New Car Honours 2006

	Handsome as a hatchback, the model looks even more striking in convertible guise - and that's a key consideration here.

Let's raise the roof for Vauxhall and its truly desirable drop-top version of the Astra. The TwinTop joins the Volvo C70 in offering a three-element roof which is designed to fold into a smaller space than on rival cars. This ensures that the rear styling is less compromised - not that the Astra lacks visual appeal in the first place.

Handsome as a hatchback, the model looks even more striking in convertible guise - and that's a key consideration here. True, the interior is less adventurous, but it is very well packaged and offers more rear legroom than bigger and more expensive cabriolets. In fact, this is altogether a sensible machine. It is relatively affordable to both buy and run, plus it has a strong range of engines, including a 150bhp diesel powerplant and a punchy 200bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit, and impressive specification, too.

The only slight cloud on the TwinTop's horizon is the arrival in a few weeks of the excellent Volkswagen Eos. And Ford's Focus drop-top isn't too far off, either. All great news for convertible buyers looking for the greatest possible choice!