Used Vauxhall Astra cars for sale

First released in 1980, the Astra is renowned for its family practicality and all-round capabilities. The Vauxhall Astra is known as the Opal Astra in Europe, the Saturn Astra in North America and the Vauxhall Astra here in the UK. It's a compact family car and one of Vauxhall’s most recognisable models.

When Vauxhall first released the Astra, the model was available as a hatchback, saloon and estate. Since then, it has evolved over more than eight generations. Recent generations of the Vauxhall Astra are only issued in hatchback or estate body types. The Astra is a great option for drivers looking to balance both performance and family suitability. It rivals other models like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Fiesta and Honda Civic.

Still just as popular as it was in the eighties, the Astra won Business Car’s ‘Best Family Car’ award in 2023. In the same year the model also scooped Autocar’s ‘Game Changer’ award. The 'Game Changer' award is given to models which "defied the conventions of their class or set new standards for the rest of the industry to match."

Vauxhall Astra updates and facelifts

Vauxhall released the first generation of the Astra in 1980 and it was available with a wide selection of petrol and diesel engines. The entry-level unit was a 1.0-litre petrol engine, and the top-end option was a 1.8-litre engine. In the same year, the Vauxhall Astra was ranked second in the European Car of the Year awards.

The second generation of the Vauxhall Astra launched in 1984. It was available with the same engines as the Mk1 and came as either a hatchback, saloon or estate. The third generation launched in 1991 and was the first Vauxhall Astra to be available with a convertible roof. A facelift in 1995 introduced a range of Ecotech engines to the model.

The fourth generation of the Vauxhall Astra arrived in 1998. It replaced the model’s previous range of engines with Ecotech units. The entry-level engine option became the 1.2-litre petrol, with 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines also added.

Vauxhall launched the Mk5 Astra in 2004 as a three- or five-door hatchback or saloon. It was the first generation of the model to be available with a digital radio. Its facelift in 2007 revised the available engines, withdrawing the turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol unit. This facelift also launched a convertible body variant of the Mk5.

The sixth generation of the Vauxhall Astra launched in 2009. It came third in that year’s European Car of the Year awards. This generation was larger than the previous generations. It was available with a similar selection of powerful and efficient petrol and diesel engines. A facelift in 2012 added highly efficient CDTi engines to the model. The model's exterior styling was revised, and the cabin technology was also updated during this facelift.

The Mk7 Vauxhall Astra was released in 2016. This iteration of the model was smaller and lighter than the Mk6. It was also available with a smaller range of engines compared to the previous generation. A facelift in 2019 added subtle exterior changes to the front grille and bumpers.

The eighth generation of the Vauxhall Astra arrived in 2021 and was the first Vauxhall Astra to be available with a hybrid engine. This generation came with widespread style changes. More cabin technology was also included as standard.

Practicality and style of the car

The Vauxhall Astra is known for being a practical model. The vehicle’s dimensions mean that there’s lots of headroom throughout. The legroom in the back seats is well-suited for smaller passengers. Four adults can travel comfortably over shorter distances.

You’ll find handy storage slots around the cabin, including four deep door bins, a glovebox, and a container between the front seats. A fold-out section on the centre console is also featured to store your smartphone or other hand-held items. The Interior Versatility Pack is an option for the SRi, Tech Line and Design trims. This includes an additional storage tray located under the front passenger seat. All of these helpful storage solutions keep the cabin clear and clutter-free.

The Astra measures a length of 4,734mm, which makes it 90mm longer than the Volkswagen Golf. Its width of 1,860mm means the model is 65mm wider than the Volkswagen Golf and 16mm wider than the Ford Focus. This extended length and width helps the Vauxhall Astra offer plenty by way of boot space, with 422 litres on offer. This is larger than the 375 litres offered in the Ford Focus and 380 litres in the Volkswagen Golf. It's one of the largest spaces in its vehicle class. Fold the rear seats down to create 1,339 litres – enough for a large number of bags.

Models of the Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Estate manufactured between 2016 and 2021 offer 540 litres of space and an additional 1,630 litres with the rear bench down, folding in a 40/20/40 split.

The Vauxhall Astra is also a capable towing car. Entry-level engines like the 1.2-litre petrol unit are capable of towing a maximum braked capacity of up to 1,250kg.

Running costs

The Vauxhall Astra comes with reasonable running costs. Depending on the model, engine size, fuelling and transmission type you choose insurance groupings for the Astra will vary. Its insurance group range runs from 7 to 24, which is lower than the Volkswagen Golf’s 14 to 27 range.

The Vauxhall Astra’s annual road tax sits at £180, which is typical for this vehicle class. By comparison, the Volkswagen Golf’s road tax also comes to £180 per year.

