauxhall Astra SXi 1.8 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

An excellent performer apart from the rear brakes.

Faults:

Front passenger seat trim missing from around seat belt anchorage. The dealership could not understand how the car passed pre-delivery inspection. This trim was ordered and fitted 7 days later- free of charge.

Rear disc brakes are making a low frequency rubbing noise when driving forward and cornering at low to moderate speeds without application of the brakes. The sound also appears to be louder when reversing. Firstly at a mileage of 155 the dealer adjusted the hand brake cable and stated that the handbrake return springs need replacing, as this was a fix available from the manufacturer. Only problem is that the springs are not available yet. This noise was still apparent and at 205 miles I took the car back to the dealer. They placed the car on the ramps inspected the rear brakes, then removed the disk pads to groove and feather them. This cured the noise temporarily, but it returned 50 miles later. The car was returned to dealer at 439 miles and they stated that new return springs were on order. The car has now completed 900 miles and the noise is still there, I am still waiting to have the new springs fitted.

General Comments:

The car is an excellent runner with high performance and low insurance.

The road handling is excellent, and the Michelin tyres on the 16inch alloys give it a very crisp and responsive feel. It is very sure-footed even on wet roads.

The interior is very comfortable and fairly appealing to the eye.

Does any body else have brake problems with the rear disc brakes? is there a permanent fix yet!.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th August, 2002

31st Aug 2002, 03:52

I have just taken ownership of my new SXI. It is only a 1.6 16V, but I think it is a fantastic car. I have driven a wide number of cars in this are including the Vectra, Focus, Civic etc and I still think the Astra is one of the most enjoyable drives yet.

While it may not be a Mercedes Benz inside I still think that it has an appealing interior which is very comfortable. I find that the support from the drivers seat is fantastic and with the audio controls being so close at hand it just adds to my driving enjoyment.

As for the breaking noise from the rear disc's, I am not sure about this one. I have disc's front and drums rear. This, if anything, is the only disappointing part of the whole car to me.

I have also recently upgraded my stereo, as the standard tape unit is not the best. It is worth considering what type of head unit you are going to buy if you want to do this. I purchased a SONY head unit, which has a remote feed. I special wiring cable (additional purchase) has now allowed me to use the steering wheel remotes through the head unit.

Overall, I think that the ASTRA M4 is a great car and one that you would be hard pushed to beat on value for money and driver satisfaction.

2002 Vauxhall Astra SRi Turbo 2.0 16v turbo from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A great hot-hatch for an exceptional price

Faults:

I have been back to complain about just one problem in the short time I have had the car. The rear brakes bind at crawling speed and I was very surprised to hear the owner of the dealership where I purchased the car had exactly the same gripe. I was more surprised to learn that Vauxhall had already developed a modification for the brakes even before I had chance to complain. However, these parts are yet to be fitted due to lack of availability.

General Comments:

After owning a 2.0 Sri for 3 years, I was keen to get a Turbo model as soon as possible. Due to the low production run and high demand, I had no choice, but to buy new and I am currently very pleased with my purchase.

Equipment level has been increased slightly from the 2.0 and 2.2 models, I now have Electronic Stability Programme, Cruise Control, Fuel Computer and Check Warning System. Interior is only available in a light grey which is pleasing to the eye, the seats give plenty of support, but are maybe a little too firm. Dials have been edged in aluminium effect plastic and the centre console is now grey.

The performance, especially around the 2000-3000rpm mark, in 2nd and 3rd gear the car is VERY fast. I do find though that the acceleration drops off a little after then, in 5th gear at around 4000rpm, the engine seems only as good as my old 2.0 litre was. The 0-60 time I can vouch for, but I wouldn't like to say how long it would take from 100mph up to the claimed 152mph.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th July, 2002

11th Feb 2006, 11:48

I can believe the 0-60 in 6.6 seconds bit, but NO car that does 0-60 in that time can go on to hit a ton from a standing start in sub 14 seconds!! 17.3 seconds, maybe, but not 13.7.

20th Feb 2006, 13:32

Clio 182 does 0-100 in 17.3, this is 13.7,1/4 mile is 14.5 standard.