Introduction
A diesel estate is hardly something that is going to get the heart racing, but for those wanting a sensible and practical family car – the Astra Sport Tourer makes for a compelling choice.
Based on the latest seventh-generation Astra, the car has a good starting point to go from with a range of quality engines, but with the added benefit of that extra functionality.
The Astra has long been near the top of the sales charts, but this latest model is a leap forward. It’s 200kg lighter than the car it replaces, while the interior design is far more modern. It’s not too much different to the hatchback, either, with some new chrome styling and extra bodywork above the rear axle being the few differences.
Performance
Vauxhall offers several petrol engines on the Astra, but providing you do enough miles to justify one, the diesel is the better option. The unit is a 1.6-litre ‘Whisper’ diesel and suits the Astra to a tee with its smooth power delivery and remarkable refinement. Only a minor clatter when it first starts gives away that it’s a diesel.
It can accelerate from 0-60mph in 9.3 seconds, and with plenty of mid-range torque, it’ll easily keep up with traffic.
On the petrol front there’s the choice of the three-cylinder 1.0-litre, a brace of 1.4-litre turbos and a powerful 197bhp 1.6-litre.
Ride and handling
You don’t expect a low-powered 1.6-litre diesel estate to be decent to drive, so it came as a surprise to see just how capable the Astra ST was behind the wheel.
It’s particularly well-balanced, with minimal body roll while it’s also comfortable on most surfaces. But it’s on the motorway where it excels, with a relaxed sixth gear and good refinement. The ride is a touch firm around town, though, and the overly-light steering prevents the Astra Sports Tourer from being more entertaining in the corners.
Unlike rivals such as Ford, Seat and Volkswagen, Vauxhall doesn’t offer a sporting version of its Astra estate, meaning you’ll have to turn to a rival if you crave a mid-size hot estate.
Enquire Now on a Vauxhall AstraInterior and equipment
The Astra’s interior is not as large as rivals, and while this is a benefit when it comes to parking, it misses out on key practicality, with its 540-litre boot being some way off that of the Volkswagen Golf Estate’s 605-litre load space.
There’ll be no complaints from rear passengers, though, with plenty of space for adults. The interior design of the estate is inoffensive and the touchscreen simple to use, while everything feels logically placed.
Our top-spec Elite Nav car came with cruise control, climate control, leather upholstery, and an eight-inch infotainment display, although features such as LED headlights were optional extras.
Cost
Our top spec Astra ST Elite Nav weighed in at nearly £30,000 although cheaper trim models are just as well-equipped, the model starts from £19,600. This would also leave plenty of change to choose some select optional extras, too.
The 1.6-litre diesel we tried is particularly efficient, with a claimed consumption figure of 72.4mpg an low CO2 emissions of 104g/km.
Verdict
The Astra might be seen as a generic choice by many, but it deserves far more credit than that. It’s good to drive, reasonably well-equipped and the 1.6-litre engine is a particular highlight. It’s hardly exciting, but if you’re considering a Volkswagen Golf or Ford Focus Estate, it’s well worth popping your head into a Vauxhall showroom and looking at the Astra Sports Tourer.
Test drive a new Vauxhall Astra