Vauxhall Astra Owners' Guide

The Vauxhall Astra, a comfortable and reasonably priced compact car loved by families, arrived in the UK in 1980 and is now in its eighth generation.  

This owners’ guide compiles key information about your Astra in one convenient place, covering service intervals, recommended tyre pressures, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you keep your car running smoothly. 

Vauxhall Astra generations

Vauxhall Astra Mk1 1980-1984 

The original Vauxhall Astra was launched in the UK in March 1980, replacing the Vauxhall Viva and making history as the first front-wheel drive Vauxhall. It was based on the Opel Kadett D and rapidly established itself as a rival of the Volkswagen Golf, Austin Allegro and Ford Escort. The hot hatch version was the 1.6 GTE, although this didn’t reach the heights of rivals like the Golf GTI or Escort XR3. 

Body styles: 

• Three-door hatchback 

• Five-door hatchback 

• Two-door saloon 

• Four-door saloon 

• Five-door estate 

• Three-door estate 

Key engine options: 

• 1.2-litre 53bhp petrol 

• 1.3-litre 60-75bhp petrol 

• 1.6-litre 90bhp GTE petrol 

• 1.6-litre 54bhp diesel 

Vauxhall Astra Mk2 1984-1981 

The Mk2 debuted in late 1984 to critical acclaim, earning European Car of the Year in 1985. It featured a sleek, aerodynamic "teardrop" silhouette shaped through wind tunnel testing and Computer-Aided Design (CAD). Trim levels initially ranged from Astra and L to GL, SR and hot GTE, later expanding to include SX and SXi. Engine options were carried over but refined for better performance. 

Body styles: 

• Three-door hatchback 

• Five-door hatchback 

• Four-door saloon 

• Two-door convertible 

• Five-door estate 

Key engine options: 

• 1.2-litre 55bhp petrol 

• 1.3-litre 75bhp petrol 

• 1.6-litre 90bhp petrol 

• 1.8-litre 115bhp petrol (later 2.0 GTE with 130bhp, then 150bhp Cosworth twin‑cam “red top”) 

• 1.6-litre 60bhp diesel 

Vauxhall Astra Mk3 1991-1998 

The success of the Mk3 was consolidated by the clever 1991 advertising slogan “every car you’ll ever need”. Although it looked new, it was primarily based on its predecessor and earned a reputation for being remarkably safe – it was the first Astra to come with airbags and twin side protection bars. Emissions Control Optimisation Technology (ECOT) was also introduced, featuring exhaust gas recirculation.   

A 1995 facelift improved the Astra’s ride comfort by adding gas-pressure suspension struts and shock absorbers. In line with the waning popularity of hot hatches, Vauxhall dropped the GTE badge and replaced it with the GSI name for its sporty model. 

Body styles: 

• Three-door hatchback 

• Five-door hatchback 

• Four-door saloon 

• Five-door estate 

• Two-door convertible 

Key engine options: 

• 1.4-litre 60-90bhp petrol 

• 1.6-litre 75-100bhp petrol 

• 1.8-litre 115bhp petrol 

• 2.0-litre 115-150bhp 

Vauxhall Astra Mk4 1998-2004 

This iteration addressed criticisms of the Mk3 with refined chassis dynamics and rigidity, earning a 4‑star NCAP rating. The engine lineup remained largely the same, and the Astra was offered with dual-fuel liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) capability for the first time. Despite significant improvements, Vauxhall lagged behind Ford in terms of driver engagement, and Volkswagen stole the crown for interior quality. 

Body styles: 

• Three-door hatchback 

• Five-door hatchback 

• Five-door estate 

• Two-door coupe (2000 onwards) 

Key engine options: 

• 1.4-litre 88bhp petrol 

• 1.6-litre 75-105bhp petrol 

• 1.8-litre 115-125bhp petrol 

• 2.2-litre 147bhp petrol 

• 2.0-litre 189-197bhp turbo petrol 

• 1.7-litre 75-80bhp diesel 

• 2.0-litre 85-100bhp diesel 

Vauxhall Astra Mk5 2004-2009 

The Mk5 Astra introduced a modern body, Ecotec engines, a sporty VXR version, and a convertible with a twin top. Trim options included Life, Club, Design, SXi, SRi, Elite and VXR, the latter of which was offered exclusively in Sport Hatch form. A 2007 facelift introduced fresh styling and a new turbocharged 1.6 engine. 

