Would you recommend the Vauxhall Astra hatchback or the Hyundai i30 diesel hatchback?

I have to make a choice between a new Vauxhall Astra diesel hatchback 1.7 CDTI 16v (130PS) Ecoflex Exclusiv 5 door SS and a new Hyundai i30 diesel hatchback 1.6 CRDi (110PS) Blue Drive Active 5 door, and would welcome the benefit of your expert guidance regarding which one to choose.

Asked on 6 July 2013 by JM, Kidderminster

Answered by Honest John
The Hyundai, like a shot. The Astra has a horrible, growly old belt cam diesel engine. The i30 has a new chain cam diesel and on top of that a 5 year warranty. The lower powered versions of the i30 diesel on 15"-inch wheels with 65 profile tyres are the nicest to drive. If it was a choice between the Astra 1.4T and the i30 1.6GDI, then the Astra might have the edge, and there are some new engines coming for the Astra range.
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