2023 Vauxhall Astra Review: Upmarket Astra targeting premium rivals

Join us as we take a closer look at the Vauxhall Astra, a British icon with serious ambitions

The Vauxhall Astra is one of Britain's most recognisable nameplates, and it's been a fixture on UK roads since 1980 — feel old yet?

We got our hands on the eighth generation model, which represents arguably the most important reinvention in Astra's history. Sharper styling, premium interior ambitions and electrified powertrains — Vauxhall’s come out swinging.

And it needed it.

The UK automotive scene has never been more competitive. Chinese brands like JAECOO and Leapmotor are arriving with serious tech at seriously low prices, while the German stalwarts continue to hold their loyalists in an iron grip. So where does that leave the Astra?

Let's find out.

What we drove:

Model: Vauxhall Astra Ultimate Turbo Auto

Fuel type: Petrol

Engine: 1.2-litre VVT Turbo 130PS Auto Start/Stop

0–62mph: 9.7 seconds

Colour: Carbon Black

Specifications correct at the time of publication

Or watch our video review over on YouTube:

Unmistakably Astra

The difference between this generation Astra compared to the previous… it’s night and day.

Gone is the anonymous, forgettable hatchback of old.

And in its place? A genuinely striking family car that holds its own against the Volkswagen Golf and has one eye firmly on BMW 1 Series territory.

Vauxhall's 'Vizor' front end is the centrepiece — bold, distinctive and immediately recognisable as part of the wider Vauxhall family.

It's the same design language you'll find on the Mokka and Corsa, but it suits the Astra particularly well, giving it a low, wide stance that looks far more premium than its price tag suggests.

Plus, choose Carbon Black paint and that premium feel increases tenfold.

In the boot, you’ve got 422 litres of space. More than enough room for a buggy, a nappy bag, the football kit and maybe a violin – whatever family life throws your way.

The 2026 facelift refined things further still: The Vizor was tweaked for a slimmer, more purposeful appearance, the badge is now illuminated, and two new colours joined the range (Contour White and Clover Green).

Premium ambitions inside the cabin

Step inside the Astra Ultimate and the ambition is immediately clear. This is a cabin that wants to be taken seriously, and for the most part, it succeeds.

Soft-touch leathers and Alcantara suede line the seats and surfaces, and the overall feel is a significant step up from any Astra that's come before it. It's not quite matching the BMW 1 Series for material quality just yet, but relative to where the Astra has come from, the improvement is remarkable.

The centrepiece is the twin 10-inch screen setup, one handling media and infotainment and the other acting as the digital instrument cluster.

It's an impressive sight, and our first thought went to the wrap-around screens you see in the BMW i4. High praise for a family hatchback.

The system itself is responsive and well laid out, and crucially, Vauxhall have retained physical shortcut buttons alongside the touchscreen, a sensible decision that makes life considerably easier on the move.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both included, along with natural voice recognition that proved both intuitive and accurate during our time with the car.

Storage up front is generous:

• Fold-out sunglasses holder
• Cubby hole for keys
• Two drinks holders
• Decent armrest compartment
• Space for a wireless charging pad

And in the back, the boot comes in at 422 litres. Plenty of room for a good family car.

The panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with light, though it does nibble into headroom a tad for taller passengers.

One thing we found slightly annoying: The piano black centre console looks stunning when clean but shows fingerprints almost immediately.

The 2026 facelift brought a new scratch-resistant satin grey finish to the interior and reintroduced physical buttons for climate control and drive modes, both welcome additions in our eyes.

More than just a family car

Put the Astra Ultimate through its paces and it's clear that Vauxhall have done more than just freshen up the styling.

The 1.2-litre 130PS turbocharged petrol engine paired with the eight-speed automatic gearbox has more than enough oomph for everyday driving. It'll get from 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds, and while that won't set any pulses racing, it never feels underpowered in the real world.

The automatic gearbox is responsive for the most part, though it can occasionally hold onto a higher gear for just a touch too long. Paddle shifters come as standard on automatic models for those who want a more involving experience behind the wheel.

Where the Astra really impresses is through the corners.

There's decent grip, little body lean and accurate steering that makes it feel composed and confident on twisty B-roads.

The compact cabin adds to this, giving the driver a cocooned, focused feel that elevates the experience beyond what you'd expect from a family hatchback.

The ride is firm rather than plush, but this works in its favour, adding to the sense of driving engagement without ever becoming uncomfortable.

Every Astra also benefits from a noise-reducing windscreen, keeping things pleasantly refined on longer motorway runs, even if the engine does get a little vocal under hard acceleration.

It's not the sportiest car in its class.

If it's thrills you're after, the Astra GSe with its 225PS and bespoke suspension is the one to go for.

But as a family hatchback that's genuinely enjoyable to drive? The Astra makes a strong case for itself.

What's good, and what's not

The Astra makes a brilliant family car, but it does come with its own flaws too:

The good bits:

• Alcantara suede and soft-touch materials in Ultimate feel genuinely premium
• Composed, confidence-inspiring drive with decent grip and little body lean
• 422-litre boot — bigger than the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus
• Physical shortcut buttons retained alongside the touchscreen
• Noise-reducing windscreen on every model

The not-so-good bits:

• Automatic gearbox can hold onto higher gears too long
• Engine gets vocal under hard acceleration
• Piano black centre console shows fingerprints almost immediately
• Rear legroom tighter than some rivals

What's the verdict?

This is arguably the most important and impressive Astra in the model's history.

Vauxhall are genuinely closing the gap on the premium end of the market — and much like the Chinese brands entering the scene, they're making a strong case: Premium feel, composed performance and a price tag that makes you look twice.

It's not perfect. But as an overall package, it's a seriously strong family hatchback. The Ultimate is the trim to go for if budget allows.

Top 5 reasons to consider the Vauxhall Astra:

1. The most striking Astra ever made
2. Twin 10-inch screens and premium materials punch above the price point
3. 422-litre boot outshines the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus
4. Composed, enjoyable drive that goes beyond the family hatchback brief
5. Closing in on premium rivals at a fraction of the price

Would we recommend leasing a Vauxhall Astra?

Absolutely. The Vauxhall Astra makes a great family car and an even better lease car.

With petrol, plug-in hybrid and fully electric variants available, there really is an Astra for everyone.