##Astra CD--left##AT the end of 2000 the Vauxhall Astra was Britain's second best-selling car, and fleets accounted for the lion's share of sales. It follows a success story that started with the model's launch back in 1998, when Fleet News reported: 'It makes us feel good to nominate such a deserving class leader after years of so-so products.'

With the latest Astra, now in its third year of sales, there's no reason to amend that opinion: the introduction of the Ford Focus and new Volkswagen Golf may have shifted the goalposts since, but the Astra has evolved to meet each head-on. Here we test the CD 1.8 5dr at £13,495 on the road.