Vauxhall/Opel’s product planners acknowledge that in today’s SUV- and crossover-dominated market, traditional hatchbacks need to be designed with a different approach. In 2022, there are plenty of options available for those seeking a more spacious, versatile, and convenient compact car compared to the new Vauxhall Astra.
Due to this, the Astra designers focused more on aesthetic appeal rather than cabin packaging, unlike their predecessors.
While the success of this philosophy can be judged from the car’s exterior, its consequences are also evident in the cabin. The Astra now has a lower driving position and is lower-slung than before. Although the front occupant space is generous, the second-row space is less compared to the previous model. Our measurements show that the typical rear legroom is 680mm, which is 20mm less than the Mk7 Astra we tested in 2015. Additionally, the rear headroom is slightly insufficient for taller adults to travel comfortably, even though the rear doors provide easy access.
Although the estate version has a 57mm longer wheelbase, it doesn’t seem to have gained much rear occupant space as the rear legroom is the same. However, the estate offers more generous headroom. As expected, the estate variant has a much larger boot space, measuring 597 litres for the petrol version (compared to 422 litres in the hatchback) or 516 litres in the hybrids (352 litres in the hatch).
In terms of the interior, you can see the effects of the “digital detox” that the Astra has undergone. The previously button-heavy dashboard has been integrated with a digital instrument screen known as the “Pure Panel,” which extends from the driver’s side of the fascia to the center console. Vauxhall aims to position the Astra as a technologically advanced vehicle, and it succeeds to a large extent. The car comes with driver-customizable digital clocks, a 10.0-inch infotainment system with wireless smartphone mirroring, factory navigation by TomTom, wireless device charging, and a head-up display on top trims (not available in the mid-level GS Line car).
Although the plasticky-looking Pure Panel design may not be visually appealing, Vauxhall’s decision to retain physical controls for functions like temperature, audio volume control, and demist is undoubtedly the right one. The overall dashboard layout of the Astra is smart and incorporates colorful accents. However, the material quality falls slightly below the standards of its class, and cabin storage varies from generous (glovebox and armrest cubby) to frustratingly limited (obstructed door pockets).
Multimedia System
The Astra is equipped with a 10.0-inch PureConnect infotainment system that includes standard TomTom navigation. It also offers wireless device mirroring for both Apple and Android devices. The car comes with a one-year data connectivity subscription, which can be extended for an additional fee.