Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch 1.9 CDTI Design

	Keen to give Sport Hatch models a dynamic edge, all three-door Astras ride 15mm lower than the five-door, which helps it have the best body control of our trio

After generations of dull family hatchbacks, Vauxhall has rediscovered its sense of fun. And like Citroen, the firm has made its three-door hatch substantially different from the five-door, going in pursuit of a more youthful, style-oriented buyer.

With the exception of the bonnet and front wings, every panel on the Sport Hatch is unique, while the roofline is 32mm lower – the lowest of the trio in this test. The Astra’s sweeping C-pillars, pointy side windows and sharp rear lights certainly make it look the most coupé-like.

Inside, the steeply angled windscreen means Vauxhall has lowered the seating position, which further adds to the racy feel. The cabin itself remains unaltered from the five-door, and compared to its rivals in this test, is very conventional and somewhat uninspiring. The quality of materials and finish can’t be faulted – it’s just a bit dark and lacking in any stand-out design.

More importantly, it’s ergonomically challenged too, because the information screen and air vents push the audio and heater controls down low, and there’s a serious lack of stowage areas. That’s a shame, because the seats offer excellent comfort and the best side support when cornering, and there’s plenty of wheel adjustment. In the back, the sweeping roofline compromises space a little, and, as with the Civic, the C-pillars are close to your head. The Astra’s rear window is bigger though, and there’s more room for your feet under the front seats than you get in the C4. Crucially, leg space is noticeably tighter than in the Honda, while the small 312-litre boot is further compromised by a narrow opening.

Under the bonnet, the 1.9 CDTI has 148bhp – that’s 10bhp up on the Civic and C4, but with 320Nm, it only matches the Citroen’s torque figure and has a 20Nm deficit to the Honda. The Astra outperforms the C4, but is very closely matched to the Type S, with both posting near identical 0-60mph times and little difference between their in-gear figures. But while performance is on a par, the engines have very different characters – the Vauxhall delivers its power in a sudden surge, which then tails off, whereas the Honda has a smoother delivery over a wider rev range. The Astra’s engine is also noisier at a standstill, although excellent soundproofing means it’s fine on the move.

Keen to give Sport Hatch models a dynamic edge, all three-door Astras ride 15mm lower than the five-door, which helps it have the best body control of our trio. However, it isn’t the most entertaining to drive, because while our car’s optional button-operated Sport mode (which comes with 17-inch alloys for £650) sharpens steering and throttle response, the Astra doesn’t turn in as sharply or offer as much feedback as the Civic. In comparison it’s less responsive, although there’s lots of grip and it certainly feels sportier than the C4.

But there is a trade-off to this less forgiving ride. The Vauxhall’s firm set-up can be tiring on long trips, and over really rough surfaces there’s kickback through the steering wheel. As a result, the Citroen is far more comfortable, and the Civic offers a dynamic balance somewhere between its rivals.

Lacking cruise control, sat-nav, power fold mirrors and a CD changer as standard, the Astra isn’t as well equipped as its opponents. But shop around and you should be able to save more than £2,000 on the list price.