VAUXHALL has almost reinvented itself with the arrival of the five-door hatchback Astra.
Available in only one body style until the imminent arrival of the estate, the Astra has led a charge up the sales charts and generated a lot of showroom traffic in dealerships.
The old series was long overdue for replacement but the wait has been worthwhile, judging by the all round competence of the sporty SRi tested.
This comes in towards the top of a 24 model range running from under £11,000 to over £17,600 and including four petrol and two diesel engines.
The Astra SRi was always a popular model in the old series, but anyone who was familiar with that version would be amazed by the improvements of the new series.
Mechanically it is quieter, smoother and more efficient, with better economy potential and it's lost none of its verve and delivers a delightful exhaust note as well into the bargain.
The willing, flowing power is created surprisingly low down the rev range and stays on demand for a long time. The result is a strong and steady performance which is ideally matched to the slick changing six-speed gearbox.
Not only is it quick through the gears but it cruises with complete composure on the motorway and always seems to have something in reserve.
With such good performance you might expect poor fuel economy, but the flexibility of the powertrain means it is surprisingly frugal at the pumps.
What is more, the precision of the gear change is matched by that of the fluid steering and delightfully balanced brakes underfoot. It points and slows with immense accuracy and feedback and never gives cause for concern.
Apart from the very annoying single touch indicators, the secondary switches are also easy to use and work well, but that temperamental stalk is a serious over complication and will probably be the reason for accidents because drivers may send out confusing signals or just not bother at all in frustration.
I loved the big, simple and attractive instruments and the effective heating and ventilation, backed up by powered windows and the abundance of oddments space front and back.
Boot space is very good, quickly increased in size, and the passengers also enjoy easy access and egress. I think the seats may be a bit firm for some tastes and the front pair do lack under-leg support, but there is a good adjustment range.
The suspension is firm but not uncomfortable in the SRi and it copes very well with all manner of bumps while the chassis stays planted on the road in a reassuring manner.Through the gears it's rapid and it is very long legged on the motorway.
The visibility is very good to the front, sides or back and there are no serious blindspots while low noise levels contribute to the overall feeling of sophistication with suppleness which is generated in the new hot Astra.
It's dynamic qualities put it ahead of many competitors and until we get our hands on a hot new Focus it will set a standard for others to match.
FAST FACTS
Vauxhall Astra 2.0 T SRi
Price: £17,195
Mechanical: 170bhp, 1,998cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 134mph
0-62mph: 8.4 secs
Combined mpg: 31.4
Insurance group: 16
CO2 emissions: 216g/km
BiK rating: 29%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles