Vauxhall Astra 2.0L SRi Diesel

[nilagin]

Which are fair comments, however do not reflect what I would class as reliability. 9 minutes extra of the road is nothing, and the difference in repair cost is as per previous.

Forgive me, but I think for it to make sense in the context of what was requested would be very simple numbers on how often there is a breakdown. That is reliability, not how much it costs when it happens. For all we know it just means that ford doesn't pay a living wage. Likewise with the other survey, it includes all sorts of stuff.

Hey how. It is so close to each other that I would say it is insignificant. Likewise Toyota scores better and my experience has been a very bad one.

The repair costs and time off the road for both cars is very similar, but the reliability rating is quite different, take away the similar repair cost factor out of those figures leaves it as the Focus has less frequency of breakdowns than the Astra. The AutoExpress survey may well include other stuff but you can only select one topic at a time so if you select reliability it will give the reliability figures, they just not in order.
I have workmates that left car dealerships as master techs at around the same time 4yrs ago. One came from an Audi dealership, the other a Ford dealership and both earned around £24k per year. Not sure what the going rate is now but £24k is just above what a normal tech or mechanic earns in a Ford dealership.

 

[nilagin]

The rear wiper controls are a fiddly little switch on the end of the stalk, the switch for the lights is in an awkward position and, being a smooth dial, not that easy to get hold of (I have greatly reduced sensation in my hands). The switches for the fog lights are equally in an awkward position. As for the vertical vents..

I don't want an estate and I'm not "buying" anythibg.

Looking on the Ford Mobility site it lists two trim levels in the Focus. The Titanium level has automatic headlights, Once in auto position. (all Focus light switches have little notches around the outside, they are not smooth) they will come on only when needed. Wipers have an auto function also once on they will wipe the front screen, sensitivity to the rain sensor can be adjusted on the wiper arm. Never found the button for the rear wiper a problem myself, but rear window doesn't get that dirty so only time you may need to use the rear wiper is when reversing, If the front wipers are on the rear wiper will work as soon as you put the car in reverse.
Fog lights are rarely used (unless your guilty of driving around with your "Kev Lights" on all the time. The switch is just behind the wiper stalk and a bit lower, nothing awkward easily found just by feel, plus they work with the auto light function unlike on earlier cars with auto lights where the lights switch had to be switched back to normal position first. Vents are easy to operate and work well, move the small lever (just one finger will do) up, down, left or right and they will direct the air right where you want it.
Size of the boot depends on 3 things, the full spare wheel, space saver, or puncture repair kit as all will determine the height of the spacer required beneath the carpet.

 

[Matt]

ive got the prefacelift Focus Tit and agree with Fabs. its very comfy, is a pleasure to drive, has lots of toys, but does have a small boot and fiddly switches, also the ipod dock keeps crashing. Ive had mk1 and mk2 focus so i do like them, Will be shopping around when time comes though as the diesel is only returning 47mpg, need something more frugal.

 

[Marc]

Looking on the Ford Mobility site it lists two trim levels in the Focus. The Titanium level has automatic headlights, Once in auto position. (all Focus light switches have little notches around the outside, they are not smooth) they will come on only when needed. Wipers have an auto function also once on they will wipe the front screen, sensitivity to the rain sensor can be adjusted on the wiper arm. Never found the button for the rear wiper a problem myself, but rear window doesn't get that dirty so only time you may need to use the rear wiper is when reversing, If the front wipers are on the rear wiper will work as soon as you put the car in reverse.
Fog lights are rarely used (unless your guilty of driving around with your "Kev Lights" on all the time. The switch is just behind the wiper stalk and a bit lower, nothing awkward easily found just by feel, plus they work with the auto light function unlike on earlier cars with auto lights where the lights switch had to be switched back to normal position first. Vents are easy to operate and work well, move the small lever (just one finger will do) up, down, left or right and they will direct the air right where you want it.
Size of the boot depends on 3 things, the full spare wheel, space saver, or puncture repair kit as all will determine the height of the spacer required beneath the carpet.

No, not all focus light switched have notches, the one in my current focus is smooth. The fog lights are only used when it is foggy and the buttons are below the switch for the headlights and, as I said above, finding buttons by feel is not really optimal for me.

The size of the boot is as it was given to me, no options of full spare or space saver but, when you compare the size to a lot of other cars of its size, it comes up rather small.

