2019 Vauxhall Astra Hatchback 1.5L Turbo D Start&Stop 9AT FWD (122 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Four years after the car’s launch and two after the company’s takeover by the French group PSA, Vauxhall refreshed the Astra K lineup, adding more technology to a car that was already famous.

The Astra nameplate was well-known in UK. According to Vauxhall’s studies, a quarter of the British drivers either had one or drove one in their life. It was one of the most popular cars in the country, and the automaker tried to convince customers that despite losing its link with General Motors, it was still worth it. Besides, the car’s design was praised, and the 0.26 drag coefficient was one of the best on the market. Along with the refreshed version, the automaker improved the car’s engines and onboard technology.

At the front, the car could be equipped with new IntelliLux headlights that could alter the number of LEDs lit to avoid blinding drivers from the oncoming traffic. In addition, the forward-mounted cameras could read traffic signs and road lines. It could also detect obstacles and warn drivers. The sharp-looking front fascia featured a new grille adorned by a 3D mesh design. On the lower bumper, the available LED fog lamps were housed by the side scoops that flanked the air center air intake.

With a sporty-looking profile, the Astra K, as enthusiasts knew this car, sported an ascending beltline and a floating roof design emphasized by a black decoration on the C-post. A chromed trim adorned the upper side of the window line, while the lower one was black. Also, the B-post was black to create a coupe-like shape for the car. The company’s new owner kept the same sculptured door panels even if these were more expensive to produce than the flat ones. Finally, at the back, the raked-forward tailgate featured a roof spoiler mounted on the upper side of the rear window. The stretched taillights extended from the quarter panel onto the metallic part of the tailgate looked sharp and echoed the headlights’ design. Lower, on the bumper, the automaker completely concealed the tailpipes.

Inside, customers could find the same comfortable front seats developed with the German Institute for Back’s Health. Between them, the automaker installed a wider center console that housed the gear stick, a storage tray, and the armrest. Vauxhall installed an open storage compartment on the center stack underneath the stereo. Fortunately, the Astra didn’t have as many buttons as its predecessor, the Astra J. Instead, it had a new infotainment unit mounted atop the center stack, which included navigation and integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also benefited from the OnStar communication system that provided assistance to drivers. In the back, the bench seat could host three passengers on short trips.

Under the hood, Vauxhall installed punchier engines, some of them being carried over from Peugeot-Citroen. The 1.0-liter turbocharged powerplant was history and replaced by a 1.2-liter unit. In addition, a 1.5-liter inline-four turbo diesel promised customers an excellent fuel efficiency.