One of the UK's top-selling and best-loved cars, Vauxhall Astra is a household name for British car buyers with over three million sold in the UK over the last 40 years, including over 30,000 in 2018. More than 25 per cent of British motorists have either owned or driven an Astra, so reaction to a model with significant revisions will always be felt across the market.

The new Vauxhall Astra sets the standard for efficiency and low emissions with an all-new range of petrol and diesel powertrains. Building on the wide success of the outgoing model, customers will benefit from reduced CO2 and fuel consumption, as well as a series of class-leading technology and equipment.

Meticulous development in the wind tunnel also made a significant contribution to the reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of up to 21 per cent versus the outgoing model.

With a drag coefficient figure of just 0.26, the Astra leads the class for aerodynamics. And at 0.25 Cd, the Astra Sports Tourer is also best-in-class, too. These aero-benchmarks have been achieved through numerous measures, including an engine compartment cover, deflector-shaped rear axle control arms and a full-face shutter.

The upper and lower portions of the new Vauxhall Astra's radiator grille automatically open and close independently of one another, further improving the frontal airflow. The underbody optimisation improves the drag coefficient by reducing turbulence.

The Astra's chassis has undergone a number of improvements, too. New dampers provide greater bump control, even on poor surfaces, while the steering has received a new calibration, resulting in improved handling at higher speeds.