Vauxhall AstraNovember 2010

The Vauxhall Astra, now reaching its sixth generation in three decades, has often been the nearly car: sometimes nearly good enough to match the class best, but not quite. That was the case with the original Mk 1, back in 1980; just about with the fourth edition; and that bit closer with the fifth, which this latest model replaces.

This time, General Motors Europe (that's Vauxhall in the UK and Opel on the continental mainland) has redoubled its efforts, serving up an Astra with sexier styling, a far classier interior, a clever new rear suspension and some downsized, more efficient engines. It's bigger too: the distance between its axles has been lengthened to yield more cabin room and its wheels have been pushed outwards to improve stability, which also lends it a purposeful new look.

The Sports Tourer, or estate, is perhaps even better looking than the hatchback, and infinitely more so than its predecessor. Where there were once straight, boxy lines, there are now flowing surfaces and a rounded backside. Thankfully the smoother looks don't come at the expense of practicality, and the boot offers an impressive 500-litres storage with a flat entry point.

There are eight engines and five trim levels on offer in a range that is a little more expensive than the outgoing line-up, but provides more standard equipment, including air conditioning, six airbags, ESP anti-skid control and anti-whiplash front head restraints.

The engines include five petrols and three diesels, starting with two 1.4 petrols of 87bhp and 100bhp, while a turbo version of this engine delivers an impressive 140bhp. There's also a naturally aspirated 115bhp petrol 1.6 and a 180bhp turbo version of that engine. Diesels start with two 1.7s of 110bhp and 125bhp, plus a 160bhp 2.0-litre. Automatic transmission is available on the 1.4 Turbo and 2.0 diesel. This new, refreshed engine range achieves a 13 percent average reduction in CO2 emissions but is still short of rivals from the likes of Ford and Volkswagen.

Vauxhall is also claiming a big step forward in terms of ride, handling, steering and refinement compared to the old model, the Astra's new rear suspension now featuring the sophistication of a Watts linkage system, which has been designed to allow greater absorbency over small bumps without compromising the car's handling accuracy. The springs, dampers and steering resistance have also been tuned specifically to suit UK roads.