2004 Vauxhall Astra SXi 1.6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Pretty ordinary, but still bags of fun

Faults:

Had the Astra 4 months now - touch wood, it's all still good!

General Comments:

This is the 3rd Vauxhall I've owned now, having had a Vectra, Corsa and now the Astra.

This model is one of the last of the old shape Astras - and as such, came on a great deal! 3 months old when I bought it and it was £4000 below list price - and from a Vauxhall dealer!

The Vectra I owned was a 1.6i (sluggish in a big car) the Corsa was a 1.2 (too buzzy on the motorway) I now feel the Astra is just the right balance - it zips around great in town, but is also pretty lively on the motorway.

The SXi was slightly tweaked as part of the Astra facelift not so long ago and that gave this model different alloys to previous SXi, body colour handles and blackened lights - all go to make it look that bit more sporty.

It's also got the Twinport engine (means nothing to me) but it averages around 35mpg with over 40mpg no problem on a motorway run.

Interior a little dull, brightened only by some silvery touches (a friend's got as LS and that does look realllly drab inside)

It handles very well and feels really solid on its 205 tyres (can anyone tell me what they're gonna cost to replace?)

Like I say - this is my 3rd Vauxhall, which is testament to the brand. I've very pleased with this one and am likely to choose Vauxhall again!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th November, 2004

28th Nov 2004, 12:32

Just had my Astra in for a service and got some dealer prices for tyres. I have a coupe, but I should imagine the tyres are similar to your SXi. Michelin were £111 each with other brands coming in at £90 - £105. There are always cheaper options than the dealer though.

10th Jan 2005, 05:57

205/50/R16 Just bought some Nankangs NS2 (directional tread) from mytyres.co.uk. £41 each including delivery. They do all brands from budget to the most expensive branded. Take them to a fitter near you listed on their website, and they will remove/dispose old, fit and balance new for around £10 each tyre. Nankang are not the highest quality tyre, but so much cheaper than if I'd turned up to Kwik-fit or similar.

2004 Vauxhall Astra SRi 2.2 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Very good overall

Faults:

Nothing so far.

General Comments:

This is a very good Astra. The engine pulls from low down the rev range and right up to 6500rpm. The main fault with the car is the gearing in fifth. Although it can pull very nicely in fifth from 50 to 135mph it is too low geared and as a result is quite noisy cruising as 85mph. 6 gears would make this car very impressive. The handling and road holding are very good with plenty of grip and feel in the corners. The overall built quality is good, with not rattles and chunky feeling dials and switches. For a 2.2 engine it can return 30 - 35 mpg with a mixed style of driving, which is not too bad.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th September, 2004

21st Mar 2005, 16:59

Sounds good! I am looking at getting a 2.2 Sri. One thing I can't seem to find out is; do they come with interior sensors for the alarm and the fuel computer? And all the interior lights I. E glove box light, map reading lights, and rear interior lights.?

I know the older ones did. Would be great if it had these!

10th Jul 2006, 15:43

Go for the 1.9 CDTI avoid petrol and go for diesel for great torque.

18th Jun 2011, 10:59

Stick with the 2.2 petrol, it has a timing chain not a rubber band turning the camshafts.