Vauxhall Astravan road tests and consumer car reviews

Vauxhall Astravan Sportive 120 2011

Previously had a 2002 Berlingo, which did the same mpg. I missed the height for a while, but not any more. This van is fast and the 2011 model has a sound liner in the back so it’s pretty quiet. All the kit works really well and it handles too. No mods needed on this van, but may go for a bit of dynomat at some point for a bit more peace and quiet. A leather gearknob would be nice too. I bought the load liner which is ok if you tie everthing down, otherwise the load slides around on it. It’s also really tricky to get out as its a tight fit. Over all the best small van out there and I looked around at them all. 

Vauxhall Astravan 1.9 sportive cdti 2008

Great to drive, fast and handles well but... The gearboxes on these vans are rubbish! Just google M32 gearbox and see how many have bearing failure; mine went at 40000 miles. It starts with a whine on 6th gear and then disintegrates. An expensive design fault that lets down an otherwise great van.

Vauxhall Astravan Se 186bhp 2011

Had my van re-mapped to 180 bhp and it now goes like the clappers. It is a bit loud inside, but has a nice interior with DVD and sat nav included. It’s done 14000 miles, driven hard no faults!! You don’t buy the 1.9 16v to save fuel matey! It handles well with sport button on and is a good all rounder!

Vauxhall Astravan sportive se 2010

I am very pleased with the van, it does everything it says on the tin!!

Vauxhall Astravan sportive se 2008

I’ve had my 150bhp sportive se van for 8 months now and had a few problems. Firstly it needed a new gearbox at 35000miles!!! Luckily just covered by warranty (only had 8weeks left). It has recently gone through its second egr valve, I wonder what will be next?

Vauxhall Astravan sportive se 150 2008

Just thought everyone out there would like to know my Astra Sportive 150 se van has been a bit of a pain for the last 30 months: 3 x EGR valves, 1 x condenser unit, several electrical problems all on a van that’s only done 65.000 miles, yes really 65.000 miles. Yes I am lost for words as well. But on the up side it’s very comfy and quick. The moral of this story is I won’t be buying another Vauxhall van again whilst I’ve got a hole in my wallet!

Responses to this review

What were your electrical symptoms? - Dave Askin from Derbyshire

Vauxhall Astravan 1.4 LPG 2006

I have a 56Reg 1.4 LPG model. It has been a big disappointment. I have done just over 90000 miles in it and I can’t see it doing many more without another major fault. I had not had the van for 3 months when one of the rockers in the engine snapped, I have never heard of that ever happening. Over the years, I have had several oil leakes due to broken sensors and seals. Clutch packed up around 60000 miles and gear box was just replaced at 87000 miles. I have always had traction problems, never mind what type or make of tyres. Vauxhall servicing is a joke, twice they were caught out by our local machanic. I asked them to check if the van had been serviced, a few days after taking it to Vauxhall, it had not. I personally own a Vauxhall and my wife has one too. They have both been great. What has gone wrong with my Van? Don’t think my boss will get me another Vauxhall after the trouble we have had.

Vauxhall Astravan 1.3 2007

Vauxhaul Astravan 1.3 still in Southern Vauxhall after 5 weeks 50,000 on clock, ecu unit gone, turbo gone and it’s taken 5 weeks to repair. No discount on parts or labour. Well done Southern Vauxhall, Merthyr Tydfil, guess I’ll buy a Ford next time.

Vauxhall Astravan 1.9cdti 2007

Since I got my Vauxhall Astrvan 1.9cdti 2007 it has been a pain in the back side. All vauxhall do is replace parts and charge you loads of money. I have had a new EGR valve fitted, 4 new glow plugs, a new radiator which had bolts missing so that was rubbing and a radio which still has a fault on it which Vauxhall say they will not replace. I had a old Vauxhall Astravan and that was a very good motor. Vauxhall just take your money and then they don’t give a s**t about you. I still have this motor, I hope one day I can get it right again.

Vauxhall Astravan 1.7tdi 2006

Had the 1.7tdi for 4 years, drives like a dream I had an Escort before the Astra (load of c**p). This is the best van I have ever had. It’s a bit smaller than the Ford, I have to lay the cement mixer on its side to get it in the van, but that’s the only down side. I had to fit a new alternator, but that’s all.

Vauxhall Astravan 1.7dti 2000

3000000 Miles on the clock, still drives well, getting 90 miles on a tenner, no rust and pulls well, big thumbs up Vauxhall.

Vauxhall Astravan 1.7cdti 2007

I have just sold my 2003 Astravan 1.7dti 165000 miles was still running well and was getting around 550 miles+ to the tank, good old isuzu engine. I decided to upgrade to a 2007 1.7cdti model which had 63000 miles on the clock. I agree with all that have commented on the road noise but I think British road quality has a lot to do with that. The fuel consumption is not quite as good as the dti but I think the cdti engine is much more responsive, over all still a nice van. One thing I would say is keep your ears open for a whine from the gearbox especially in 6th gear, the bearings are a weak point; just had mine stripped and had the bearings done £800 ouch, but a bigger ouch if you ignore it. I have heard of a couple of exploding gearboxes! New gearbox from vauxhall is £1700 +vat and that’s not fitted.