Body styles: 

• Three-door hatchback 

• Five-door hatchback 

• Two-door convertible 

• Five-door estate 

Key engine options: 

• 1.4-litre 90bhp petrol 

• 1.6-litre 105bhp petrol 

• 1.8-litre 125bhp petrol 

• 2.0-litre 170bhp (pre-2007)/180bhp (post-2007) turbo petrol 

• 2.0-litre 236bhp VXR turbo petrol 

• 1.7-litre 80-100bhp diesel 

• 1.9-litre 120-150bhp diesel 

Vauxhall Astra Mk6 2009-2015 

The 2009 Mk6 brought sharper looks, improved practicality and new engine tech. Taking inspiration from the Vauxhall Insignia, it featured a smarter cabin with higher-quality materials and an electronic parking brake as standard. The chassis and engines were all new, and in combination with advanced (for the time) safety systems, such as Lane Departure Warning, resulted in a very accomplished vehicle.  

The Mk6 Astra was used as Top Gear’s ‘Reasonably Priced Car’ in the television show for several years. 

Body styles: 

• Five-door hatchback 

• Five-door estate 

Key engine options: 

• 1.4-litre 99bhp petrol 

• 1.4-litre 224-148bhp turbo petrol 

• 1.6-litre 197bhp turbo petrol 

• 1.3-litre 75bhp diesel 

• 1.6-litre 108bhp diesel 

• 1.7-litre 109-134bhp diesel 

• 2.0-litre 158bhp twin turbo diesel 

Vauxhall Astra Mk7 2015-2021 

The seventh-generation Astra was an astounding 200kg lighter than its predecessor while offering more interior space than ever. It came with a variety of new tech features, including a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, satellite navigation (sat-nav), Bluetooth, DAB radio, and a host of modern driver aids.  

All models came with LED running lights, alloy wheels, aircon, and a 7-inch touchscreen as standard. In 2016, the Astra became one of the few cars to win the European Car of the Year award twice. 

Body styles: 

• Five-door hatchback 

• Five-door estate 

Key engine options: 

• 1.0-litre 105bhp turbo petrol 

• 1.4-litre 124-148bhp turbo petrol 

• 1.4-litre 99bhp petrol 

• 1.6-litre 105-122bhp turbo diesel 

Vauxhall Astra Mk8 2021-present 

The Mk8 Astra is based on the EMP2 platform (shared with the Peugeot 308 and DS 4) and is the first generation to be developed as part of the Stellantis conglomerate. It’s also the first Astra available with plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrains. 

The design is sharper and more angular than previous generations, with Vauxhall’s new ‘Vizor’ front end, LED headlights, and a minimalist, premium-feel interior featuring the ‘Pure Panel’ dual-screen dashboard. It’s also slightly lower and wider than the Mk7, allowing for significantly improved handling. 

Body styles: 

• Five-door hatchback 

• Five-door estate 

Key engine options: 

• 1.2-litre 109-128bhp turbo petrol 

• 1.6-litre 177bhp petrol plug-in hybrid 

• 1.5-litre 128bhp diesel 

• 54kW 154bhp electric powertrain 

Service intervals

It’s generally recommended to get your car serviced once a year or at the mileage interval outlined in your owner’s manual. For example, this 2016 Vauxhall Astra manual recommends servicing every 12 months or 20,000 miles, whichever comes first.  

Most modern Astras have a service display on the dashboard that indicates when maintenance is required, including when the engine oil needs to be changed. The replacement interval can vary significantly depending on driving conditions.   

 Want to learn more about vehicle servicing? Check out the following guides:  

• What's the difference between a full service and an interim service?  

• How much should a full service cost?  

• How much should an interim service cost?  

• The ultimate guide to car maintenance 

Tyre pressure

What are the tyre pressures for a Vauxhall Astra? 

