I HADN'T driven a Vauxhall Astra for some considerable time so didn't really know what to expect.
From memory it had never been the most exciting of experiences so I was pleasantly surprised when the Astra Estate I was given to test proved to be lively and a pleasure to drive.
It just handles so well - nimble through bends with a supple ride and good roadholding characteristics.
The test car was the top of the range 1.9 CDTi Design which is priced at £18,075 on the road, and it gives good value.
Roomy and good to look at, the Astra Estate oil-burner also offers frugal fuel consumption of around 48mpg on a combined run.
It's a versatile motor which can double up as a real load shifter for anyone who needs it for business use or as a comfortable family car for long runs on the motorway.
Build quality is first class with thicker plastic panels, good fit and finish and a sturdiness which previous Astras didn't have.
Space for driver and passengers is good with plenty of headroom and legroom for those in the back.
The load space in the back is good with a practical flat floor with few intrusions, making it easy to pack in reasonably large items.
The estate has 60-40 split folding rear seats, and optional fold-flat passengers seat allowing even greater flexibility for storing long items.
With seats in place the Astra offers 470 litres of luggage capacity and 1,550 with the seats folded.
There's also the option of ordering a sliding rear seat which will move backwards or forwards by up to 60mm.
The Vauxhall estate offers an excellent driving position through a ratchet seat-height adjustment and a rake and reach adjustable steering wheel.
Instruments are simple and well placed on the centre console, if a little fiddly and on the small side.
My test car was fitted with a 120bhp 1.9 turbo diesel power pack which gives it a claimed top speed of 118mph and a creditable 0-62mph time of 10.1 seconds. The turbo kicks in with refinement and the mid-range power is excellent when it comes to overtaking.
The gutsy engine is matched to a slick, six-speed manual gear change which is a pleasure to use, slotting in smoothly and precisely.
Ride quality is top class with very little road, wind or engine noise to worry about. Steering is positive and it corneres well with minimum roll on the tighter bends.
All Astras have an impressive list of standard safety and security features, including front and side airbags - full-size curtain airbags on the Design, anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist, central locking with deadlocks, alarm and engine immobiliser.
Air conditioning is standard on the Design model as is a leather-covered steering wheel, multi-function display, CD player, sports front seats with lumber adjustment, wood-effect inserts on the fascia, overhead storage pocket for sunglasses and load area sill protection.
Overall I was impressed by the quality of the Astra Estate. The Design may seem a tad expensive but there's no doubting the quality and practicality of it.
FAST FACTS
Vauxhall Astra Design 1.9 CDTi Estate
Price: £18,075
Mechanical: 120bhp, 1,910cc, 4cyl turbo diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox.
Max speed: 118mph
0-62mph: 10.1 secs
Combined mpg: 47.9
Insurance group: 11
CO2 emissions: 159g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 6yrs anti-rust