I have an Astra. It's is sh!t... I had an old GTE once. That was ok I guess. One things for sure, they can't go aroun corners new or old. Bloody uncomfy too. My Astra is a brand new company job my Celica is 20 years old. Celica is a better car but then look at the comparative list price of the time.
Astra does te job but I hate it with a passion. I have a mate who is exactly the same I'm afraid. I don't bother talking too him too much these days. Think a lot of it stems from jealousy or the possibility of a small winky. Do what you want to your car, after all it is yours and tell your mate to go do one if he starts putting what you do down.
I have just started modding mine after 10 years odd of ownership. Just dropped in a new engine. All because I wanted to.
Astra's truly are crap. Trust me, I drive the bloody thing alot (55K a year) you have a better car