| Week at the Wheel | Vauxhall Astra 1.4 SRi Turbo |

Inside & Out:

This latest Astra is a big car for a family hatchback - probably the biggest in class - and it looks it, too. The designers have created a contemporary medley of swoops and curves, but a look at the distance between the wheels gives the game away. Having said that, the design is modern and fresh and the size pays obvious dividends in terms of interior space, though the dramatic profile at the rear robs the boot of some load space. Saying that, room for rear occupants is actually not far short of cars in the class above.

As far as the interior itself is concerned Vauxhall has closed the gap on VW dramatically, but not decisively. The dashboard is bold and bright with sound ergonomics and an appearance of quality combined with the practicality of plenty of storage, high levels of comfort and a generous equipment level. There's perhaps a little bit too much chrome effect around the cabin and there is still evidence of cost cutting, though it's away from the areas where the eyes or fingers fall most often. The overall gains are hugely welcome.

Engine & Transmission:

In common with the majority of rivals, Vauxhall has been downsizing its powerplants and many of the larger engines are being replaced in the range by turbocharged units of smaller displacement. Our test car was fitted with a 1.4-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with a power output of 140bhp - roughly the same as the outgoing 1.8-litre option. In addition, 147lb.ft of torque delivered from 1,850- to 4,900rpm gives the SRi a good turn of speed and linear delivery, which is at least a match for the old 1.8. It's worth noting that the peak power figure is produced at 4,900rpm, which is well short of the red line and reflects the Astra's lack of top end sparkle: there is little benefit in revving the engine hard, as the performance falls away noticeably.

The theory is that the power of a 1.8-litre is available when required but for the rest of the time, and indeed the majority of use for most drivers, when the turbo unit isn't working hard the 1.4-litre offers superior economy. The downside is that unfortunately, and perhaps inevitably, there is some evidence of lag at lower speeds and the engine feels slightly dulled relative to a normally aspirated equivalent. However, its manners are impeccable and it cruises in a relaxed manner at odds with its relatively small size.

Ride & Handling:

Whereas the SRi badge used to designate performance and sportiness, this latest version lacks the sharp edge to truly entertain. Vauxhall's engineers have foregone the complex ideal solution of multi-link rear suspension that most of its rivals use in favour of a simpler, more cost effective torsion beam arrangement. This is similar to the approach Honda took with the Civic and the results are much the same - a loss of the dynamic edge that a car like the Ford Focus so enjoys. That's not to say that the Astra isn't capable, as it is, but does noticeably lag the best in class.

The same can be said of the ride quality, which is good, but lacks the solidity and polish of a VW Golf, for example. This latest suspension set up effectively puts compromise into all areas without providing a definitive benefit on any dynamic level, and while the Astra certainly drives with a good deal more maturity, it's not as involving or exciting to drive relative to rivals as the previous version was. It probably handles 85 percent as well as a Focus and rides 85 percent as well as a Golf.

On a more practical note, the sweeping A-pillar and broad C-pillar, along with the swooping profile, have a negative impact on visibility that may put some people off.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:

As in rivals such as the Golf TSi and Renault Mégane we've tested of late, one needs to ignore the engine capacity when considering the pricing and instead focus on the power level. Trim levels are generous and Vauxhall's improved product and the general air of quality around this latest Astra make it competitive with its rivals.

In terms of running costs, the smaller engine pays real dividends; economy in the region of 40mpg would be very difficult to achieve with the 1.8-litre unit this engine effectively replaces, whereas it's relatively common place in the 1.4 with over 50mpg obtainable on a conservative cruise. The subsequent emissions figure of 138g/km reduces the tax burden.

Overall:

Vauxhall has undoubtedly done a fine job with the new Astra. Superficially it can challenge for class honours. It has the looks, space, value and quality to push cars like the Golf and Focus close. However, as with cars such as the Mégane, Mazda3 or Hyundai i30, it lacks the defining traits that make it stand out from the norm. It's not special enough to drive to better the Focus and it lacks the high levels of all-round ability that make the Golf so hard to beat. It's as close as it's been for a long time though and there's more than enough to make it worthy of consideration.