Responses to this review

I have just read Wayne’s report and I have had a similar problem. My 2008 58 plate sportiffe started to whine in 6th gear, the following day the gearbox exploded leaving me with 1st and 3rd only, 87,500 miles and a new gearbox costing £1,700 with no help from Vauxhall who say there is no reported problems - Eric Pritchard from Staffordshire

I have a 1.7cdti sportive van and the gearbox went at 89,000 mile. I got a reconditioned part put in at one of a chain of garages and that lasted a couple of weeks then replaced and now on 119,000. The gearbox would never put me off an Astra van though. I am just about to order a SE 150 as a hard earned and well considered treat - Mark from Lancashire

I have a 56 plate 1.7 6 speed and my gearbox threw the towel in at 69k. I took gear cogs out of another damaged box and made one from two. The first signs of this is the gear stick will have movement when you let the clutch up. It’s a bearing, catch it at this point and it’s much less painful on the wallet - Wayne Stride from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Astravan sportive se 201bhp 2008

Had van chipped from new 201bhp on rolling road, great van, bit heavy on fuel but thats the trade off. Nothing looks better on the market, the extras are a bit pricey but I love it to bits; top end is mental!!!

Vauxhall Astravan 2008

I drive 25-30k a year. The company fleet is Astras, but I also often get hire vehicles, so I try pretty well everything on the market. Like a previous respondant, I am taller than most, and seating is pretty poor for more than a couple of hours. The long load-space makes getting at things a chore. The cab also is cramped, with small door bins etc. I tend to be away on site all week, and need room for odds and ends. On a motorway, yes it’s OK, but the high overall length is a pain to drive and park in London. Has it’s good points, but I’m not a person who goes for a van on it’s looks. The comfort and practicality is a let-down compared to say a Berlingo or Transit Connect.

Vauxhall Astravan Sportive 1.9SE 2009

This only looks like a van. It’s really a sports car, fast and agile with no down sides for me, just great fun and FAST.

Vauxhall Astravan 1.7 cdti Sportive 2009

This is my eighth Astravan since starting with an Astra max in the 90s. I have to admit the one problem I have with this latest shape (this is my second) is the noise from the tyres, it’s very noisy but after I have been to the tuners and remaped the ECU I soon forget about it. The van with a remap is fantastic; MPG is better, 5th & 6th pick up is so much better. The one other thing with the Astravan is the reliabilty - I have never had a fault or problem with any of them.

Responses to this review

Hi, what’s the name of the garage you went to for a remap? Cheers - Dean Rayden from Lancashire

Vauxhall Astravan 1.9 2008

I really wanted to like this van as I currently drive a 2005 Astravan 1.7 CDT and I badly need to replace this soon. My mate has just bought a 1.9 Sportive so I had a chance to try before I buy. For a van it has a very luxurious cab with all the toys. Quite quiet around town but it became very boomy on the motorway, more so than my existing model (which has much thinner tyres). But what else can you expect - the 1.9 has large tires and they have a big unsound-proofed box to resonate in ( laws of physics innit). It was a lot more bearable laden. It handles really well and had plenty of power but I came away wondering do I really want out of a van. If I need a sports car I will buy a sports car. If I need a small van the 1.3 CDT might be a more sensible bet as it has 20% better fuel efficiency, it is still powerful enough to carry a full payload - you can drop a gear on the steeper hills if it’s struggling (that’s what gears are for I thought) and it’s probably quieter too.

Responses to this review

Very useful comments - thanks. 1.3 CDT for me - James Laver from Wiltshire

Vauxhall Astravan 1.9CDti Sportive Automatic 2007

Why don’t Vauxhall ever quote the mpg for the Astravan? Maybe here’s why... With tyres pumped up to the 40psi max and cruising at 65 to 70mph I’m getting up to 51mpg. But the road noise is unbearable and it’s not at all comfortable (ear plugs required). Drop the tyre pressure back to 35psi and the road noise becomes (just about) liveable with again, but the mpg drops to 40 - 44mpg (my wife’s 2.0litre turbo Saab 93 can manage 40mpg). A bit disappointing as I’d hoped for the 50 to 60mpg that you can get out of the VW 1.9 turbo diesels. However, build quality is good, handling is exemplary, it’s totally reliable... and no-one else makes an estate-car based van.

