UKCOTY - Not only did the Astra take the European car of The Year, it takes UK Small Hatch of the year too.

Vauxhall’s all-new Astra has been recognised in the Small Hatch category at the UK Car of the Year Awards.

The Astra topped its extremely competitive category, with the judges (made up of 27 influential UK motoring journalists representing fleet, consumer and trade titles) praising the model for its design, performance and equipment. 

This year has already proven to be positive for the model, with this award the latest in a list that also includes a Family Car category win at the What Car? Awards and being named Scottish Car of the Year.

John Challen, UKCOTY co-founder, commented: “Vauxhall has shaken up the C-segment with the Astra. Big improvements in refinement, quality and driving dynamics are to be applauded.” Elsewhere, the Astra was described as “a consummate all-rounder thanks to space, comfort and quality in combination with a refined drive and great handling,” by consumer motoring journalist and also co-founder of the UK Car of the Year Awards, Alisdair Suttie.

“We’re delighted the Astra has been recognised by the UK Car of the Year judges, as they reflect all areas of the UK motor industry,” said Rory Harvey, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. “This year is the new model’s first full year of sales, and it has already been well-received.”

The all-new Astra is available with the new-generation IntelliLink infotainment system and OnStar, a comprehensive package, which includes a high-speed 4G LTE mobile network, emergency response notification and stolen vehicle recovery technology. OnStar has received plaudits of its own recently, winning the Auto Express Technology and the BusinessCar Techies Awards.