Astra SRi 150 CDTi - Opinions Please

[The_Burg]

Looks like a good car on paper at least. Cheap tax and cheap to run.
Performance looks quite strong.

So any problems?
And no i don't want an MX5 or 335D (mapped).

[The_Burg]

Looking at 2005 model.
Seems good value and has to be estate to get greyhound in the back.
Do they go round corners reasonably well?

[The_Burg]

Generally a reasonable car then?
Should hopefully be driving one today and will post my views later.
Most the reviews i've found are very positive.
Handling is bound to better than the old Passat 115 sport estate i have at present and a fair bit quicker too.

[The_Burg]

Well the Burg's verdict is a no.
If you drive it like a petrol it goes well though noisy.
Where is the diesels forte? The surge of torque, missing completely.
Getting back in my battered 140k Passat, it's quiet, refined off tick over, pulls like a train and feels like its the one with the extra 35hp. Ok top end is at around 3k rpm, but felt a different class.
In normal driving it's quiet which the Astra certainly wasn't and it wallows and flops round the corners but definitely preferable for normal driving.
If i want to keep the revs up and stir the box i'll buy a petrol. I can see why the fuel consumption is not rated on this car.
Back to the drawing board and shows why performance on paper definitely doesn't tell the full story, the Astra on paper is at least 2 seconds faster to 60 and i'm sure it is.

Looks like what i need is my old Passat with a suspension upgrade and a chip.