How a used Vauxhall Astra drives

A range of different petrol, diesel and hybrid engines are available with a Vauxhall Astra. In the petrol lineup, the entry-level option is a 1.0-litre EcoFLEX engine that generates 103bhp. It can accelerate from 0-62mph in just over 10.5 seconds. It has a fuel economy of up to 64.2mpg.

There is a 1.2-litre petrol unit available that can be configured to produce either 109bhp or 129bhp. The former option goes from 0-62mph in 10.5 seconds while returning up to 54.3mpg. The latter also returns 54.3mpg while going from 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds. There is another version of the 1.2-litre engine that generates 144bhp. This engine goes from 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds while returning 54.3mpg.

There is also a 1.4-litre engine that is available in three power outputs: 98bhp, 123bhp and 147bhp. The 98bhp option goes from 0-62mph in around 12.6 seconds and returns up to 52.3mpg. The 123bhp option goes from 0-62mph in just over 8.6 seconds with up to 52.3mpg. The 147bhp unit gets to 62mph in around eight seconds and returns up to 51.4mpg.

In the diesel range, there is a 1.5-litre engine that outputs 103bhp, 120bhp or 130bhp depending on which variant your model comes with. The 103bhp unit goes from 0-62mph in just over 10.2 seconds and returns 65.7mpg. The 120bhp option gets to 62mph in around 10 seconds with up to 64.2mpg. The 130bhp option gets to 62mph in 9.7 seconds and returns up to 65.7mpg.

The 1.6-litre CDTi engine is available in four outputs. The 108bhp option accelerates to 62mph in around 11 seconds and returns up to 85.6mpg. The 136bhp option gets to 62mph in 10 seconds with up to 74.3mpg. The 160bhp option gets to 62mph in 8.1 seconds with 68.9mpg. This engine is also available in a turbocharged option, which gets it to 62mph in just over 7.3 seconds. It has an economy of up to 46.3mpg.

The Vauxhall Astra is also available with a plug-in hybrid option. The first option is a 178bhp unit, powered by a turbocharged 148bhp petrol engine. This goes from 0-62mph in 9.3 seconds. Its economy is quoted up to 200mpg. This same hybrid engine can also output 222bhp, taking it from 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds while returning up to 256mpg.

Engines and official MPG

Please refer to the table below for a comprehensive list of engines and their official MPG figures.

2009 - 2015

Engine	Official NEDC MPG
1.3 CDTi ecoFLEX	67.3–72.4 mpg
1.3 CDTi ecoFLEX (start/stop)	72.4   mpg
1.4	46.3–51.4 mpg
1.4 100	48.7–51.4 mpg
1.4 87	51.4 mpg
1.4 Turbo	46.3–47.9 mpg
1.6	43.5–45.6 mpg
1.6 Automatic	38.7–40.4 mpg
1.6 CDTi 110 ecoFLEX	70.6–78.5 mpg
1.6 CDTi 136 ecoFLEX	67.3–76.3 mpg
1.6 Turbo	41.5 mpg
1.7 CDTi	56.5 mpg
1.7 CDTi 110	60.1 mpg
1.7 CDTi 110 ecoFLEX	62.8–76.3 mpg
1.7 CDTi 125	61.4 mpg
1.7 CDTi 125 ecoFLEX	62.8–67.3 mpg
1.7 CDTi 130	60.1 mpg
1.7 CDTi 130 ecoFLEX	65.7–76.3 mpg
1.7 CDTi ecoFLEX	62.8 mpg
1.7 CDTi ecoFLEX 110	67.3 mpg
1.7 CDTi ecoFLEX 110 (start/stop)	76.3 mpg
1.7 CDTi ecoFLEX 125	62.8 mpg
1.7 CDTi ecoFLEX 130 (start/stop)	76.3 mpg
1.8	42.8 mpg
2.0 CDTi	57.6 mpg
2.0 CDTi (start/stop)	61.4 mpg
2.0 CDTi 165 ecoFLEX	62.8 mpg
2.0 CDTi 16V	57.6 mpg
2.0 CDTi Automatic	47.1–50.4 mpg
2.0 CDTi BiTurbo	55.4 mpg
2.0 CDTi ecoFLEX	61.4–62.8 mpg
2.0 CDTi ecoFLEX (start/stop)	62.8 mpg

