Vauxhall Astra SRi buying guide
SRi is a popular mid-range trim level for the Vauxhall Astra. It includes most key mod-cons to take the hassle out of driving and represents great value for money as a used buy. The generous equipment list includes air conditioning, cruise control, auto lights and wipers, and an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto all fitted as standard. Passenger and boot space still scores well, even against newer rivals, and the car's all-round composure makes it very easy to drive
What is Vauxhall Astra SRi trim?
SRi sits in the middle of the Astra trim range above more affordable Design, Business Edition and SE models, and just below posh Elite and Ultimate cars. Exterior changes are subtle – larger 17-inch alloys, full-LED headlights and a little extra chrome around the side windows being your only real clues.
Inside, you'll find front sports seats with adjustable lumbar and under-thigh support for the driver, and a centre armrest. There's also cruise control, air conditioning, automatic lights and wipers, and an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
What's the Vauxhall Astra SRi's interior and technology like?
Astras in SRi trim were built from 2015 to 2021, so aren't quite as up-to-date inside as the latest Vauxhall Astra. Nevertheless, they don't feel like a cut-price product, with some gloss-black surfaces and chrome details to lift the ambiance. SRi models benefit from front sports seats that bring more of a sense of occasion, and the driver's position also gets adjustable lumbar and under-thigh support. And, call us old-fashioned but we prefer the Astra's clear, easy-to-read gauges to some of the overly fussy driver's screens modern rivals have swapped to.
Its age is more obvious when you look at the tiny seven-inch infotainment screen, which makes the new Astra's setup look like an IMAX screen in comparison. Size aside, it does get some things right – the on-screen graphics are reasonably clear, and there are physical shortcut buttons for the home screen and track selection as well as a proper volume knob. You can also bypass all the built-in software with standard-fit Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and use your preferred navigation and entertainment apps.
Despite not being the newest kid on the block, the Astra still has plenty of cabin space. Passenger room is respectable, with enough space for a pair of six-footers in the back, and just enough width to carry three on the rear row for short hops. The boot is fairly wide and deep, too, without a hybrid battery pack to compromise space.
Vauxhall Astra SRi engine range explained
SRi trim has been offered with a fairly wide selection of engines during the Astra's time on sale. However, more recent examples typically used one of four engine choices – two petrol and two diesel.
Vauxhall Astra SRi 1.2 Turbo 110 petrol
This is the Astra's entry-level 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine. It makes 110hp, which doesn't sound like much, but the Astra's not a very heavy car, so it achieves a respectable 10.2-second 0-62mph time. Average economy above 45mpg should be possible if you drive gently.
Vauxhall Astra SRi 1.2 Turbo 145 petrol
The upgraded petrol engine option, which is more common on SRi models, is the same 1.2-litre unit boosted to 145hp. This drops the 0-62mph run to 9.7 seconds but has no impact on advertised mpg figures.
Vauxhall Astra SRi 1.5 Turbo D 105 diesel
For high-mileage drivers, SRi-trimmed Astras are available with a 105hp diesel engine. This matches the entry-level petrol's 10.2-second 0-62mph time, with claimed average economy north of 60mpg if you have a light right foot.
Vauxhall Astra SRi 1.5 Turbo D 122 diesel
Like the petrols options, you can also choose an upgraded 1.5-litre diesel engine with 122hp. Again, you get the same half-second drop in acceleration time, while economy falls very slightly to around 58mpg. This engine is also offered with an optional automatic gearbox that incurs a very slight efficiency and performance penalty.
