written by AWG on 11/09/2004
Good Points
Amazing roadholding. Good build quality. Huge selection around.
Bad Points
Functional but bland interior.
General Comments
I intended to buy a Focus Estate and bought a Vauxhall Astra Mk 4 1.6 8V instead! Tried out a Focus Estate in Spain. Stylish interior but otherwise unimpressed. Tried a Mk 4 Astra Estate and bought it without hesitation. A 2001 Y plated 1.6. For an 8 valve unit this engine is very good indeed. Good pickup, smooth. Electronic PAS. Amazing steering and roadholding ability. Build quality way up on previous Astras owned in 1989 and 1997 respectively. Mine appears to be German built. Have measured the door gaps etc. - and it's properly made, wow! Load area just swallows up vast amounts of goods. 8 valve model easy to service oneself. Very cheap to insure. Excellent mpg. Interior and over-firmness of seats probably minus points. These Mk 4 Astras are everywhere, sometimes one after another on the average road, and I can understand why.