Vauxhall Astra Expression 1.6

Things have been quiet at Hired Review, and I can only apologise for that. Unfortunately, in order to write a review I need to have something to write about. The recent steady stream of Vauxhall Astras sent my way have consecutively failed to raise any inspiration in me. Having covered the basics here, and here, the extended use of this much-loved model has given me more time to consider some of the wider aspects of Vauxhall’s venerable Astra.

Lining up at the start line

 A mild facelift has seen the introduction of some new lights front and rear which bring the Astra in line with the rest of the Vauxhall range. Although the change are minimal the new look is neater; though little else has changed. The interior remains the same. This means the stereo is still incomprehensible with a wide array of buttons that appear not to do anything. The door cards have a hideous crease above the door handles and the base of the windscreen remains a long way from the steering wheel. Oh, and the wipers are more suited to a bus than a car. But the seats are comfortable and there are plenty of practical cubby holes. The boot is ample and access and comfort in the rear is more than satisfactory. In other words the Astra is a thoroughly effective family car.

Familiar & inoffensive rear

It is on the move that I find the Astra harder to live with. Fitted here with a naturally aspirated 1.6 petrol engine producing 115bhp the Astra is no slouch. The problem is more with the way in which the speed is delivered. I have thought for some time now that the feeling of speed is relative. 70mph can feel monumentally different depending on the car you’re travelling in. I don’t think there are any fixed constraints to measure this feeling; but the feeling can certainly be measured. The Astra is relatively quick with a seamless power delivery. Yet the engine tone is dull despite the motor being capable across the rev range. Furthermore a combination of numb steering and cosseted cabin means it never fells quick. On a clear, open A road I drove as felt appropriate but soon realised I had to keep an eye on the speedo for the car was more than capable of reaching excessive speeds without any drama whatsoever. I’ve been in cars with twice the power that had a much more exaggerated feeling of speed despite, in reality, requiring significantly less effort to reach those speeds. It really is odd and unfortunately it greatly affects the driving experience. It compounds my feeling that more important than outright pace is the way the car interacts with the driver. For me, that means feeling part of the driving experience; rolling up my sleeves and getting down and dirty with the engine, suspension and chassis to come out of the next corner alive. It's an exhilarating experience which makes you feel alive. But it doesn’t require a Ferrari. I’ve blown the trumpet of the Fiesta over and over again, but it really does demonstrate how a very sensible ordinary car can be an absolute hoot to drive. The Astra is devoid of any such thrills in the name of moving people from A to B with minimal fuss.

The wheels; more important than you'd think

Regular readers may have noticed I’m quite a fan of in-car gadgets too. The particular Astra sits low on the Vauxhall tree and offers only cruise control by way of gadgetry. Whilst this is saddening I did discover a positive; perhaps where you’d least expect it. You see, as you climb above the Expression you trade your hideous 16” steel wheels for either 17” or 18” alloy wheels. We’re told this is a good thing as it improves the aesthetics and the driving experience. But does it really? Yes, they do look better (until they’re covered in scratches) but they certainly don’t improve the driving experience. Let me explain. I drove the car down some rural roads which, as is usual, have many undulations, pot holes and changes in surface. The smaller wheels, and bigger tyres, coped amicably better with these demands. They soak up the bumps much more succinctly giving you, the driver, one less thing to distract you from the task at hand. Not only that, but your back suffers less interference as well. Car designers remain obsessed by big wheels and small tyres and whilst they do look good in the showroom, be warned that there is a price to pay out on the tarmac (and financially).

No fuss; no sweat; no joy?

To summarise, the Vauxhall Astra then is a car built with a clear purpose and aim. It is a car in perhaps the purest sense in 2014. I’m not able to complain or moan about anything major. The car doesn’t do anything wrong (unlike its woeful predecessor) but, by the same token, it doesn’t do anything right either. It is a simple means of escaping the depressing proposition of catching a bus but it certainly isn’t the anything close to driving pleasure.