Drum Magazine Issue 4 | Page 47

Drum: WHEELS 45 Vauxhall Astra 2.0i 16v Turbo Max Speed: Torque: Fuel Economy: 136 mph, 0-60 in 7.9 seconds 250 Nm at 1950 rpm 22.1 mpg urban; 41.5 mpg extra urban; 31.4 mpg combined The Astra Returns to Form ’ve got good memories of Vauxhall. It’s the first car I knew my father to have, and my grandfather too, God bless his soul. I used to drive his by sitting on his knees. On the inside, the attraction remains the same, all cosy up front with smart ergonomics and an integrated Idrive information system all wrapped in a solid dashboard. The graphic equaliser is a treat, combined with an MP3 player that can all be used So it was with great anticipation without the need for Bill Gates that I awaited Vauxhall’s Astra hanging off your shoulder. Sport Turbo. When it arrived, I was told ‘watch the alloys’ and I did, On the road, your body is held in very nice they are too, as is the place by well padded and very comwhole car in the looks department. fortable leather sports seats. Even back seat passengers are kept in place, If Vauxhall wanted individuality in with adequate head and legroom. shape, they have done so with this one. The whole shape oozes beauty As you press on, the ride is a little and presence as it sits on those big less composed, and the car is prone 18’’ alloys. My only gripe is that to float. This can be adjusted by with the rear view, trying to reverse pressing a ‘sport button’ mounted can be awkward, but it adds to the on the dashboard, this helped to attractiveness in the grand tickle the steering, stiffen the suspscheme of things. ension, and sharpen the throttle’s response. You notice immediately the change in the Astra’s behaviour and its new sense of urgency. I More important is the car’s power delivery with Vauxhall’s engineers doing a grand job of keeping the turbo’s torque at bay while delivering an effortless stream of power. It comes on song without any drama; just smooth and progressive. I just wanted to push it harder, and on a late night dash in the pursuit of pleasure, was made all the more excited by the attractive looking yet purposefully built three dimensional head lights, giving me brilliant vision towards my place of sanctuary. I’ve never really been taken by Vauxhall’s Astra before, but I was looking forward to this new, masculine and sexy sports hatch, and I’m impressed the Astra is now back amongst the bunch of top rides. So excuse me, while I go salivating in anticipation of a new VXR.