Over the last couple of weekends, certain individuals (you know who you are!) have been lucky enough to test drive the whole range of the all-new Astra around the Millbrook Proving ground. It really was a fantastic experience and Vauxhall made sure that everyone was thoroughly well looked after. And, we weren’t all there just to test drive the Astra on various different types of Millbrook track, the main competitions’ cars (Focus, A3, Civic, Golf, etc) were all there alongside to drive as well, as a direct, immediate means of comparison and contrast. Foolhardy or brave? I don’t know, but it certainly demonstrated Vauxhall’s implicit confidence in the all-new Astra and just what the package delivers. Personally, I was blown away. The Millbrook track, how the car was presented, how it drove and just how cool it looked inside and out.And here are a few other comments that were picked up as to what people thought on the day. They are all, of course, positive, but if you’d been with us on one of the days, you’d have been just as enthusiastic as well I bet!

“In a different league to all but the Audi, but I'd have expected that.  I felt the safest in the Astra. Overall the Astra beat the Audi - which surprised me!!”

“I was stunned by the superb handling, much better than expected. It’s easy to see how much time and effort has been put into the design. I like everything about the new Astra...The new rear suspension design works brilliantly and if I’m honest can’t wait to get a new Astra just to have it.”

“The overall concept was a real breath of fresh air, good ideas well built.  The best way to describe the car could be "the DNA of the class leaders with extra Vauxhall magic." Someone should be given A + for doing their home work, the car is worth all the awards. Well done!”

“I wholeheartedly agree with the statement that the VW Golf should be worried.” “Superb handling and road holding. Genuine feeling of quality and style. Attractive and easy to drive.  Huge improvement over previous models and MUCH better than Golf and Focus in ambience and refinement.  Brilliant effort - really raises the bar”.

“I have always been loyal to Ford, but after the day at Millbrook with the Astra this has all changed.  I had the opportunity to drive the Focus on the day and I must admit I couldn't wait to get back in the Astra.  All in all I WANT ONE …it was a fantastic day and you certainly have a winner in the new Astra.”

“A Truly superb event - well organised and polished.   Unique opportunity to drive Astra and importantly its competition”.

“Although we drove down from Cheshire to be there, it was well worth it and I would gladly do it again if asked. I loved the low key no sales pitch and the fact that you concentrated on the car and not me buying it. As a result, I will consider the car when I next change my car”.

“A fantastic day out with great people and a super venue.  Brilliant hospitality.  Also no other manufacturer I can think of leaves itself open to such public scrutiny with regard to open testing against rival products. Thank You”.

“Felt very welcome and found the staff friendly and genuinely enthusiastic and proud about the Astra. I found this quite infectious and have shared this experience with many friends and colleagues at work”.

“Millbrook is a place I've seen on TV many times but have never been to. What a fantastic venue.  Thanks for putting on a great day. Fun people, fun cars, fun circuits. Hospitality was second to none”.