2003 Vauxhall Astra SX i 1.6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Very nippy for engine size and price. Handling beats most rivals, but should have more toys

Faults:

Fuel gauge started to stick after 5000 miles - new instrument panel fitted at 1st service.

Mysterious white powder started to appear on drivers side door near handle every other day. Dealer polished the trim at 1st service and powder so far has'nt come back.

General Comments:

This car is very quick for a 1.6 (K&N Filter makes a massive difference) as well as the Irmscher Double Exhaust and Spoiler.

Corners beautifully due to sports suspension, although Pirelli P6000's are getting ready for a change soon!

Plain (or dull as most say) but hard wearing interior.

Sxi Package is quite good - electric windows, remote central locking, power steering bla bla bla, but would be nice to have ABS as standard, although the brakes are well balanced and firm.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th March, 2004

30th Oct 2005, 02:02

Hey folks, I got me an Astra 1600 SXI 8 months ago; it's my first car and I love it. Not so great with a couple of people in, but fantastic with just yourself. It really surprised me how well it corners; far better than other cars I've driven (Prelude, Clio and 206), no roll at all, and slides very well. Nippy too, and also has a very good driving position.

2003 Vauxhall Astra GSi 2.0 turbo from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Amazing car for the money

Faults:

Nothing to date.

General Comments:

Excellent car which beats my old Astra Coupe SE2 on looks and performance.

A little lacking low down below 2000 but it doesn't take long to get above it and it really flies when you want to push it.

Handling and steering are in a different league to the last Astra - same size wheels and tyres, but so much better.

Much better than the SRi Turbo I tested - faster, smoother and better to look at both inside and out.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th January, 2004

17th Feb 2007, 04:38

Yeah, but the sri turbo doesn't come in arden blue... enough said!

22nd Feb 2007, 06:03

Where can you get arden blue paint from?as I have an asta in black and would love it sprayed in that colour!

23rd Feb 2007, 01:04

Try vauxhall garage..

2003 Vauxhall Astra SXI CDTI 1.7 CDTI from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Reliable, safe and economical

Faults:

Seat Belt pre-tensioner didn't work. New one ordered.

Emissions light kept coming on, new EGU valve ordered.

Deep squeal from brakes and the turbo seems to have stopped working, will talk to dealer about this when I get above parts fitted.

General Comments:

Handles very well in wet, no dry ground to test it on currently.

Good sound system, very loud.

Irmsher kit looks great, very expensive, but adds to the sporty exterior.

I.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th January, 2004

2003 Vauxhall Astra SXi 16v 1.8i 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

I like my Astra, but it doesn't excel in any particular area

Faults:

Got the car on 1st May 2003 as a company lease car. Now has 23K on the clock (24/12/03).

At about 18K miles there was a rattling sound coming from the radio when I switched the ignition on. Dealer blamed the hands-free phone kit, which was replaced by Vodafone, but the rattling still occurring. Awaiting replacement CD/radio under warranty.

Also a loud howling sound occurs sometimes when starting the car, and can persist when driving, especially when cold. Dealer has replaced cambelt rollers and tensioner under warranty, but I have heard a slight indication that the noise is returning the day after this work was done.

General Comments:

Nice car, doesn't handle as well as my Focus Zetec TD estate though.

Well equipped and quite fast though the engine needs to be revved hard to get best performance (16 valve).

Build quality lower than Focus.

I am likely to be doing about 100K miles in this car during the 2.5 - 3.0 years it will be with me so we'll see how reliable it will be.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th December, 2003

17th Jul 2004, 11:18

Now has 43,000 miles @ 13 months old.

Replacement CD player packed up within an hour. Took it back in and got a 2nd replacement which has been fine.

Front tyres lasted about 28,000 miles which I thought was good considering I am no saint behind the wheel.

Various squeaks and rattles coming from tailgate, noticeable when driving with parcel shelf removed. Passenger seat has rattled from new, when moved all the way back and unoccupied.

All in all, the car has been fine so far - no complaints from me.