They're cheap because no one wants them when the 1.7 diesel will feel quicker and get about 25% better mileage.It'll depreciate faster than a brick off a cliff.

At about 3000RPM all naturally aspirated 1.6 petrols are much of a muchness. The performance will be adequate but not scintillating. On a run, the Astra should be good for low to mid 40s. I doubt the VVT will have any tangible benefit over the previous twinport which was a very good engine.

Thanks unthrottled. We only do about 10k per year, so diesel may not work for us - particularly with DPF issues. I agree that they are 'unloved' and tend to be hire fleet fodder, but that does not really bother me. Our current vectra falls into this category and has been a really good car to own. Big depreciation is a plus becasue we usually buy at a year or so old and keep for a while.

I currently own an 06 reg Astra H 1.6 twinport. It may not be the quickest car in the world, but I can get mid 40's mpg, cruising on the motorway is comfortable. I'm not sure the new Astra J would be as quicker or frugal as it's predesessor, but it would have more standard equipment.

I've got a classics degree but even I can live with Focuses (and premiums and Yarises)!