The Astra, it seems, just gets better and better. As the competition hots up, Vauxhall has done a great job of making what was a humdrum, workaday model into something of a class-leader.

That’s right, a model which takes on the best of the mid-market offerings from Ford, Volkswagen, SEAT, Toyota, Renault and co. Some achievement.

Designed to be visually appealing and packed full of clever stuff, this latest variant has a much broader remit. Not only must it attract buyers seeking to switch from one medium-size hatch to another, or trade up from something smaller, but it has to satisfy the needs of those downsizing from larger, more luxurious cars.

Borrowing heavily from the larger Insignia, it boasts plush upholstery and cabin trim, a generous level of standard equipment, big car levels of refinement and distinctive styling that distancse it from rivals offering a lower cost but also lower rent experience.

And a low rent experience is not something you’ll to get with this Astra. It all starts with the car’s exterior; the wide, purposeful stance and flowing lines ape those of the Insignia – a positive role model if ever there was one.

The Astra’s cabin is no less impressive. A lot of attention has been focused on creating a premium ambience through the use of quality materials. The result is an interior that looks and feels more Germanic than before, but retains design flair so often lacking in traditional German cars.

Space has also been improved, with occupants experiencing some welcome extra room where it counts. Factor in the car’s supportive seats and there’s no question that the various changes have lifted the Astra above the mainstream opposition.

In recent years, Vauxhall has been praised for the improvements it has made to the driving experience, and this Astra takes this a step further.

As you would expect, engine choice is wide and varied, with the overall focus on efficiency savings.

Although Vauxhall is keen to tempt more regular buyers into showrooms – witness the Astra’s enhanced cabin and long list of equipment – the fleet market remains a big slice of Vauxhall’s business. As such, the firm’s 1.7-litre CDTi diesel is a cornerstone of the range as it’s been tuned to deliver a balance of good performance plus fleet manager-friendly running costs and low CO2.

Both the 110 and 125 horsepower units deliver an impressive 60.1mpg and 124g/km CO2. Moving up, there’s a 2.0-litre diesel available with both a manual and automatic gearbox.

On the petrol front, the star is a new 140 horsepower, 1.4-litre turbo motor. It’s not pitched as the ultimate in performance, but is a flexible, punchy and refined all-rounder. Completing the picture is a non-turbo 1.4 with 87 and 100 horsepower, plus a 115 horsepower 1.6 unit.

As you’d expect, manual and auto gearboxes – five and six-speed units – are supplied, depending on the particular engine. In the case of the key 1.4 turbo and 1.7 diesel engines, the standard fit six-speed manual ’box is slick and accurate.

That’s an appropriate way of describing how well this Astra has hit its target. In raw terms, the driving experience is a considerable leap forward; ride quality is impressive, the car changes direction with real conviction and the steering is direct and should fill keen drivers with plenty of confidence.

For the company car driver racking up the miles, the Astra’s hushed cabin and adjustable driving position should ensure a stress-free day. On top of that, there’s a spacious boot, while access to the rear seats is better than expected – adults should have no trouble getting comfortable, and reaching in to secure a child seat doesn’t involve contorting one’s back.

Big car features play a prominent role in the Astra, with the likes of directional headlights, a full-on audio system, sat-nav and phone function, plus a switchable sports ride function, all available from the options list.

Such items, once the preserve of more expensive premium cars, dovetail nicely with the already generous levels of standard comfort and safety equipment. Vauxhall’s desire to position the Astra further up the desirability ladder isn’t a hollow act, but one that can be seen everywhere, from the car’s high levels of fit and finish to the upmarket choice of trim materials.

All in all, this latest generation Astra is a significant step forward over the old model. In five-door guise – the other familiar bodystyles will follow in due course – it fits the bill as an attractive-looking, competent family car.

It goes further, though, as attention to detail inside and out, performance of the various engines and the way it drives all point to a car that’s been engineered to impress above and beyond its traditional market sector.

PRICE: from £18,015 on the road.

ENGINE: 1.7-litre turbo diesel unit developing 110bhp via six-speed manual transmission as standard, driving the front wheels.

PERFORMANCE: Maximum speed 113mph, 0-62mph in 11.8 seconds.

COSTS: Average 60.1mpg.

EMISSIONS: 124g/km.

WARRANTY: Three years, 60,000 miles.