The recommended tyre pressure varies depending on the spec and engine of your car. The table below shows tyre sizes and pressures listed for the Astra on TyrePressures.com. 

However, you should always check this information before adjusting your tyres. You can find the correct pressures: 

• In your vehicle handbook/owner’s manual. 

• Printed on the sill of the driver’s door. 

• On the inside of the fuel tank cap. 

Read our guide to tyre pressure for more information. 

How to reset the Vauxhall Astra tyre pressure light 

The tyre pressure reset method varies depending on the year and spec of your Astra. The instructions below are for models with an infotainment touchscreen. If unsure, check your owner’s manual. 

• Ensure your tyres are inflated to the correct pressures. 

• From the home screen of the infotainment touchscreen, enter ‘settings’. 

• Scroll through the options and select ‘vehicle’. 

• Press ‘safety’. 

• Scroll through the options until you find ‘tyre pressure setup’.  

• Press ‘reset’. 

• The process is complete. 

Engine oil

It’s crucial to use the correct engine oil – find out why in this guide. 

The recommended oil can vary between different Astra engine configurations and depending on whether the car uses petrol or diesel. 5W-30 and 0W-20 are the most common oil grades.  

Your owner’s manual will provide information about the right oil for your vehicle. 

Vauxhall oil specifications 

Vauxhall specifies engine oil based on the engine type, age and emission control technology. For UK Vauxhall vehicles, GM (General Motors, Vauxhall's parent company before Stellantis) used a system called dexos to define oil standards. 

Vauxhall is now part of Stellantis, so oil specifications have started to shift away from dexos standards. Stellantis vehicles mostly follow the PSA B71 oil specifications. 

What is the oil capacity of a Vauxhall Astra? 

Oil capacity varies depending on the engine size and model year. The Astra requires between 3.5 and 5.7 litres of oil. 

When topping up, remember to add oil gradually and check the dipstick to avoid overfilling. Too much oil puts more pressure on seals and gaskets and can lead to increased friction between parts.   

Battery

What battery do I need for my Vauxhall Astra? 

The table below shows the battery requirements of a selection of Vauxhall Astra engine variants. 

Things to consider when choosing a battery for your Vauxhall Astra 

• Check your engine type and year. Battery requirements can vary. 

• Identify if your car has a start-stop system. If it does, you’ll need an AGM or EFB battery. 

• Match the physical dimensions. It’s important to choose a battery that fits your car. 

• Check battery specifications. Ampere hours (Ah) is a measure of capacity; cold cranking amps (CCA) indicates starting power. 

• Check the hold-down type. Most models use B13.  

• Verify compatibility. Cross-reference with your owner’s manual to ensure you choose the right battery. 

Want to make your new battery last longer? Check out our maintenance tips in this guide. 

Warning lights

What do the warning lights mean on a Vauxhall Astra? 

Dashboard warning lights are triggered by the car’s electronic control unit (ECU) when a problem is detected. You can learn some information by looking at the shape and colour of the light, but for a detailed diagnosis, you’ll usually need to book a diagnostic test. 

• Red lights indicate a severe problem. You should stop driving and contact a mechanic. 

• Yellow lights are less urgent – you can continue driving to your destination, but you should book your car into a garage. 

Learn more about car warning lights and what they mean in this guide. 

Vauxhall Astra warning lights you might not know 

Vauxhall automatic transmission warning light

The automatic transmission warning light looks like a cog with an exclamation mark inside it. It switches on when there is a problem with the transmission, such as excessively hot transmission fluid, or to signal that the transmission fluid is running low. 

You should avoid driving when you see this warning light, as it could lead to further damage. Automatic transmissions are often expensive to repair and replace, so it isn’t worth the risk. If the light has been caused by low fluid, you can top this up yourself, but any issues more serious than that will require expert help. 

Vauxhall following distance indicator warning light 

This warning light is found in newer models. It consists of three red trapezoid shapes stacked vertically, resembling a narrowing roadway. The shapes get progressively smaller from bottom to top, and the top one has a red outline but no fill colour.  

