Vauxhall Astra

consistently achieves high standards across the board. A standard hatchback, it can also be thought of as a coupe. The car is nothing out of the ordinary. This hassle-free, affordable used car is, for many, just enough.

With a large load space making it capable of carrying a lot more than you’d think, you wouldn’t be able to tell as you go about your business. The most esteemed part of the Astra is the fuel economy of the car.

To test its durability, Euro NCAP ran a frontal Offset Crash test on the Vauxhall Astra (2009) and received a 5-star rating based on its performance and protection in high-speed front and side crash tests.

Watch the Crash test video here.  

Child Safety

When riding the Astra, children less than 2 years of age should be facing the rear. After the age of three years, it is advised that children be forward-facing. This is to avoid the impact on the chest.

The Astra is a safe vehicle to drive. In a frontal impact crash, the driver receives good protection for their head, upper leg, and feet while only adequate protection for their left lower limbs and chest. The passenger receives all around good protection. In a side impact crash, protection is good except for the chest area. Comparatively, pedestrian protection is marginal, borderline poor.  

Maintenance & Repair Costs

Repairs made to the Astra will require normal quality parts. The great news is that these parts can be found at many dealers within the same price range and time commitment.

Service parts:                   £80 – £140             (MANN, German)

Oil filter, Oil, Air filter, Fuel filter, Pollen filter

We recommend Genuine or similar, such as Mann filters & Ford Genuine oil, for Ford.

Cam. Belt change:         £250 – £300   every 60,000mi

Cam belt kit:                    £70 – £90

Br. Disc & Pads ch.:       £130 – £250    (FRONT, Pagid, German)

Diagnostic:                       £40 – £120

Labour rates:

• Independent:            £45 – £125 / hour

• Main dealer:             £125 – £170 / hour

The Service & Repair process, however, may be time consuming and could require a well experienced mechanic and occasionally special tools.  

Safety Features:

ANTI-LOCK BRAKES

Anti-lock brakes, or ABS brakes, will automatically sense when a tire has abruptly stopped rotating and modulate the brake’s pressure to allow the tire to continue rotating safely. With ABS brakes, the vehicle is capable of turning while in brake mode.

STABILITY CONTROL

Stability control will sense when the vehicle has reached or exceeded its limit. It will reduce the engine power and/or apply the appropriate brakes. This feature helps prevent the driver from losing control of his or her vehicle.

FRONT, SIDE, AND OVERHEAD AIRBAGS

The vehicle is loaded with airbags for protection of its driver and passengers. Front airbags protect the head in a frontal crash. If the vehicle experiences a side collision or rollover, the side airbags protect the torso and the overhead airbags protect their heads.

PRETENSIONERS

Pre-tensioners on the seatbelt automatically tighten the seatbelt to secure the occupant and ensure minimal injury.

SEATBELT REMINDER

Pre-tensioners on the seatbelt automatically tighten the seatbelt to The seatbelt reminder monitors whether there is an occupant in the seat and communicates this information to the seat restraint system in the vehicle. If the seat belt is not buckled, it sends a reminder to remind the occupant to put the seatbelt on.

ANTI-WHIPLASH

In the event of a rear collision, anti-whiplash head restraints in the vehicle cradle the occupants head to minimize any whiplash injury.

SECURITY SYSTEM

The ignition disable device prevents the engine from starting without the original manufacturer’s key.