2015 - 2022

Engine	Official NEDC MPG	Official WLTP MPG
1.0 Turbo	58.9–60.1 mpg	-
1.0i ecoFLEX	58.9–64.2 mpg	-
1.0i ecoFLEX Easytronic	64.2 mpg	-
1.2 Turbo 110	-	51.3–54.3 mpg
1.2 Turbo 130	-	51.3–54.3 mpg
1.2 Turbo 130 Automatic	-	50.4–50.5 mpg
1.2 Turbo 145	-	54.3 mpg
1.2 Turbo 145 Automatic	-	50.4 mpg
1.4 100	51.4–52.3 mpg	-
1.4 Turbo 125	48.7–52.3 mpg	47.9 mpg
1.4 Turbo 150	47.1–51.4 mpg	45.6–47.9 mpg
1.4 Turbo 150 Automatic	46.3–52.3 mpg	42.8 mpg
1.5 Turbo D 105	-	65.7 mpg
1.5 Turbo D 122	-	64.2 mpg
1.5 Turbo D 122 Automatic	-	56.5 mpg
1.5 Turbo D 130	-	64.2–65.7 mpg
1.5 Turbo D 130 Automatic	-	62.8 mpg
1.6 CDTi 110	67.3–85.6 mpg	-
1.6 CDTi 110 ecoFLEX	83.1–85.6 mpg	-
1.6 CDTi 136	61.4–74.3 mpg	58.9 mpg
1.6 CDTi 136 Automatic	58.9–64.2 mpg	-
1.6 CDTi 150	56.5–57.7 mpg	-
1.6 CDTi 160	68.9 mpg	-
1.6 Turbo 200	42.8–46.3 mpg	-

2022 - onwards

Engine	Official WLTP MPG
1.6 PHEV	256.0 mpg

Features you can expect in a Vauxhall Astra

Interior

The Vauxhall Astra is known for the practicality and design quality of its cabin. Many of the surfaces of the interior are soft-touch plastics. You’ll also find tactile chrome strips on the dashboard and multifunctional steering wheel, adding a welcome contrast. Choose the Ultimate trim and you’ll enjoy ergonomically designed front seats. These seats have electric adjustability and lumbar support.

In the driving seat, you’ll benefit from wrap-around cockpit design. It puts all the model’s key features at your fingertips. The Vauxhall Astra’s infotainment is provided through a ten-inch colour touchscreen on the centre console. This system runs on Vauxhall’s Pure Panel Pro system, providing clear graphics and fast loading. It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as voice recognition software. You’ll also find contrasting piano key buttons along the bottom of this screen. These can quickly take you to the system’s key features.

You’ll find another ten-inch display on the instrument cluster. This display features key information about your drive. Information includes your fuel and charge level, speed, driving mode and infotainment information.

Technology

To help keep you safe on the go, the Vauxhall Astra comes with the company’s PureSense safety kit as standard. This system comes with a lane keep assist system that also features a lane departure warning. There is speed sign recognition that lets you know of changes in the speed limit. A driver drowsiness alert is also featured which detects deviations in your driving. Additionally, an automatic emergency braking system is included. This can detect pedestrians and cyclists ahead of you, even in low-light conditions.

In 2016, Vauxhall introduced the innovative OnStar system. This was a personal onboard assistant on selected models. The OnStar system offered features like automatic crash response, 4G Wi-Fi Hotspot, a Smartphone App, vehicle diagnostics, and stolen vehicle assistance. Models manufactured between 2016 - 2020 include the Onstar system.

In 2020, VauxhallConnect was introduced to replace the OnStar service. VauxhallConnect mirrors many of the helpful features offered by Onstar. These include an emergency call button, a Vauxhall App, online service booking, and vehicle diagnostics.

Safety

Crash safety experts, Euro NCAP, awarded the Vauxhall Astra a four-star safety rating. Receiving an adult safety score of 80% and a child safety score of 82%. It comes with front and side airbags and a seatbelt reminder, pretensioner and load limiter. There are also two ISOFIX points in the rear outer seats. From storage to speed, systems and safety, the Vauxhall Astra offers it all.

Trims available on the Vauxhall Astra

Vauxhall Astra SRi

The SRi is a sporty trim, SRi stands for Sports Refinement Injection. Offering comfortable sports seats and lowered sports suspension, the SRi is a sporty trim level. The SRi has a radio and CD player with AUX connectivity. A trip computer and steering wheel audio controls are also featured. The SRi sits on 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels.

Vauxhall Astra SRi Nav

The SRi Nav boasts all the same features as the SRi but adds a built-in satellite navigation system.

Vauxhall Astra SRi VX-Line

The SRi VX-Line has the most pronounced sports styling available. Offering a sports-styled front and rear bumper and a leather steering wheel. The SRi VX-Line has air conditioning and a tip computer. There is also a solar glass tinted windscreen. For in-car entertainment you will find a DAB digital radio and CD player with AUX and Bluetooth connectivity. Audio controls are mounted on the steering wheel for added convenience. This trim sits on 18-inch alloy wheels.

Vauxhall Astra SRi VX-Line Nav

The SRi VX-Line Nav features all the same elements and equipment as the SRi VX-Line but adds a built-in satellite navigation system.

