Vauxhall Astra (1998 - 2004) : ASTRA LA VISTA, BABY

Friday May 2

Models Covered:: (2 dr coupe, 3/5dr hatchback, 4dr saloon, 5dr estate 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.

0, 2.0 turbo, 2.2 petrol, 1.7, 2.

0 diesel, 1.4, 1.6 LPG [Envoy, LS, .com, Club, SXi, Sport, CD,CDX, SRi, Bertone Edition])

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

With the Mark 4 Astra range, Vauxhall waved goodbye to dodgy build quality, mediocre dynamics and pudgy styling. Make no mistake, this Astra was as much of an advance over its predecessor as Fords Focus was over the outgoing Escort. But does this make it a wise used purchase, or will history consign this Astra as an also-ran, with resultant effects on its residual value?

Despite the Astras undoubted competence, the competition has not stood still since it was launched at the beginning of 1998. New diesel engine technology and improved equipment levels have appeared in rivals, prompting a response from Vauxhall. The result was two new diesel engines and upgraded specifications for the latest model line-up. From 2000, all Astras included electric front windows and remote control central locking, while air conditioning (which was fitted as standard by many of the Vauxhall's direct rivals) came with all models from LS level upwards. The popular Club gained an adjustable steering column, upgraded remote-control audio system and electric windows. Air conditioning was added to the SXi and both this version and the CD could be ordered with either a 16-valve 1.6 or 1.

8-litre petrol engine. The 1.7DTi diesel engine option is more powerful and frugal than the TD unit it replaced. When developing the latest Astra, Vauxhalls engineering team set about their task with a will, embarking on one of the toughest development programs ever undertaken by parent company General Motors.

Over 600 test cars circulated the globe, covering over 5.7 million miles. From Los Angeles to Sao Paulo, from Pikes Peak to Death Valley and Ayers Rock, the Astras faced up to the worst conditions this planet has to offer and didn't leave until the engineers were satisfied. This kind of talk is nothing new from many manufacturers. The difference is that in this case you really can feel the results; you don't need to go very far to realise that you're at the wheel of an uncommonly well-engineered car. Build quality is outstanding and the whole thing feels impressively solid. It's no surprise to learn that the bodyshell is an unbelievable 50% stiffer than that of the old model. Theres not a weak link across the entire range. From the entry- level hatches to the top of the range coupes, perhaps the only area where any complaints could be levelled is in the area of styling. Whilst tidy, the Astra range doesnt have that wry, knowing touch to its design that so many of its rivals have adopted.

Where to start? With such a wide range, its pretty much a case of diving in anywhere between the £1,800 1.6 Envoy on a 1999 S plate and the £8,000 Astra Coupe Turbo. The pick of the 1.4-litre cars is the LS five-door, prices of which start at £1,850 for a 1999 S-plated car, rising to around £2,300 for a 2000 X-plate model.

The equivalent 1.6-litre cars price is broadly similar. A plusher 1.6i 16v Sport five-door starts at just under £2,000 for a 1999 S-registered example, climbing to £2,400 for a 2000 X-plated car.

The 1.8-litre models start at around £2,000 for a 1998 R-registered 16v Sport three-door, with a 1999 T-registered five door 1.8 16v CDX worth around £2,100. An equivalent estate will be an extra £100.

The sporty 2.0 SRi model starts at £2,400 for a 1999 S-plated three-door, whilst prices for the Coupe models start at £3,000 for the 1.8-litre edition. The diesel-engined cars are good value, with £1,900 being a fair opening figure for a 1998 R-plate 1.

7TD Envoy three-door. A five-door 1.7TD LS on X-plates will retail for £2,400, and the estate around £2,500. The 2.

0-litre direct injection diesels have sold well, and prices start at £2,000 for a five-door LS on S-plates. For a well-equipped CD model, expect to pay £2,700 for an X-plated five-door. With such a diverse range, insurance premiums vary widely, but most of the mainstream models falling into Groups 4-8. Only the sporty SRi and coupe models will attract serious premiums.

The Astra has yet to suffer any significant faults. Build quality is leagues ahead of its predecessors, as is the technical excellence of the new engines. Check the sporty SRi models for the usual tyre wear problems. Aside from obvious body damage, just ensure that the car has been well looked after, insist on a service history and buy with confidence.

(approx based on a 1998 1.6 Club Saloon) Youd expect spares from a mainstream operator like Vauxhall to be cost effective, and with the Astra being a bulk seller, you wouldnt be wrong. A new clutch assembly is £145, whilst front brake pads can be found for around £20. Rears are nearer £35, whilst a radiator for an air-conditioned car will; cost around £130.

Aletrnators are slightly pricier, nudging the £300 mark, so make sure your prospective purchase is generating a healthy current to its battery.

On the Astras report card for driving impressions, it would probably receive a B grade for achievement and an A grade for effort. The willing engines, always a strong point of any Astra range, are still not quite matched by the dynamic handling characteristics. The top of the range models are better in this respect, and the Coupe makes a fair fist of offering a sporty drive, but none of the Astras has yet to appeal to the enthusiastic driver. If your demands are not so stringent, the Astra is perfectly good.

After all, how many of us regularly go around corners, all adrift, sawing at the wheel? Or, to put it more relevantly, how many used buyers with a tyre budget in mind are going to? For the majority of the audience the Astra will appeal to, the combination of tractable engines, sweet transmissions, class-leading refinement and a surprisingly cosseting ride will all be major pluses. Of particular merit are the 2.0-litre diesel engines and the 2.2-litre petrol engine that has now found its way into the sporty VX220 model.

The Mark 4 model is the first Astra in years to be worth buying privately. In most respects however, the Astra is trumped by Fords Focus, but for those who find the Focus styling a little over the top, Vauxhalls offering is a fine and able substitute. As a used purchase, the 1.4i and 2.

0-litre diesel models are especially attractive, demonstrating how far this particular model has progressed. With Astra prices becoming affordable, now is as good a time as any to buy.