The Astra J (P10), sold under the Vauxhall brand in the UK (Opel in continental Europe), marks a major stylistic and qualitative break from the H generation. Based on General Motors' Delta II platform (shared with the Chevrolet Cruze), it offers excellent ride comfort, meticulous soundproofing, and a well-finished cabin. However, its main flaw is its excessive weight (often 150 to 200 kg heavier than its direct competitors like the VW Golf VI or Ford Focus III). This excess weight penalizes performance, fuel consumption, and the wear of the running gear. The range received a discreet facelift in late 2012, introducing new engines (notably the 1.6 CDTi 'Whisper Diesel' and the 1.6 SIDI petrol) and reliability corrections on the infamous M32 manual gearbox.
The Astra J is a comfortable, safe, and well-finished compact car, but its reliability record is tarnished by costly design flaws (M32 gearbox, pickup tube seal on 2.0 CDTi, chain on 1.6 CDTi) and excessive weight that accelerates the wear of consumables. In diesel, the 2.0 CDTi is the most pleasant for moving the vehicle's mass, but imperatively requires the preventive replacement of the oil pump seal. The 1.7 CDTi is robust but too unrefined. If you are looking for an Astra J, favor a post-2013 model (revised M32 gearbox) with a clear maintenance history. A rigorous inspection of the manual transmission during the test drive is absolutely mandatory.