Vauxhall Astra GS Line

GS-Line models were brought in to replace the SRi range. This trim is also available as an estate. The GS Line features sat-nav, cruise control and cabin climate control. There is also a 360-degree parking camera. All features which add convenience for the driver. For added luxury there are the sports heated front seats and steering wheel.

Vauxhall Astra GS

One of Vauxhall’s newest trim-levels, the GS, is available with petrol, diesel, or PHEV engines. It is a mid-spec trim. This trim offers many useful and helpful driver assistance features. These include adaptive cruise control, speed sign recognition and front and rear parking sensors. For in-car entertainment you have smartphone connectivity and a 10-inch infotainment screen.

Vauxhall Astra Tech Line

The Tech Line Astra is packed with additional specifications compared to lower-level trims. The Tech Line features a leather steering wheel with mounted audio controls. There is also a built in sat-nav system. Air conditioning, cruise control and a trip computer all come as standard. For in-car entertainment you have digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) radio and CD player, AUX, Bluetooth and USB connection. There is also an SD Card Slot. The Tech Line sits on 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels.

Vauxhall Astra Tech Line Nav

Like the Tech Line, the Tech Line Nav offers the driver all the same features as the Tech Line. the difference is an added Navi R4.0 IntelliLink system and fully integrated European satellite navigation system.

Vauxhall Astra Business Edition Nav

Business Edition Nav models, manufactured post-2021 and onwards, offer a multitude of tech features. These include cruise control with speed limiter, automatic windshield wipers and automatic lighting controls. A trip computer and air conditioning come as standard. The Business edition Nav has a leather steering wheel with mounted audio controls. DAB digital radio, Bluetooth and USB connectivity are also available. This trim sits on 16-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels.

Vauxhall Astra Design

On Mk5 models the Design was a mid-upper-level trim. On Mk6 trims it was one step up from entry-level. On Mk7 models and onwards, Design is the entry-level trim. This trim features air conditioning, electric windows, and ESC as standard. There is also a touchscreen which hosts the infotainment system. The Design comes with a wide range of body styles and engines for you to choose from. Features will vary depending on year of manufacture. This trim sits on 16-inch alloy wheels.

Vauxhall Astra Excite

The Excite trim was introduced on Mk6 models, it was considered to be a lower-mid-level trim. It is available with a range of efficient petrol and diesel engines. This trim also offers Vauxhall's IntelliLink infotainment system. A leather steering wheel adds luxury to the cabin. Air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth and LED daytime running lights come as standard. This trim has 17-inch alloy wheels.

Vauxhall Astra Griffin Edition

This trim-level is bold, sleek, and sporty. The Griffin Edition was a limited-edition trim level released by Vauxhall. It was limited to just 1,700 units. The Griffin Edition Astra comes with a leather and heated steering wheel. Added technology includes automatic windshield wipers, electronic door mirrors, automatic lighting controls and dual-zone climate control. For in-car entertainment you'll find DAB Digital radio, Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The Griffin sits on two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels.

Vauxhall Astra Elite

The Elite trim is the top-level trim on Mk6 and Mk7 Astra models. The interior has heated front sports seats and steering wheel with audio-mounted controls. You'll find USB charging ports in the rear. Dual-zone cabin climate control and a trip computer come as standard. A radio, CD Player, Bluetooth and Aux connectivity are also featured. On the exterior, there are automatic windshield wipers, chrome styling elements, and electronic mirrors. This trim has 17-inch alloy wheels.

Vauxhall Astra Elite Nav

The Elite Nav has all the same features as the Elite trim but adds a built-in satellite navigation system.

Vauxhall Astra Energy

On Mk7 models the Energy is a mid-level trim. It offers a leather steering wheel with audio-mounted controls and heated front seats. Cruise control and air conditioning come as standard. There is a radio and CD player and AUX and USB connectivity. This trim sits on 17-inch alloy wheels.

Vauxhall Astra SE

The SE trim-level offers the largest variety of engines of all the trims. It comes with automatic lights and wipers, a trip computer, cruise control and air conditioning come as standard. There are chrome-styling elements throughout. There is also a leather-rimmed steering wheel with audio-mounted controls. For in-car entertainment, you'll find a radio, CD player and AUX connectivity. This trim has 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels.

Vauxhall Astra Ultimate

The Ultimate trim is the flagship trim level on Mk8 Astra models. The Ultimate trim offers drivers a host of premium-class features and innovative technology. A 10-inch Pure Panel Pro colour touchscreen and 10-inch digital instrument cluster host the infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Intelli-Drive 1.0 are some examples of state-of-the-art technology featured in the Ultimate. This trim also has a panoramic sunroof and heated windscreen. The Ultimate sits on 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels.

The Astra is also available as a GTC or VXR.

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