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You are in... Forums > Discuss This > Drives > Vauxhall Astra VXR (2012) CAR review
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Joined:
Sep 07
Posts: 2581
admin says:
Jul 09
Posts: 1324
carmobster says:
Maybe it's a little detail to some, but the fact Vauxhall/Opel went through the trouble to change the steering from electric to the better feeling electro-hydraulic is a big thing to me. I applaud this and hope this is a message to more manufacturers; when you're making a hot hatch, please, please change the steering system.
I hate electric steering! It's o.k. on a economical standard family car but it has no place on anything that claims to be fun and or performance orientated.
@Porsche; If Vauxhall can do it you can do a hydraulic steering set-up for the GT3!
Sep 11
Posts: 3
benjamin31 says:
I really wish Vauxhall and in turn GM would do something with their interior design. Every single model has the same dash and ancillaries you could easily get out of an astra into an insignia and not notice a single bit of difference. It worries me that there doesnt seem to be any integrity or depth to the level of equipment on offer. For me the only difference between an ES and an Elite is some fake wood!
Aug 06
Posts: 12
Stuart says:
Looks good and the promise of all that power looks even better.
But, torque steer in a car of this nature? A complete dealbreaker for me!
I once made this mistake many years ago when I upgraded from a delightfully well-ballance, albeit underpowered, Alfasud ti to the last Alfasud Sprint Greencloverleaf model with all of 105 bhp. I was seduced by its looks and the thought of more power. The torque steer was a nightmare - much as is described above.
I rarely had occasion to enjoy the car and sold it within a year. I have avoided all cars, that have tempted me in looks and power ever since, if they have ever been reported to exhibit similar behaviour.
Sometimes less is more.....
Dec 06
Posts: 74
lrcb40 says:
Pity GM didn't get behind this instead of the chronic Chevy Cruze! The USA Cobalt SS/SC was a cousin to this car and the Astra would have been a worthy successor. Instead, GM give us (USA dwellers) the Cruze and can the Astra (as a Saturn) - No wonder they got into financial problems!
Posts: 1803
car4mh says:
@lrcb40: it's true that the Astra GTC or 5-door hatch isn't currently sold in the US. But you do get the Buick Verano which is an Astra saloon. Buick just announced the Verano Turbo, which gets a 250hp/260 lb ft version of the 2.0-litre turbo engine. Americans who want a european-style 'compact' performance car can now choose from the Golf GTI or Jetta GLI saloon, Focus ST, Dodge Dart R/T (Alfa Giulietta QV) or the Verano Turbo. No Astra GTC or Scirocco, true - but a good range of options nonetheless.
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