Model names come and go, but the Astra seems an ever-present.
And why not? When you&apos;ve shifted more than two million cars in the UK alone since 1980 it would seem folly to opt for anything else.
From this weekend, the fifth generation of the Ellesmere Port-built car hits the road, and few other than Vauxhall aficionados are likely to recognise this latest Astra from its predecessor.
Not to put too fine a point on it, this is a critically important launch for Vauxhall. The latest Astra enters an arena which accounts for 22 per cent of the entire west European car market.
From day one of the design process Vauxhall made it a priority to put some real emotion into the Astra&apos;s final look.
With the Meriva and Zafira models catering for more practical demands, Vauxhall felt confident they could go for something really entertaining.
GM Europe&apos;s design chief Martin Smith - the man responsible for the original Audi quattro - oversaw the operation, the result of which is a vehicle that bears little resemblance to its rather bland forerunner.
Instead we have a car that throbs pulsatingly - from the exterior styling with its imposing grille, futuristic 3D headlamps and athletic silhouette, to the driving dynamics themselves.
Fans of the Astra won&apos;t be disappointed with the new car&apos;s cabin. There&apos;s a genuine feel of quality throughout with a simply laid out dash, classy looking grey centre console and sculpted shapes.
Rear space is premium class, too, with even the centre passenger able to achieve relative comfort rather than being &apos;perched&apos; awkwardly.
In fact, design-wise the only negative concerns the boot which, while boasting a fair capacity, has a narrow opening due to the car&apos;s sharp rear end. That could cause problems when loading large or bulky items.
First to hit the roads is the five-door hatchback, built on Merseyside, where the three-door version - due next spring - may also be constructed. Autumn will see the arrival of a German-sourced estate model with an extended wheelbase.
Four petrol and two diesel engines are offered at the outset and range from the entry-level 90bhp 1.4-litre, via 1.6, 1.8 and two-litre turbo petrol versions to a pair of 80 and 100bhp 1.7-litre diesels. A 1.9 CDTI unit with 150bhp is due from late summer.
Of course the crunch for fleet and private buyers will be how the Astra performs on the road.
Putting three of the six models - 1.6 and 2.0 Turbo petrol models along with a 100bhp 1.7 diesel - to the test on a series of demanding Lakeland routes convinced me that this range fulfils its manufacturer&apos;s boasts.
In each case the auto-adjusting steering was nicely balanced, engines quiet, power delivery at least useful and handling taut with terrific body control. Even the 1.6 Twinport unit produced surprisingly capable performance.
For a more hands-on feel, customers can opt for Vauxhall&apos;s Interactive Driving System, first used on the latest Vectra. This is an electronic chassis network that includes a Sport switch providing the driver with a firmer more sporting drive.
Seven trim levels are available and, depending on which version you go for, include features like electronic stability, traction and continuous damping control systems, rain sensitive wipers, keyless entry and start up, air-con and adaptive front headlights.
Remote central locking, front and side airbags, ABS, electric front windows and CD sound system are standard across a range that starts at £10,995 - which is £1,500 less than the cheapest five-door Volkswagen Golf - and rises to £17,645.
The new Astra is set to benefit from significant residual values, according to CAP Motor Research who expect an improvement of up to £900 per vehicle over the previous car.