Road test: Vauxhall Antara (From Community Newsgroup)

Road test: Vauxhall Antara

4:32pm Wednesday 10th September 2008

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

REMEMBER the monstrosity that was the Vauxhall Frontera?

Production ceased some years back now, but Vauxhall have recently returned to the segment with an all new 'soft-roader', called the Antara.

The segment is tough though, with the likes of the Honda CR-V and the Landrover Freelander all vying for sales, so it'll need more than just good looks alone to cut the mustard.

Robert Downes takes a look.

Performance/engine:

At the moment buyers have the choice of just two engines, a 2.4-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel, and only the diesel comes with a choice of either automatic or manual transmission, the petrol comeing exclusively with a DIY gearbox.

Performance wise there's not a lot in it. The petrol cracks standing to 60mph in 12.4, while the oil burner shaves just over a second off that time. There would have been a time when I would have pointed buyers to the diesel, largely on economy grounds, but now with the gulf between petrol and diesel prices growing by the day there's really not a masive difference, and the petrol models are cheaper. The diesel, however, boasts significantly more torque than the petrol, and with heavy pieces of machinery like the Antara, that makes a big difference for real world driving performance, and it gets my vote here now as well - albeit only by a whisker.

Handling:

The Antara does everything with mediocraty here, and it's never going to give the rest of the pack anything to worry about. While it mops up most of the worst UK roads have to offer, and is comfortable enough for occupants, it's certainly no match for the Freelander's cosseting ride. Vauxhall say the Antara drives like a car, but that's just not true when you try and get it hustling along B-road.

Drive refinement:

There's no doubting that the Antara is a pleasant car to pilot. The mechanics are fairly typical of Vauxhall thesedays, having a good, honest feel about them, and even the gear box feels quite car-like despite the Antara's size. The handbrake is placed awkwardly though, and the driving position isn't the most comfortable giving quite an upright feel. But the sporty, leather bound steering wheel sits nicely in the hand, and there's good visibility in all directions for the driver.

Quality:

Inside and outside the Antara looks the part. Externally the car communicates a robust, chunky feel, and inside the well construcuted dash cuts the mustard with good presentation and fine, soft touch plastics. The drivers's instrument binnacle adds to the upmarket feel with chrome ringed dials and nice graphics. My only complaint is that the switchgear on the central dash is fairly familiar, used extensively in other Vauxhall products.

Space and Practicality:

All Antaras are in Band F for road tax, which means buyers will be shelling out £210 a year. Insurance premiums aren't going to too high though, as the Antara falls bertween Group 11 and 13. Adding to the finacial woes in a time when cash is short are rather poor fuel consumption figures. The diesel will turn in around 40mpg combined, the petrol 31, but the auto diesel reduces things to around 30.

Space wise there's plenty going spare, but it'll still only fit five adults, and only four if you want it to be comfortably. Lower the rear seats and the Antara's big boot becomes massive, offering a near whopping 1,500 litres of load space.

Equipment:

Just three rather boring trim levels, E, S, and SE, but even the entry E model has plenty to offer. All models get 17 inch alloy wheel, roof rails, and fog lights, CD and air-con. Take any Antara mud-plugging and there's four wheel drive, hill decent control, as well as an electronic stability programme. The S adds 18 inch alloys, heated front seats, and climate control , and even a chilled glove box.

SE adds all the other gimmicks you may need or want, such as Xenon headlighting, sat-nav, leather upholstery, parking sensors front and rear, plus tyre pressure monitors.

Safety:

All the usual airbags, plus ESP, the usual brake safety features, and other off-road driver aids. No NCAP yet though, which is what's really important.

Prices:

A snip under £20,000 gets you in the entry model, while the fully loaded version in diesel, and with an automatic transmissions, comes in at £26,320.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)