The vents may work well but it's a pain for mounting anything to such as satnavs.

I had a 59 plate focus before this one and loved it, have been quite disappointed by it's replacement.

 

[nilagin]

ive got the prefacelift Focus Tit and agree with Fabs. its very comfy, is a pleasure to drive, has lots of toys, but does have a small boot and fiddly switches, also the ipod dock keeps crashing. Ive had mk1 and mk2 focus so i do like them, Will be shopping around when time comes though as the diesel is only returning 47mpg, need something more frugal.

Why do you need an ipod dock. The ipod should just sync to the stereo by Bluetooth. Never found any of the switches fiddly in mine, just press or twist. Rear seats fold 60-40 so you can still seat 4 people if you need to fold one seat back down to increase boot space. I have no trouble fitting one large and a small shopping trollies worth of shopping in my boot without putting a seat down and I generally have a rucksack with car cleaning stuff in there too. The new 1.5TDCi is supposed to be more economical than the 1.6 TDCi that it replaced.

 

[nilagin]

The fog lights are only used when it is foggy and the buttons are below the switch for the headlights and, as I said above, .

That's not a mk3 Focus then, prefacelift (2011-2014) the fog light buttons/switches are to the left of the light switch, dash display brightness switches to the right of the light switch there are no switches beneath it.

Current model light switch is likely to be the same.

 

[Marc]

That's not a mk3 Focus then, prefacelift (2011-2014) the fog light buttons/switches are to the left of the light switch, dash display brightness switches to the right of the light switch there are no switches beneath it.

Current model light switch is likely to be the same.

Yes, I meant next to it but still in an awkward position and not behind the wiper stalk but below.

and that light dial looks pretty smooth to me.

 

[big soft moose]

as the diesel is only returning 47mpg, .

have you tried ragging it arround for a bit to burn all the carbon off the engine ?

I've got an 05 plate TDCI estate and i found that my mpg went from 45mpg to 56mpg after i gave it a good hot run (20 minutes at 3k revs - which is about 70 in 4th)

 

[Matt]

its done 32k, 70mph everyday for 80 miles. had it from new and its always been 47mpg

bluetooth doesnt work with my non-bluetooth ipod...

 

[Cobra]

bluetooth doesnt work with my non-bluetooth ipod...

No personal experience of them Marc, but it does seem like a good "deal" to me.

 

[nilagin]

and that light dial looks pretty smooth to me.

From straight on they can't be seen but there's finger depressions all around the circumference. But as I keep saying, the Titanium will have auto lights, just move the switch to Auto and never have to touch it again. Just remembered something else about the "fiddly" rear wiper switch, if you really must clear the rear window when driving, just push the wiper arm toward the dash it will squirt the washer and wipe.

its done 32k, 70mph everyday for 80 miles. had it from new and its always been 47mpg

bluetooth doesnt work with my non-bluetooth ipod...

Try 65mph if that worried about fuel, but at new the engine will need to loosen up a tad, at 70 I'm willing to guess the engines at less than 2000rpm and part load and a constant fuel rail pressure. Injectors will foul up with carbon and mpg will likely get worse over time. You need periods of hard acceleration from time to time at least once a week so higher fuel rail pressures can dislodge the carbon, also a good quality fuel is recommended, not that supermarket higher percentage biofuel rubbish, that just increases the carbon clogging.
As for the ipod, perhaps it's not a new car you need, just a new ipod, probably cheaper in the long run.

 

[Lynton]

I'm kind of biased against Astras . . . purely because that was the 2nd car I ever owned and I'm convinced the damn thing was cursed (I think I've posted about it in the staffroom at some point. It wasn't satisfied with a load of random, intermittent mechanical problems, I think it actually wanted to kill me too).

I'm sure that's a pretty unfair assessment to apply across the whole brand though, so probably no help to you at all

so therefore your comment is worthless...........

to be fair though, last astra I drove was an astramax van when i was about 20 (so 20 yrs ago) .. was the fastest thing on the road.......... it was also hideous.

Fabs - don't know of your requirements but our focus pool cars are out lots (15 plates) and local car hire often supplies us with astra equivalent - to me not much between them in terms of looks performance economy etc..... pop in to the dealership and take a look , prod / feel etc.....

Focus = Astra is a bit like Canon v Nikon, whereas we all know that the hyundai equiv (Pentax) is better...

yours

Deluded.

