Another thing to consider with the Astra is the seating position verses the steering height position, the steering wheel is set too low for some people even on maximum adjustment. Also the sports seats (in SRi trim etc.) are very hard when travelling any distance. Rear view visibility is poor and rear parking is hindered as a result.
It's also worth considering is a Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi, nice refined engine and more refined and comfortable than the Focus mk2, the rear view visibility is similar to the Astra.
I think I'd have to argue with you there. The focus isn't confortable, and the 1.6TDCI isn't half the engine of the good old 1.7CDTI, both in power and reliability. We have a heap of the 1.6TDCI Focii and 1.7CDTI Astras at work, and the Astras are far and away more reliable.
As for the 1.3CDTI, it's actually 1249cc so should be classed as a 1.2. :) It's a troublesome unit, with snapping camshafts, dodgy timing chain tensioners, oil pumps. There's no torque off boost, either. I would use it to power a cement mixer, personally.
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