A Comfortable and Sensible Hatchback, But Not Without Compromises
A smooth, practical and affordable hatchback that makes sense for everyday driving — although it lacks some refinement and driving enjoyment in certain areas.
The Opel/Vauxhall Astra has always been known as a sensible choice. It is a car built around practicality, comfort, and reliability rather than trying to be the most exciting vehicle in its class.
I recently had the opportunity to drive the 2020 Opel/Vauxhall Astra 1.2 Turbo 110 hp Edition, and my first impression is that it is a car that does many things well. It is comfortable, easy to drive, and offers good value for money. However, it also has some areas where improvements would make it a much stronger overall package.
Vehicle Specifications
| Model | Opel Astra Edition |
| Year | 2020 |
| Engine | 1.2 Turbo Petrol |
| Power | 110 hp |
| Transmission | Manual |
| Body Type | Hatchback |
| Driving Character | Comfortable and practical |
| Best Suited For | City driving and daily commuting |
| Overall Rating | ⭐ 6/10 |
First Impressions: Easy and Comfortable
The first thing you notice about the Astra is how approachable it feels.
The steering is light and predictable, the controls are simple, and the car feels comfortable from the moment you get behind the wheel. It is a relaxed car that is easy to live with, especially in daily traffic.
For city driving, the Astra works well. It is easy to manoeuvre, comfortable in traffic, and feels perfectly suited for commuting and everyday errands.
Driving Experience: Smooth but Lacking Excitement
The Astra provides a comfortable and composed driving experience.
The suspension does a good job of handling everyday roads, and the car feels stable and predictable. It is not designed as a sporty hatchback, but rather as a practical and comfortable daily driver.
The 1.2 Turbo 110 hp engine does its job, but it feels like the car would benefit from a little more power. Acceleration is modest, and the engine sometimes feels like it has to work hard when more performance is needed.
The manual gearbox is generally easy to use, but the clutch pedal feels heavier than expected. In normal driving it is manageable, but during longer periods in traffic it can become slightly tiring.
Interior and Comfort: Practical but Could Be More Refined
Comfort is one of the Astra’s strengths.
The seats are supportive, the ride quality is good, and the cabin provides a pleasant environment for daily use. It is a car that feels relaxed rather than demanding.
The interior is practical and functional. However, some areas could use more refinement. The rearview camera, for example, feels basic and does not provide as much assistance or clarity as some newer systems. Better camera guidance and parking support would make the Astra easier to use in tight spaces.
Value for Money: A Smart Choice
One of the strongest points of the Opel Astra is its value.
It offers comfortable driving, practical space, and decent build quality at a reasonable price. For someone looking for an affordable daily car, the Astra makes a lot of sense.
It is not a car that tries to impress with performance or luxury. Instead, it focuses on being a reliable and comfortable companion for everyday journeys.
Final Verdict
The Opel/Vauxhall Astra 1.2 Turbo 110 hp Edition 2020 is a good, honest hatchback.
It is smooth, comfortable, practical, and a good choice for city driving. It offers good value for money and delivers what many drivers need from a daily car.
Its main weaknesses are the limited performance, heavier clutch feel, and some areas where the technology could be more refined. A stronger engine and improved driver assistance features would make the Astra a much more complete package.
For what it is, the Astra is a sensible choice — comfortable and affordable, but not a car that will excite driving enthusiasts.
Overall Rating: ⭐ 6/10
Strengths
✅ Comfortable ride
✅ Smooth and easy to drive
✅ Good city car
✅ Practical design
✅ Good value for money
Weaknesses
➖ Limited performance
➖ Heavy clutch feel
➖ Basic rear camera assistance
➖ Not very exciting to drive
Final thought:
The Opel/Vauxhall Astra is a car that quietly does its job. It is comfortable, practical, and affordable, making it a good everyday choice. However, small improvements in performance and refinement would help it stand out more in a competitive segment.