The rejuvenation of the Vauxhall brand continues unabated as the company drastically reorganises its range, slashing 85% of derivatives to give buyers a clearer choice while maintaining a healthy cadence of new models.
Next to land in showrooms is the Astra Sports Tourer, an estate variant of the eighth-generation C-segment Vauxhall Astra that is now vying for the top step on the class podium. Gone is the Astra’s boring image and dour interior. In are attractive lines and a much improved cabin.
The proliferation of C-segment SUVs hasn’t helped sales of estates, but there remains a strong case for such cars, offering the style and handling of a hatchback with more space and palatable running costs. With a more aerodynamic shape and less weight in comparison to an equivalent SUV, the Astra Sports Tourer could be a viable alternative.
While the Astra hatch didn’t impress with its practicality, Vauxhall has sensibly made the estate’s load-lugging ability one of its priorities. A wheelbase increase of 57mm adds room where it was needed most – in the back. An extended roof also helps on that score, improving space for rear-seat passengers in comparison to those in the Astra hatch. The overall length has been stretched by a considerable 268mm, too, to the benefit of boot space.