The Vauxhall Astra 60 Plate: A Review of Its Performance and Features

The Vauxhall Astra 60 plate, released in 2004, was a groundbreaking model that revitalized the compact hatchback market. With its sleek design, impressive performance, and innovative features, the 60 plate Astra quickly became a favorite among car enthusiasts. The Vauxhall Astra 60 plate was a groundbreaking model that set new standards for compact hatchbacks

The Vauxhall Astra 60 Plate: A Comprehensive Review

The Vauxhall Astra 60 plate, released in 2004, was a groundbreaking model that revitalized the compact hatchback market. With its sleek design, impressive performance, and innovative features, the 60 plate Astra quickly became a favorite among car enthusiasts. In this review, we'll dive into the details of this iconic car, exploring its notable features, pros, and cons.

Design and Performance (H2)

The 60 plate Astra boasted a stylish and aerodynamic design, courtesy of Vauxhall's renowned design team. The car's exterior featured a bold, chrome-trimmed grille, angular headlights, and a sloping rear roofline. The 15-inch alloy wheels and flared arches gave the Astra a sporty demeanor, making it stand out from its competitors.

Under the bonnet, the 60 plate Astra offered a range of gasoline and diesel engines, including a 1.6-liter four-cylinder unit producing 105 horsepower and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 150 horsepower. The 1.9-liter CDTi diesel engine was also available, producing 120 horsepower and an impressive 260 Nm of torque. The Astra's Z20SE 2.0-liter gasoline engine, in particular, was praised for its smooth and refined demeanor.

Interior and Technology (H2)

The 60 plate Astra's interior was designed to provide a comfortable and feature-rich driving experience. The cabin featured soft-touch plastics, climate control, and an illuminated instrument cluster. The sporty-focused SRi model added a leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and leather-upholstered seats.

The Astra 60 plate also boasted an impressive array of innovative technologies, including:

• Cruise control: A feature that maintained a constant speed on motorways, freeing drivers from the need to constantly adjust the accelerator pedal.
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP): A system that monitored the car's speed and steering input, adjusting engine power to maintain stability and avoid skidding or understeer.
• Airbags: The Astra came equipped with multiple airbags, including dual front, front side, and curtain airbags to provide exceptional protection in the event of an accident.

Safety and Reliability (H3)

The 60 plate Astra boasted impressive safety credentials, with a 4-star rating from Euro NCAP. The car's sturdy construction, reinforced passenger compartment, and built-in child seats further enhanced safety.

In terms of reliability, the 60 plate Astra has generally been praised for its durability and low maintenance costs. With regular servicing and proper upkeep, many owners have reported reaching high mileage without significant issues.

Trim Levels and Options (H2)

The 60 plate Astra was available in a range of trim levels, including:

• S: The base model, featuring a standard specification, including air conditioning and a CD player.
• SE: A mid-range trim, adding features like alloy wheels and a CD player.
• SRi: The sport-oriented model, highlighted by leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedals.
• Elite: The top-of-the-line trim, featuring luxurious interior appointments, including leather upholstery and heated seats.

Additional options and accessories included:

• Sunroof: A panoramic glass roof, providing an airy and bright interior.
• Twin-tube exhaust: A sports exhaust system, designed to enhance the Astra's exhaust note.
• Xenon headlights: High-intensity discharge headlights, improving nighttime visibility and road illumination.

Conclusion

The Vauxhall Astra 60 plate was a groundbreaking model that set new standards for compact hatchbacks. Its sleek design, impressive performance, and innovative features made it a favorite among car enthusiasts. While some may argue that the Astra's safety record was not as robust as some of its competitors, the car's overall package made it a reliable and enjoyable driving experience.

If you're in the market for a 60 plate Vauxhall Astra, or any Astra model for that matter, consider the following:

• Purchase a low-mileage vehicle: To ensure your Astra remains in excellent condition.
• Regularly maintain the vehicle: Follow the recommended servicing schedule to keep your car running smoothly.
• Consider a pre-purchase inspection: Have a professional mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase to identify any potential issues.

With proper care and maintenance, the Vauxhall Astra 60 plate can provide years of reliable and enjoyable driving.

Sadean Areas