Newer Vauxhall models have a following distance indicator system that monitors traffic and warns you if you’re getting too close to another vehicle, triggering a dashboard light. It also prepares the brakes in case emergency braking is required.  

You can still drive when this warning light comes on, but you should consider slowing down to create more distance between your car and the one in front.   

Spotted a warning light but don’t know what’s causing it? Don’t guess – book a diagnostic test! 

Common problems

Whether you’re already a proud Astra owner or you’re in the market for one, it’s helpful to know what kind of problems the model experiences.      

 Our Vauxhall Astra common problems guide explores this topic in detail, so we’ll just cover two top issues here. 

1. Electrical issues 

Astra owners have reported a broad range of electrical problems, particularly in Mk6 and Mk7 models. These issues often include infotainment system glitches, such as the screen freezing, unresponsive touch inputs, or complete system restarts during driving. Bluetooth connectivity failures are regularly noted.  

 There are also reports of false warning lights, often triggered by minor faults in the engine control unit (ECU) or associated sensors.  

 Sensor failures are also a recurring issue, with common culprits including:  

• Mass airflow sensors (MAF) leading to rough idling or limp mode  

• Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) giving false alerts  

• Rear parking sensors intermittently failing or constantly beeping  

 While these faults aren’t always dangerous, they can be persistent and frustrating, especially when they result in limp mode or require garage visits. 

2. Worn/noisy suspension 

Suspension problems are among the most reported mechanical faults across multiple generations of the Vauxhall Astra. Owners have described clunking, knocking and creaking noises when driving over bumps, speed humps and uneven road surfaces.   

These issues tend to become more noticeable at low speeds or during cold weather.  

 They are often caused by worn front suspension components, including:  

• Anti-roll bar drop links  

• Lower control arm bushes  

• Top strut mounts  

 Replacement parts are usually inexpensive, but the labour involved in diagnosing and fitting them can increase the price. 

 Find out how to diagnose common suspension problems. 

Need help diagnosing car problems? Check out the following guides for advice: 

• Diagnose car problems & find the right fix 

• Diagnose strange noises in your car & find a fix 

Top Vauxhall Astra questions and topics

What does Service ESP mean on a Vauxhall Astra? 

If a Service ESP warning message appears in your Astra, it means that the Electronic Stability Programme system is malfunctioning or has been switched off. ESP is a safety feature that prevents skidding and helps you maintain control of your vehicle, so this isn’t a problem you should ignore. The best course of action is to contact a mechanic for advice. 

How to reset a Vauxhall Astra ESP Service light 

You can reset the ESP light by addressing the issue that caused it to come on in the first place. The first step is to plug a diagnostic tool into the car’s OBD port – this will give you a fault code to help you understand what needs to be fixed. Once you’ve resolved the problem, you can use the diagnostic tool to clear the fault code, which will reset the warning light. 

What is code 82 in a Vauxhall Astra? 

Code 82 is a service reminder – it means your car needs an oil change. 

What is code 24 in a Vauxhall Astra? 

Code 24 signals a problem with one of the licence plate light bulbs. 

How many miles can a Vauxhall Astra last? 

Vauxhall Astras can last a long time with proper maintenance and care. Models are capable of exceeding 100,000 miles, and some may even last beyond 200,000 miles. Ultimately, it depends on how well the car has been looked after and what driving conditions it has encountered. 

How to open the bonnet on a Vauxhall Astra 

• Locate the bonnet release lever, usually in the driver’s side footwell under the dashboard. It is labelled with a picture of a car with the bonnet open. 

• Pull the release lever. 

• Walk to the front of the car and slide your fingers under the partially open bonnet above and slightly to the left of the Vauxhall badge to find the second release lever. 

• Push the lever to the right. 

• Lift the bonnet and secure it in place. 

If you found this guide helpful, you might also like:

• Car ownership 101: everything you need to know

• The ultimate guide to car maintenance

• How does a car work?

• Common problems with the Vauxhall Astra

• Vauxhall Corsa owners' guide

• Vauxhall Insignia owners' guide

• Audi A3 vs Vauxhall Astra vs SEAT Leon: which costs the most to maintain?