Its hard not to love the Astra, it’s a true gem of a car, something that you can find any excuse at all to drive.
Its also a car that you find yourself trying to recommend to friends on the flimsiest basis and getting a little bit protective over.
Sports saloons this good don’t come around very often therefore when Vauxhall announced a a convertible version with a revolutionary ‘twin top’ roof I had to put my hand up to feeling a little apprehensive after all could it compete with its ‘SXi’ or VXR stable-mates or was the purity and purpose set to be compromised by a ‘pose-mobile.
The Astra Twin Top 1.9 CDTDi 16v (150ps) Design felt a beefy right from the start, it had the same tight feel, firm ride and positive steering of the Coupe.. so far so good.
Next up the speed hump.. Attacking the tarmac rather quicker than I would normally drive the car bucked, steadied and carried on with all the finesse its pedigree belied,.
No loss of poise no creaks and squeaks that often accompany a convertible, no wobbling windscreen header rails impressive.
So what makes this Astra so utterly fun to drive? Well the suspension system that has gone thorough extensive developments resulting in the highest possible levels of drivability and handling appropriate to such a sporting car combined with excellent travelling comfort.
A slick and smooth six speed gear box, with a sport button for that extra bit of power, adds to the enjoyment and sports car feel
Add on the direct responsive steering, steering with just 2.25 turns lock to lock and you could quite easily find yourself spending all day in and out of the shopping bays listening to ‘I will survive’ blasting from the sound system.
The Astra Coupe removable top to give it its full title has an excellent active safety package that includes ABS, ESP, pop-up rollover bar protection system, Remote control ultrasonic security alarm system to keep it safe from jealous would be thieves, and remote central locking with deadlocks., as well as looking after your sound system with Electronic theft protection.
Prices start at £19195 through to £23750 for a fully loaded model, with a choice of petrol or diesel engines this is a car that gets you saying I enjoy driving