Responses to this review

That’s because no one else makes an estate car-based van. The Astravan is the only one - Chuck Chapman from England

Hi Nick, I have just taken delivery of my new sportive se and yes very noisy!!! I have just had a acoustic bulkhead fitted and had soundproofing put under the floor and pannels made to cover the two holes behind the seats. Perfect it is as quiet as a car. Regards, - Ray Lucking from Berkshire

Does anyone know where to get Ray’s acoustic bulkhead from? - Chris Woollatt from England

Nick, can I ask how many miles you are getting to a full tank of fuel? I own an Astra 1.9cdti Sportive auto and the mpg is scary. I’m working it out at around 30mpg urban. I’m never getting more than 300 miles to a full tank. I’m doing everything to try and keep the mpg down. Any advice would be great. Ta - Phill Walker from England

I have had my 1.9 Auto Astravan for two and a half years and have managed 42-45 mpg always on 60% motorway use at around 70mph. I cannot complain about this - Mark Tucker from England

I have a 1.4 petrol model and I do 300 miles on a full tank. I can get a bit more when on LPG, but still heavy on the juice - Jack Sheppard from Kent

Vauxhall Astravan sportive auto 2008

I have had 3 model Astra Vans in the past so l think l know a little more than some! The road test doesn’t mention the the amout of outside noise from this model, if you have a passenger and are traveling on the open road, limit the conversation because you will have difficulty in hearing each other, much more noisier that the previous model...Jeff

Vauxhall Astravan Sportive 2007

Uncomfortable as hell - can’t move the seat back enough. I’ve had to remove black divider and still can’t stretch my legs and I am 1.85m tall. Unless you have really short legs your hips and knees are going to be in constant pain. Fuel economy is quite poor from a 1.7 - had it as low as 37 mpg, got 48 mpg last summer but that only happened once. Very very noisy in the cabin from all directions. Also there is no arm rest which is a huge disappointment. I drive quite a lot (35 -40k a year) and an armrest is a must. The sports bucket seats are way way to narrow I am a skinny guy but my arse physically cant fit in the seat because it’s too narrow. What’s wrong with the normal seats - it’s not like 1.7 diesel going to shake you out from it. On the positive side it handles well. PS, I miss my Mondeo with the normal seats and armrest.

Responses to this review

Maybe you should get a 3 WHEELER!!! BIG X tight from England

Vauxhall Astravan 1.7cdti 2007

I bought this van brand new. It was the size I wanted and it looked a smart van. The cabin itself is not any different from the Astra car and is smart. The ceiling itself is different and has a cheap cardboard feel about it. It is a Sportive model so the air con, heated/electric mirrors etc are handy to have and it’s a nice interior. It is only a year old and has done 14,000 miles. On the road it isn’t that great on fuel. This 1.7 engine isn’t any better than the 1.9 regarding fuel consumption and I only get around 44mpg. The handling is great and I have no complaints there. The engine is not underpowered but there is hardly any response in 5th and 6th gear. The engine is rather noisy at low speeds but becomes a muted hum once you get above 70mph and is hardly heard on motorways. Sadly when you up the pace and engine becomes quieter road noise becomes a BIG issue. Regardless of what speed and road you are on the tyre noise from the rear becomes far too noisy and becomes a major pain when you get faster. This makes the cabin an extremely noisy place and even with the radio up loud it does not shut the noise away. Even with a bulkhead and ply lining the noise is still there. Wind noise and exterior noises coming through the back are a pain. For me a van that handles the road well and has the best interior of any van. But the road noise let’s it down big time and really the headache pills and earplugs are needed. I won’t buy another one as i don’t think it’s worth the money.

Vauxhall Astravan 1.7 Diesel 2007

Compared to my last 6 year old 1.7 diesel which covered 120000 enjoyable trouble free miles, never returning less than 55 mpg, my one year old replacement has been a big disappointment. It drives ok but is let down by a crude common rail engine which is noisy and uneconomical. I have yet to exceed 47 mpg which is no where near quoted figures. I believe the last engine was an isitzu unit - why did they change? I have had little joy with my dealer or with Vauxhall. Long journeys are tiresome with the radio full blast - what a shame as the Astra is the only estate based van available.

Vauxhall Astravan 1.3 CDTi 2007

Nothing better on the market in my opinion. Perfect little van that makes use of all its available space and drives like a car. Comfortable and very smart looking. Excellent price and cheap to run. Top marks.

Responses to this review

I’m thinking of geting an Astra van 57reg 1.3dirv, are they reliable? - Craig Hardacre from Cheshire

Vauxhall Astravan 1.7 Diesel 2007

I’ve used Astravans as every day workhorses for the last 11 years. These are fabulous, reliable spacious vans that drive like the car equivalent. No wonder that these are one of the most popular vans on the road in the UK.

Responses to this review

1.7 CDTI Sportive - Not sure what your guy’s are doing with your MPG but I get 600 miles to a tank (55mpg) going steady on a long run, 550 miles on average (50mpg) bit of town driving involved and at least 500 miles to a tank no matter what I do (45mpg). Know what you mean about road noise, but a bit of dynomat £55 round your wheel arches soon sorts that out. Cabin is defo not built for people with long legs, could do with a little more room on long journey’s Apart from that 1.7 cdti is still pokey plenty of power when you get the turbo roaring, it does bottom out over 100mph, but so do most diesels. plus it looks prety smart for a van and isn’t as big as a transporter!!! - Dan Parker from Yorkshire