 

[Lynton]

its done 32k, 70mph everyday for 80 miles. had it from new and its always been 47mpg

bluetooth doesnt work with my non-bluetooth ipod...

Bluetooth does not work with non bluetooth kit. you s*it me not!!!!

I bought a ferrari keyring yesterday and my punto didn't change into a 458 stradale... should i return it or complain to the CEO if s*it keyrings.com.

 

[nilagin]

Focus = Astra is a bit like Canon v Nikon, whereas we all know that the hyundai equiv (Pentax) is better...

yours

Deluded.

Take from this what you will. World's best selling car in 2014, Ford Focus, 2015 to date I believe it still is. 2nd best selling car in the UK in 2014, Fiesta was first. I believe the Focus outsold the Astra by something like 20k units in the UK and sales of the Focus is pretty similar to Hyundai's total range sales in the UK.

 

[Lynton]

Take from this what you will. World's best selling car in 2014, Ford Focus, 2015 to date I believe it still is. 2nd best selling car in the UK in 2014, Fiesta was first. I believe the Focus outsold the Astra by something like 20k units in the UK and sales of the Focus is pretty similar to Hyundai's total range sales in the UK.

yeah - might be best selling car, doesn't mean it is good though....... take out the lease hires and rentals..... full price of ours is £21K give or take.. give me £21K and I could go find something more interesting and better for a pool car.....

TBF - it does the job - gets me from A tro B and can get me stopped by an unmarked for a "chat".. vehicle of choice though - no - and yes I know you lie the ford brand.

 

[dejongj]

@Lynton you are spot on this is like Nikon vs canon or Xbox vs play station etc.

@nilagin just realise that, there people who prefer other vehicles as well. I can't stand the ford crap, that light switch photo alone make me confused on how you can make something so simple so unnecessary busy and complex looking. But hey tastes differ, and i recognise my own unrational dislike for ford. Just because it is cheap doesn't mean everyone will like it.

And don't know if you realise, motability should have been a give away, fabs will most likely have different priorities than average Kevin to access key functions in a vehicle.

We are all different. Heck the main reason my in laws choose the Astra, besides never having had any problems with it, is that it is one of the very few cars where my fil fits in (very very tall) and my mil can also drive it (rather short). You'll be amazed how many vehicles just are suitable for that. The focus wasn't, neither my golf (and that is the best drive of them all if you play your game of review and professional opinion ) nor the Korean brands who they founds too tinny anyway and I agreed.

We are all different and like different things. No need to ram it through people's throat like a fanboy.

 

[Marc]

From straight on they can't be seen but there's finger depressions all around the circumference. But as I keep saying, the Titanium will have auto lights, just move the switch to Auto and never have to touch it again. Just remembered something else about the "fiddly" rear wiper switch, if you really must clear the rear window when driving, just push the wiper arm toward the dash it will squirt the washer and wipe.

If there are finger depressions, they are inadequate for my needs as I can't feel them. Yes, I know about the auto lights (my 59 plate Focus was a Titanium) but they don't work in fog.

As for the rear wipers, yes, I really must clear my rear windscreen and I prefer not to have to use workaroundfs when possible.

Just accept what I say when I say that the layout is not optimal for my needs and I am looking elsewhere for my next car.

 

[Cobra]

Just accept what I say when I say that the layout is not optimal for my needs and I am looking elsewhere for my next car.

I know Marc quite well and understand perfectly what he is saying.
"One size" most certainly doesn't fit all, or to put it another way, one make of car doesn't fit "all"
If it did, there would be no need for a myriad of manufacturers to be making cars

 

[Mikesphotaes]

I had an Astra, bought new six years ago, for around three years.

Very reliable, 1.4 petrol, pretty slow and seats that needed me to buy memory foam cushions.

 

[Matt]

the problem is though, its not my ipod that keeps crashing, its Sync that keeps crashing. I like Fords, ive always had a Ford of some sort, im just pointing out the issues as i see them with this particular ford. I use Shell fuel as I have a fuel card - cheeky 4p off - and I thrash the nuts off the car whenever the need arises..hence why its only doing 47mpg.

 

[big soft moose]

I know Marc quite well and understand perfectly what he is saying.
"One size" most certainly doesn't fit all, or to put it another way, one make of car doesn't fit "all"
If it did, there would be no need for a myriad of manufacturers to be making cars

if the focus doesn't fit his needs i'd doubt the astra will either tbh

 

[dejongj]

if the focus doesn't fit his needs i'd doubt the astra will either tbh

Sigh does anyone read what is being requested. Whilst they are in the same segment, and both decent enough cars, as are the golf and the i30 and the ceed etc. they are all at the same time very different in their experience and operation of secondary controls etc.

