What is it?
As far as Vauxhall is concerned, this is where ‘eco Astra’ meets ‘value Astra’. Which is to say that this version of the firm’s bread-and-butter hatchback blends Ecoflex badging (CO2 emissions of 119g/km) and ES Tech trim level. That translates into sat-nav, Bluetooth, DAB radio, air-con and 17in wheels as standard fit for £19,530.
If that sounds like a relatively conservative formula, it is. Which is to say that anyone who’s aware of the Astra’s strengths is unlikely to be disappointed here.
See pics of the Vauxhall Astra 1.7 CDTi in action
What’s it like?
The 1.7-litre diesel engine has enough twist for all but the most optimistic of overtaking manoeuvres, claimed fuel economy is well north of 60mpg and the cabin feels a generally well sorted, pleasant place.
This is an accomplished family hatch – and the ES Tech extras are welcome, thanks.
That said, some weaknesses remain. The steering, although accurate and nicely weighted, stops short of really communicating what the front wheels are doing. And while the 1.7 CDTi lump does seem more muted than previous, rowdy incarnations (particularly when warmed up and cruising), it’s still more gruff than the 1.6 common-rail unit you’ll find in a Golf BlueMotion.
The Volkswagen also has the edge on interior finish, offers a similar level of involvement, is more economical and almost as fast. But it’s also £600 more expensive, and comes with fewer toys than the Astra.
Should I buy one?
So the ES Tech could turn out to be a finely judged model for Vauxhall. It may not be the class benchmark, but it offers an appealing blend of economy, kit and value. It’d certainly be our pick of the Astra diesels, and were you to choose it over the Golf purely on cost grounds, we’d quite understand.
John McIlroy
Vauxhall Astra ES TECH 1.7 CDTI Ecoflex
Price: £19,530; Top speed: 122mph; 0-62mph: 10.7sec; Economy: 62.8mpg (combined); CO2: 119g/km; Kerb weight: 1435kg; Engine: 4 cyls in line, 1686cc, turbodiesel; Power: 123bhp at 4000rpm; Torque: 206lb ft at 2000-2700rpm; Gearbox: 6-spd manual
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Re: Vauxhall Astra 1.7 CDTi
Having driven a few Astras with the 1,7 CDTI engine (in 100ps guise) I have to admit it is far too gruff by today's standards (Can't comment on the installation in the new Astra) however it always seems to settle down when cruising, and the noise is really only when accelerating or idling.
However I have always found it's power delivery to be pretty good, very even and progressive, and willing to rev. And it feels unburstable.
The 1.6TDCi/HDi engine in the Focus however, while far more muted, is much laggier with all of the thrust coming in around 2000rpm but you are left floundering below this level. I find this makes it difficult to trickle along in slow traffic, and occasionally infuriating - when rolling onto a roundabout in 2nd gear, for example, the lag is horrendous.
Horses for courses I suppose.
Re: Vauxhall Astra 1.7 CDTi
The twin turbo version of this engine has never been available in an Alfa 159.
Probably a good thing, I had a Saab with that engine, and wasn't too impressed, it never felt any more powerful than the 150bhp single turbo version, and was less economical. Although the Alfa 159 and Saabs both used more or less the same engine, it felt far nicer in it's Italian version, although claimed output was the same, there must have been some differences.
Re: Vauxhall Astra 1.7 CDTi
Why are they still bothering with this engine? Its self evidently too old to be competitive with the rest of the class.