Review: 2021 Vauxhall Astra Mk VIII 1.5 Turbo D (130 Hp)

The Vauxhall Astra has long been a staple in the compact car market, known for its practicality and reliability. The 2021 Vauxhall Astra Mk VIII 1.5 Turbo D continues this tradition with a modern twist, offering a blend of efficiency, performance, and style. Whether you're a city dweller, a frequent road-tripper, or someone looking for a family-friendly vehicle, the Astra might just tick all the right boxes. Let's dive into what makes this car a noteworthy contender in its class.

Understanding the Basics: Key Terms Explained

Before we delve into the specifics, let's clarify some essential terms that will help you better understand the Astra's features:

• Turbocharger: A device that increases an engine's efficiency and power output by forcing extra air into the combustion chamber.
• Torque: A measure of rotational force, crucial for understanding a car's ability to accelerate and carry loads.
• Euro 6d: A European emission standard that sets limits on the amount of pollutants a vehicle can emit, ensuring cleaner and more environmentally friendly cars.

Performance and Efficiency

The Astra Mk VIII 1.5 Turbo D is powered by a 1.5-liter diesel engine, producing 130 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque. This setup allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 10.6 seconds, reaching a top speed of 209 km/h (approximately 130 mph). The engine's turbocharger and intercooler enhance performance while maintaining fuel efficiency, with a combined fuel consumption of 4.4-4.5 liters per 100 km (approximately 53-64 mpg).

For those concerned about environmental impact, the Astra meets the Euro 6d emission standard, with CO2 emissions ranging from 115 to 119 g/km. This makes it a relatively eco-friendly choice in the diesel segment.

Space and Practicality

The Astra's hatchback design offers a versatile and spacious interior. With seating for five and a trunk space ranging from 367 liters to a maximum of 1182 liters, it provides ample room for both passengers and cargo. The car's dimensions (length: 4374 mm, width: 1860 mm, height: 1441 mm) make it compact enough for city driving while still offering a comfortable ride on longer journeys.

Additionally, the Astra's towing capacity is impressive for its class, with a maximum load of 1550 kg with brakes, making it suitable for light towing needs.

Driving Experience and Features

The Astra is equipped with a front-wheel-drive system and a 6-speed manual transmission, providing a smooth and engaging driving experience. The electric power steering and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) enhance safety and control, especially in challenging driving conditions.

For those who enjoy a bit of customization, the Astra offers a range of tire sizes (205/55 R16; 225/45 R17; 225/40 R18) and wheel rim sizes (16; 17; 18), allowing you to tailor the car's appearance and performance to your liking.

Suitability for Different Lifestyles

The Vauxhall Astra Mk VIII 1.5 Turbo D is a versatile vehicle that caters to a variety of needs:

• City Driving: Its compact size and efficient fuel consumption make it ideal for urban environments, where parking and maneuverability are crucial.
• Long-Distance Travel: The comfortable interior and impressive fuel economy make it a great choice for road trips and highway driving.
• Family Use: With ample seating and cargo space, it's well-suited for families needing a reliable and spacious vehicle.
• Single Ownership: For individuals, the Astra offers a balance of performance, style, and practicality, making it a smart choice for daily commuting and weekend adventures.
• Adventure Lifestyles: While not an off-road vehicle, its towing capacity and spacious interior make it capable of supporting light adventure activities.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Here's a quick overview of the Astra's strengths and weaknesses:

• Strengths:
  • Efficient fuel consumption
  • Spacious interior and cargo capacity
  • Good balance of performance and comfort
  • Eco-friendly with Euro 6d compliance
• Weaknesses:
  • Limited off-road capability
  • Manual transmission may not appeal to all drivers

Conclusion

The 2021 Vauxhall Astra Mk VIII 1.5 Turbo D is a well-rounded vehicle that offers something for everyone. Its efficient performance, spacious interior, and eco-friendly credentials make it a strong contender in the compact car market. Whether you're navigating city streets, embarking on long journeys, or simply need a reliable family car, the Astra is worth considering.

Think about what features matter most to you. Do you need extra cargo space, or are you looking for a car with excellent fuel efficiency? The Astra might just be the perfect fit for your lifestyle.

Specifications Table

Attribute	Details
Generation	Astra Mk VIII
Modification (Engine)	1.5 Turbo D (130 Hp)
Powertrain Architecture	Internal Combustion engine
Body Type	Hatchback
Seats	5
Doors	5
Combined Fuel Consumption	4.4-4.5 l/100 km
CO2 Emissions	115-119 g/km
Fuel Type	Diesel
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)	10.6 sec
Maximum Speed	209 km/h
Emission Standard	Euro 6d
Engine Displacement	1498 cm3
Number of Cylinders	4
Engine Configuration	Inline
Power Output	130 Hp
Torque	300 Nm
Kerb Weight	1920 kg
Trunk Space (Minimum and Maximum)	367 l - 1182 l
Fuel Tank Capacity	52 l
Length	4374 mm
Width	1860 mm
Height	1441 mm
Wheelbase	2675 mm
Drive Wheel System	Front wheel drive
Number of Gears (Transmission Type)	6 gears, manual transmission
Front Brakes	Ventilated discs
Rear Brakes	Disc
Assisting Systems	ABS
Power Steering	Electric Steering
Tire Size	205/55 R16; 225/45 R17; 225/40 R18
Wheel Rims Size	16; 17; 18