Newly launched, the Astra competes in territory which has hitherto been covered with Ford’s Focus and also the VOLKSWAGEN Golf; GM Europe’s engineers knew that to make a genuine impression it must be something very special.
They appear to have achieved their objective – the vehicle very good indeed, to represent a quantum step forward from its predecessor.
Adaptive suspension (a choice, rarther than standard fit) and new engines lead the technical story, and crisp styling both inside and out lead the marketing pitch. Handling is great even about the entry-level model, and also the flagship 2.0 turbo is shiny and sharp.
