By far the best thing about the new Vauxhall Astra is its looks. We sort of get used to the idea that mass-market cars tend to be a bit bland and inoffensive; a consequence of the “lowest common denominator” effect, whereby you avoid offending the majority of possible buyers at the expense of the few who are looking for something more distinctive (and who might be best off looking at one of the premium German brands, with their outrageously massive grilles and in-yer-face styling).
But the Astra, a bestseller for years that deserves to be so once again, is simply one of the best-looking cars to emerge in recent times, in whatever sector.
