Vauxhall | Car Reviews

Adam (2013 - )

Good: New three-door small hatch based on next generation Corsa. Big range of customisation options.

Bad: Less legroom and luggage room than a Fiat 500 or Citroen C1.

Agila (2008 - )

Good: Small, tall 5-door city car clone of Suzuki Splash. makes best sense in 1.0 petrol and 1.3 diesel low emission versions. Much better than old Agila.

Bad: Okay, but not significantly better than a Hyundai i10, yet costs more money and has a shorter warranty.

Ampera (2012 - )

Good: First electric car with an indefinite self-powered range. Qualifies for Government £5,000 grant bringing price down to £29,000. VED and London Congestion Charge Exempt. BIK tax on just £1,700.

Bad: Not in UK until April 2012.

Antara (2007 - )

Good: 5 seater, South Korean built SUV. reasonably good looking. Improved for 2011 model year.

Bad: Neither the ride quality nor the handling are particularly good. 5 seats only. If you want 7 seats you have to go for a Chevrolet Captiva.

Astra (2009 - )

Good: Good combination of ride quality, steering and safe handling. Strong yet economical 1.4 turbo engine. Frugal CDTi diesels. Neatly styled interior.

Bad: Lesser 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol engines less impressive.

Astra GTC (2011 - )

Good: Attractive and distinctive styling. Stable and enjoyable handling. Good level of standard equipment.

Bad: Visibility is poor. Interior isn't as dramatically different from the hatchback as the exterior.

Astra Sports Tourer (2010 - )

Good: Very practical and spacious. Economical CDTi engines. Not a bad looker for an estate. Decent ride quality. FlexFold seats are a clever touch.

Bad: Uninspiring to drive. Interior lacks sophistication. Eclipsed by the Focus Estate in both quality and handling.

Cascada (2013 - )

Good: New Vauxhall convertible gets a soft top roof. Similar in size to an Audi A5. Available with Bi-Turbo CDTi diesel.

Bad: Unlikely to prove particularly desirable. Seems expensive for a Vauxhall with cheapest model at £24k.

Combo (2012 - )

Good: Essentially a rebadged Fiat Doblo, good value, economical CDTi diesel engines.

Bad: Not a looker...

Corsa (2006 - )

Good: Solid, stylish-looking and decently equipped supermini. Decent handling and some strong, frugal engines.

Bad: Numb, overly light steering. Boot too narrow for standard size pushchair. Dash reflects in screen.

Insignia (2008 - )

Good: Good looking family saloon and hatch, handles decently, European Car of the Year 2009, EcoFLEX does 55mpg.

Bad: Centre rear seat of hatch and saloon not comfortable for adults, engines all timing belt not chain.

Insignia Sports Tourer (2008 - )

Good: Good load carrying ability, comfortable cruiser, neat interior.

Bad: Noisy diesels, not as good to drive as other estates.

Meriva (2010 - )

Good: Impressive small family MPV: practical, versatile, easy to get in and out of, with by far the best ride and handling of any small MPV.

Bad: Spacesaver spare a £105 option. Compatible USB port not fitted to first production. Strange problem of parking brake activating while driving.

Mokka (2012 - )

Good: Small SUV similar to the Skoda Yeti. Comes as a 4x4 or with standard front-wheel drive. Good rear passenger room. Available with efficient 1.7 CDTi.

Bad: Not a great looker. Lags behind other small SUVs in terms of refinement and performance. Expensive for what it is. Lacking in quality. Noisy at speed.