Very similar to Nikon and Canon, the same model out of the same segment with the samthe capability feels and handles differently.

 

[andyred]

I'm due to choose a new car (Motability) by October. The above is available for no up front payment. It seems a lot of car for that so my question to you is.....


..............what's wrong with it?

Please bear in mind that I know sod all about cars so please answer accordingly.

They're bringing a new 2015 Astra out in a couple of months - could be worth checking if this offer is for the current generation or the new version ...

Have a quick look on AutoCar etc and they'll tell you what the differences are with the new version.

 

[Cobra]

if the focus doesn't fit his needs i'd doubt the astra will either tbh

Marc has certain needs, it appears he's done his research as to controls etc, and the thread was asking for reliability issues I believe?

 

[big soft moose]

According to his OP he knows sod all about cars, and wants to know whats wrong with the astra - one of the things thats wrong with at least some itterations is the s***tness of the controls - if he has finger sensitivity issues that make the light control dials of a focus hard to use, I would say that the smooth twisty things on the vauxhall indicator stalk will be worse.

(whilst i know its in no way as bad as Marcs condition I had a numb right hand after a forestry accident a few years back (it took the feeling about 3 months to come back) and the grip and twist things on the vauxhall courtsey car i had at that time were virtually impossible)

Why the f*** people feel the need to be so defensive is beyond me, he asked, various people answered, I'm sure hes a big enough boy to sort the wheat from the chaff without anyone else getting butt hurt on his behalf

 

[srichards]

I think the Astra can come with automatic fog lights and automatic headlights. There is also an lighting option pack which automatically dips headlights from main beam as well as adding kerb lighting for increasing visibility of pedestrians.

If the slippery dials don't need to be touched then it doesn't matter whether they're smooth or bumpy.

Completely automatic lights, fogs and wipers would take a lot of the arse ache out of driving as you don't need to fiddle with any of the controls at all.

 

[welshwizard645]

so therefore your comment is worthless...........

to be fair though, last astra I drove was an astramax van when i was about 20 (so 20 yrs ago) .. was the fastest thing on the road.......... it was also hideous.

Fabs - don't know of your requirements but our focus pool cars are out lots (15 plates) and local car hire often supplies us with astra equivalent - to me not much between them in terms of looks performance economy etc..... pop in to the dealership and take a look , prod / feel etc.....

Focus = Astra is a bit like Canon v Nikon, whereas we all know that the hyundai equiv (Pentax) is better...

yours

Deluded.

No no no no no no

You can't give Pentax the Hyundai 'badge' - all credibility will be lost. I'd be happy with:

Focus = Astra is a bit like Canon v Nikon, whereas we all know that the GOLF equiv (Pentax) is better...

 

[dejongj]

I would like to think of a Golf more like a Sony 7, you know full frame capability in a mirrorless package. But hey I'm happy to admit that I'm biased with my Golf.

 

[nilagin]

that light switch photo alone make me confused on how you can make something so simple so unnecessary busy and complex looking.

And don't know if you realise, motability should have been a give away, fabs will most likely have different priorities than average Kevin to access key functions in a vehicle.

@nilagin just realise that, there people who prefer other vehicles as well.. No need to ram it through people's throat like a fanboy.[/QUOTE]
You asked if there was any evidence of reliability between the Focus and Vauxhall, it was then pointed out that switch gear is fiddly, I asked for evidence of this as I don't find it fiddly and on a Titanium model which is available under the mobility scheme, most of the main switches can be left in an automatic position meaning it would be ideal for someone in Fabs position.
As for the switch photo, it was only there to show the position of the fog light switches as brought up earlier. It may well not be from a Focus as mine does not have the middle button nor the numbers. There is nothing more complex in the Focus light switch than any switch found on a stalk on the steering wheel or any other manufacturers switch. The switch in the Focus is self explanatory and is so simple to use, dare I say it, even you could use it.
At no point have I rammed anything down or through (as you oddly put it) peoples throats.

