We say A great all-round hatchback to rival anything in the segment. Arguably loses to arch rivals on practicality and cabin quality.Performance Loads of engines to choose from: the petrols range from eager 1.4-litres to the mental 2-litre turbo VXR. The 1.9-litre diesels are the pick of the oil burners and the best all-rounders in the range.Emissions The diesels are the best option if you want a drivetrain that’s economical and provides enough grunt for good levels of acceleration and torque for every day driving. One of the flagship models in terms of fuel economy and emissions is the 1.7-litre 110PS CDTi diesel that returns 62mpg and emits 119g/km in CO2.Driving Superb handling from the Astra with precise steering, superb traction and good cornering ability. The VXR is a monster, with the car struggling to channel the power through the wheels. Sportier suspension is less forgiving too.Feel Superb refinement makes the Astra a great cruiser and it copes with the UK’s poor road surfaces brilliantly without ever feeling too washy or flustered.Space Good space for five in the cabin and a mid-sized boot at 350-litres but it is the poor cabin layout that lets the Astra down. The front is cramped and cluttered and dials and controls are awkwardly positioned.Equipment Electric front windows, remote central locking and electronic power steering at entry-level but no CD player. Climate control and cruise control at top spec. Sport hatch models have lowered sports suspension.Price Residuals will be fairly poor but list prices and running costs are good. Discounts may be available but with prices kicking off at around £13,000 for entry-level models and peaking at just under £24,000 for range-topping models, the Astra is competitively priced.Quality A noticeable step up from previous Astra models, the Mark 5's interior is durable and pleasant. Vauxhall's engines are among the sturdier on the market as well making it a good, solid all rounder.Safety Front and side airbags and anti-lock brakes are standard.Pros The Astra is an excellent all rounder and one that offers a brilliant alternative to the Ford focus and the Volkswagen Golf. There’s an impressive range of engines, sleek design and plenty of options in terms of kit and equipment. It’s also cheap to buy aCons The cabin layout is poor and awkward and it lets the car down. It handles well but it’s not as good as some other examples on the market.Alternatives Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Renault Megane, Honda Civic
