It Meriva earned a decent four out of five stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests, but is fitted with airbags for the driver and passenger only. An electronic stability control system keeps the handling manageable even in slippery conditions. The pedals have been designed to collapse upon impact to prevent injury to the driver’s legs.

It’s shorter and narrower than an Astra, but thanks to the tall design its boot is slightly larger (enough for two large suitcases) and can be further increased by up to 200 litres (enough for a third large suitcase) by sliding the rear seats forward. Those seats also fold for even greater carrying capacity although they don’t lay totally flush with the floor.