 

[nilagin]

the problem is though, its not my ipod that keeps crashing, its Sync that keeps crashing. I like Fords, ive always had a Ford of some sort, im just pointing out the issues as i see them with this particular ford. I use Shell fuel as I have a fuel card - cheeky 4p off - and I thrash the nuts off the car whenever the need arises..hence why its only doing 47mpg.

Latest Fords are now on Sync 2 and Sync 3 is starting to appear on American Fords so will be on European versions soon. Don't know if that is anymore reliable, but then I've never had my Sync 1 crash out.

 

[nilagin]

Double post, confounded internet.

 

[nilagin]

If there are finger depressions, they are inadequate for my needs as I can't feel them. Yes, I know about the auto lights (my 59 plate Focus was a Titanium) but they don't work in fog.

As for the rear wipers, yes, I really must clear my rear windscreen and I prefer not to have to use workaroundfs when possible.

Just accept what I say when I say that the layout is not optimal for my needs and I am looking elsewhere for my next car.

I accept that you find the Focus unsuitable for your needs, I fail to see why. The light switch is so light in it's operation, being able to feel the finger depressions is of little consequence. The fog lights are switched on and off with minimal pressure, as is the rear wiper rocker switch on the end of the wiper stalk. As for layout, the light switch position is near enough next to the door handle, about an inch or so further away and about the same lower, assuming you can open the door, then operating the light switch will be a piece of p***. Even if you can't feel the switch a momentary glance through the steering wheel will tell you if you are touching it or have moved it.

 

[Marc]

Just to update this, I attended the "One Big Day" Motability event today and was able to have a good look at a wide variety of cars although I was unable to test drive any as I stupidly forgot that I'd taken my licence out of my wallet to photocopy it for my Blue Badge renewal! :bang:

I had a good look at the Astra Sports Tourer (sort of half way house between estate and hatch) and really liked it. Also had a look at the Peugot 308 which Sue was able to test drive and rather liked it although a little reticent about the electronic handbrake.

if the focus doesn't fit his needs i'd doubt the astra will either tbh

The Astra has similar light controls to the Focus but they are more in my line of side and the light dial itself is a little smaller, sticks out more and has a nice rubber textured grip around it. Small things like this make a hell of a difference.

According to his OP he knows sod all about cars, and wants to know whats wrong with the astra - one of the things thats wrong with at least some itterations is the s***tness of the controls - if he has finger sensitivity issues that make the light control dials of a focus hard to use, I would say that the smooth twisty things on the vauxhall indicator stalk will be worse.

Not at all, anything on the stalks I will be able to see and I found them quite easy to turn.

Anyway, the chap on the Vauxhall stand also told me how to contact them so that I can arrange an extended test drive (3 days) so that will make assessing it easier.

accept that you find the Focus unsuitable for your needs, I fail to see why.

Because you are not me

The light switch is so light in it's operation, being able to feel the finger depressions is of little consequence.

For you maybe but it just isn't optimum for me

The fog lights are switched on and off with minimal pressure

Not if I can't feel them.

as is the rear wiper rocker switch on the end of the wiper stalk

Except that I often push it too far or I don't press it hard enough.

None of these issues are insurmountable but, for me, they're irritating at best and, sometimes, downright bloody annoying.

 

[Cobra]

I was unable to test drive any as I stupidly forgot that I'd taken my licence out of my wallet to photocopy it for my Blue Badge renewal! :banghead:

Do you remember the name of my Gyr Saker at the MM?
I'll give you a hint D-N-T
so did you make a decision?

 

[Nod]

He DoNoT!

 

[Marc]

Do you remember the name of my Gyr Saker at the MM?
I'll give you a hint D-N-T

Guilty as charged yer honour.

so did you make a decision?

I've narrowed it down to the Astra or the Peugot. Going to see if I can get an extended test drive in the Peugot, then I'll make a decision.

Sort of favouring the Astra at the moment but there isn't a lot in it.

 

[Cobra]

Guilty as charged yer honour.

Sort of favouring the Astra at the moment but there isn't a lot in it.

Personally I like the look of the Astra over the Pug.
But obviously your needs are little different to mine, I'm sure your'll make the right call

 

[Marc]

Personally I like the look of the Astra over the Pug.

The Astra wins hands down on looks that's for sure and the boot on the Sports Tourer is massive.

 

[Cobra]

The Astra wins hands down on looks that's for sure and the boot on the Sports Tourer is massive.

Sounds like you are talking yourself into that one by the minute

 

[Marc]

It does, doesn't it!