The Astra GTC has a five star EuroNCAP classification – the highest availabe merit. As standard on all GTCs you get active safety head restraints, dual front seatbelt pretensioners and a system which stops you moving off unless you put your foot on the clutch. ABS is standard, along with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Hydraulic Brake Fade Assist, Cornering Brake Control and Emergency Brake Assist systems.

SRi models also get and electronic handbrake with Hill Start Assist, which prevents the car rolling backwards and makes hill starts much easier. You also get front, side and curtain airbags and a reinforced passenger safety cell.

The GTC has the biggest boot of its main competitors, boasting 380 litres with the seats up or 1,165 litres with seats down. VW’s Scirocco manages 312 litres and 1,006 litres respectively, while the Megane Coupe has 372 litres and 1,129 litres respectively. However, litres don’t tell the whole story; the GTC’s boot does have a smaller opening gap than competitors, meaning larger items (like Golf clubs) may prove a tight squeeze.

Special mention must go to the clever boot opening mechanism. You simply touch the bottom of the Vauxhall Griffin badge on the tailgate gently and the lock disengages allowing the boot to open. In the cabin you get the ubiquitous cubbies and cup holders, with extra storage space for SRi models afforded by the lack of hand brake lever (replaced by electronic button) and cubby in the centre arm-rest.