16: Opel Astra – Still the saving grace for the German brand after a torrid year

Opel has had something of a torrid year, what with being sold off by former owner General Motors into the French hands of PSA Group (which owns Peugeot and Citroen) and with some of its new new models (Insignia Grand Sport, Crossland X) falling just a little flat in critical terms.

Thankfully, then, Opel still has the Astra, which is one of the very best cars in the fiercely competitive family hatchback class. It’s one of the those rare mass-market cars that actually feels over-engineered, with excellent cabin quality and a sense of tight, carefully-applied build quality.

The cabin looks good too, and is very spacious. It’s good to drive too, very good in fact, with light, almost delicate steering and an enthusiastic attitude to corners.

Estate version is usefully roomy, and rather handsome (better looking than the hatch, in fact) and the only downside to Astra ownership is a tiny fuel tank which restricts long-journey range a little.