Inside, things are more functional and aesthetic, with acres of black plastic with very little to keep the driver interested. However, the dials are clear and well laid out, but the switchgear could be better placed; the main console dials are too low and the rear window switches are placed exactly where my hand naturally fell, making for all kinds of confusion and  expletives from yours truly.

Our biggest criticism of the Astra's interior - indeed the biggest criticism of the whole car - is the over complicated radio/air-con/trip computer console. Now, I like to think I'm pretty good when it comes to getting to grips with in-car gadgets, but it took nearly two weeks to completely master the system. Point in case: loading a CD. Usually when you want to load a CD, you offer it to the slot and the player takes it. No. Here, you have to press the eject button, select which slot you want the disc to sit in (an internal 6-disc changer is optional on all models) before you can kick back with some tunes.

Despite this, the stereo is very good. All models apart from the basic Expression grade have a seven-speaker audio system with a stereo radio and CD player, and the optional digital radio outfits are well worth an extra few quid.

There is a huge amount of space in the cabin, and even with the front seats back, there's still more than enough space to swing the average sized cat. Indeed there's more room than the new Golf and 1-Series Beemer, making it a serious contender for the family car market. The only fly in the ointment is a boot hatch compromised by the large rear lights. That said, the 350-litre boot is on par with both the Mk5 Golf and new Audi A3.

Specification across the range is first class. All models come with driver, passenger and side airbags, electric front windows, ABS, remote central locking and a multi-function display panel - not bad for a car that costs from £11k on the road. Just a shame that lumbar support isn't standard across the range.

Our SRi test car featured virtually everything you could possibly want, from electrically folding mirrors, to tasty 17in alloys, a six-speed gearbox and the fabled Sports Switch.

Standard on 2-litre turbo Design and SRi models, the Sports Switch improves throttle response and stiffens the suspension, improving the already excellent handling without making a noticeable difference to the ride. As part of the Interactive Driving System (IDS-plus), the Continuous Damping Control (CDC) monitors the roll, pitch and yaw of the car and changes the rate of damping on each wheel to selectively stiffen each corner as necessary. Take it from us - this is very good.

Things aren't too shabby in a straight line, either. We took out a 1.8 version and despite a 0-60 time of 11.3 seconds and a 115mph top speed, it feels sprightly and more fun than I'd expected. But it was the 2-litre turbo-engined SRi that really impressed. The quoted 8.4 second 0-60 time seems massively underquoted and the flexibility of the engine is incredible.

But - and there is a big but - fuel consumption was very heavy in the SRi - 20mpg isn't too clever in a smallish car, but we can overlook this as it was such a hoot to drive! The 1.6 was far better, with a regular 30+mpg being recorded on the cross-London commute. Of course, there are the now-obligatory super-diesels, in the form of an 80bhp and a 100bhp 1.7 turbocharged oil burner, which we're yet to drive.

When it comes to handing over the cash, the Astra is incredibly appealing. Starting at £12,495 for the 1.6 Life, it undercuts the equivalent Focus by £555 and the 1.4 FSI Golf by £540. As far as the rest of the range is concerned, it's bruised knuckles all round as the Focus, Golf and Astra fight for the lowest price, but the Astra consistently holds its own, given its higher specification.

And there's more good news for the Astra, as the forthcoming Focus is based on the same somewhat underwhelming platform on which the Mazda 3 and Volvo S40 are based. This should eliminate more of the Astra's competition. Maybe Luton's Griffin will give us Brits something that our sports stars couldn't - top honours on the world stage.

Stuart Milne