On Friday (16th October) we headed over to the Trafford Shopping Centre in Manchester to see what people think of the new Astra on display in all its glory. We got chatting to a few enthusiastic people - read on to hear what some of them had to say about the car.

Torque Astra: Which car do you currently drive and how does the Astra compare?

‘The Ford Focus has always been more of a gently gentle type of car that will always get you there  whereas Vauxhall tend to be a bit more fun and enjoyable to drive.’

‘Peugeot are very basic compared to the Astra, as I say, everything’s there.  In the Peugeot you’re looking for the buttons to adjust the radio. I think this is very  good.'

'I must admit if it drives anything like it looks then it'd be twice as good...easily!’

TA: What do you like or dislike about the overall look of the car?

‘I think the design, especially from the side, like the bits of chrome make it look a bit more classy for a hatchback.’

‘I find the interior to be very appealing, it’s a lot more upm arket than their previous model.’ 

TA: What do you like or dislike about the inside of the cars design?

‘One of t he problems we have is the buggies, two buggies…can we fit all the l  uggage in the boot? For a new car or replacement car  we want space for the buggies…’

‘I think it is very comfortable and spacious inside. The design I like because they’ve become a lot chunkier and I always tend to prefer chunkier, bigger cars.’

‘Everything is close to me, I can manage and handle everything, I think this car is perfect for me.’

TA: How would you rate the comfort of the new Astra?

‘I like the driving position, I like being high up, the console’s also high, I like it.’

‘It is spacious, the front is, the back is as well, and the seats are really nice, comfy.’

TA: Would you consider purchasing the new Astra if you were in the market for a compact car?

‘This is the first time I’ve seen the new Astra, and I like what I see…Next time I will be going for a smaller car – and it will be the Astra.’

TA: How do you think it will stand up to competitor carlines?

‘I think it is bang up-to-date with the competitors.’

‘I think they have really improved the design of it, it’s obviously a lot more modern and stylish than a lot of other cars in the same bracket, I think it’s pretty roomy inside as well. They’ve made a good job of it.’

In the next few weeks, if you’re heading over to any of these shopping centres, here are the dates the Astra will be in your town. Don’t miss the film/photo booth where you can star in your own Astra film trailer. Get involved and have some fun.

Dates                                     Location

3rd & 4th Oct...............................Brands Hatch, Kent 

8th - 11th Oct.................................Meadowhall, Sheffield

15th - 18th Oct...................................Trafford Centre, Manchester

22nd - 25th Oct......................................Metro Centre, Gateshead

29th Oct - 1st Nov......................................Cabot Circus, Bristol

5th - 8th Nov.................................................Bullring, Birmingham

12th - 15th Nov ................................................Central Milton Keynes

10th - 13th Dec.....................................................Bluewater, Dartford, Kent

8th - 10th Jan...........................................................Xscape, Castleford

15th - 17th Jan.............................................................Xscape, Milton Keynes

22nd - 24th Jan................................................................Braehead Centre, Glasgow