While towing at 60mph, the Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer felt stable. When we pushed up to 70mph, though, some drivers found the car wandering slightly, especially in a crosswind. It took the Astra a while to recover from short, sharp steering inputs, too.
The Astra performed much better in the lane-change test. Even on the third and fastest run through this manoeuvre it stayed under control and dragged the caravan along with it.
There’s no arguing with the Astra’s speed, either. The twin-turbo engine has 160PS (158bhp) and a generous 258lb ft of torque, enough to pull car and caravan from 30-60mph in a brisk 11 seconds. Stopping from 30mph needed 10.6 metres on dry Tarmac, and there was no shunting from the caravan.
The conventional handbrake needed a second, firmer pull to hold the car and tourer still on a 1-in-6 slope, but otherwise the Astra made a reasonable fist of the hill start, and coped well reversing up a slope, too.
Anyone used to the previous Vauxhall Astra will find interior quality has improved with the new generation. It’s practical, too, with enough room for adults to get comfortable in the back. Luggage space proved generous enough to handle a full load of holiday luggage. However, it’s a shame the towing electrics are awkward to access.
