PASSION and emotion - two words you would traditionally never mention in the same breath as the Vauxhall Astra.
So it speaks volumes for the styling team put together by GM Europe' that the fifth generation of the British-built hatchback is a car bursting with bright ideas.
Aware that the company's top seller would need something special to make it stand out in a compact family car segment also populated by rivals like Ford, Citroen, Renault and Volkswagen, the stylists were charged with giving the Astra a powerful design statement.
So the man responsible for the original Audi quattro oversaw the operation, and came up with a five-door vehicle that bears little resemblance to its bland predecessor.
From the exterior styling with imposing grille, futuristic 3D headlamps and athletic silhouette to the driving dynamics themselves, the new Astra hits the mark.
There's a genuine feel of quality throughout the cabin with a simply laid out dash,classy looking grey centre console and sculpted shapes.
Space is increased all round, including in the rear where even the centre passenger is able to achieve relative comfort rather than being perched awkwardly. It's a very tight squeeze with three adults across the back though.
Design-wise the only negative concerns the boot which, while boasting a fair capacity, has a narrow opening due to the car's sharp rear end. That can cause problems loading large or bulky items.
Finding the ideal driving position is aided by a fully adjustable seat while the steering wheel adjusts for reach and rake too.
Four petrol and as many diesel engines range from an entry-level 90bhp 1.4-litre, via 1.6, 1.8 and two-litre turbo petrol versions to a pair of 80 and 100bhp 1.7-litre CDTi diesels and 1.9-litre oil-burners producing 120 or 150bhp.
The more powerful of the 1.7-litre diesels is quiet and at its best in mid-range where the pulling power is first class. In fact only in its slower paces does the engine labour, taking what seems an age to react from low revs.
The steering is nicely balanced though, and the car's handling taut with terrific body control.
A couple of niggles though - operating the air-con direction is fiddly and the one-touch indicator and wiper stalks don't 'click' and take some getting used to.
Seven trim levels are available and, depending on which version you go for, include comfort and safety features like electronic stability, traction and continuous damping control systems, rain sensitive wipers, keyless entry and start up, air-con and adaptive front headlights.
Remote central locking, front and side airbags, ABS, electric front windows and CD sound system are standard across a range that starts at £10,995 - which is £1,500 less than the cheapest five-door Volkswagen Golf - and rises to £18,695.
FAST FACTS
Vauxhall Astra 1.7 CDTi Design
Price: £16,195
Mechanical: 100bhp, 1,686cc, 16v turbodiesel engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max Speed: 112mph
0-62mph: 11.5 secs
Combined mpg: 56.5
Insurance Group: 6
CO2 emissions: 138g/km
BiK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles; 6yrs anti-rust