Vauxhall are working very hard to make their cars more interesting.

They're pushing the Astra Twin Top at the moment, a delightful-looking hard-top cabriolet which will win a fair share of orders from highly stylish types who know what's hot and what's not.

But back in the real world, traditional Vauxhall owners (and Ford owners, for that matter) are far more interested in sensible motors like estates.

That's right. Having a roof which folds like a ballet dancer at the press of a button might impress the neighbours but it won't swallow a week's shopping or accommodate a growing family's holiday luggage.

That's why Vauxhall's Astra estate exists. It might not make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up but it's a far more practical proposition than a cabriolet in what is, despite what the advertising copywriters say, a windswept and drizzly part of northern Europe.

That's why Vauxhall put as much effort into their, dare we say, mundane models like Astra Estate as they do into frippery like the Twin Top.

Actually, the Astra Estate is far from mundane. It's not quite as exciting as some hotter Vauxhalls but it is a neat, almost sporty model with excellent attention to detail. It's almost the prettiest model in the Astra range.

And that's saying something, for the Astra in five-door form is a pretty distinctive model. It has large headlights, with their beautifully detailed lamps, and its Mazda 3-style rump with bold horizontal chrome strip form only a part of the reason why the Astra has become something of a talking point.

Inside, it has a T-shaped console, which can be covered in silver trim on selected models, contains all the important audio and ventilation controls. The instruments are clear, and the driving position boasts a wide range of adjustment. The cabin materials look and feel more premium than the car's price tag suggests, and leg and headroom is more than adequate both fore and aft.

Move to the rear of the car and it's easy to see why the Astra will attract the attention of people who put practicality first. The car's tailgate opens wide to reveal a flat load space and pleasingly low loading lip. Folding the rear seats forward boosts the car's carrying capacity even further. This flat space can be enhanced by Vauxhall's optional Flexorganisor' system of sliding dividers and a range of cargo nets and boxes.

The engine is one of those modern new diesels which offer petrol-style performance (60mph in 10.1 seconds) and diesel-style economy (going on for 40mpg around town and more than 56mpg on a run).

This is a Design version which means it comes with one or two desirable additions such as air conditioning, sports seats, 16in alloy wheels, leather trim and a sight and light' pack taking in automatic lighting and wipers.

For the record, the Astra's carrying capacity is 470 litres and 1,550 litres with the rear seats up and down respectively, which is notably bigger than the Ford Focus estate.

PRICE: £18,075 Range is from £13,425 to £18,925.

ENGINE: A 1,910cc unit generating 120PS.

PERFORMANCE: Top speed 118mph, 0 to 60 in 10.1 seconds.

COSTS: urban (town) 37.7mpg; extra-urban (country) 56.5mpg.

EMISSIONS: 159g/km.

WARRANTY: Three years or 60,000 miles.

INSURANCE: Group 11a.

All T&A road test vehicles are independently selected and assessments are carried out impartially by members of our own staff who base their opinions only on the vehicle supplied for these purposes by the manufacturer.