Sector: Lower Medium Price: €17,260–€31,120 Fuel: 3.8–5.9l/100km CO2: 99–136g/km

If not born to be a fleet car, the Opel Astra has been at the heart of the fleet sector since it was launched (as a Kadett) back in the 1980s. The latest model to bear the name is up to 200kg lighter than its predecessor, more compact on the outside, while offering more space on the inside. It is also serving as the launch platform for the GM OnStar connectivity system, tried and tested in North America but now being offered in European models for the first time. It will be the first time a car in its class has been offered with LED matrix adaptive front lighting, only available on premium models before.

While the 1.6-litre diesel will probably be the go-to engine for fleets, particularly where CO2-based tax systems are in operation, Opel is offering its latest 1.4-litre petrol engine, developed from the three-cylinder 1.0-litre turbo engine that has already made its debut in Adam and Corsa. The 1.0-litre engine will also make its debut in the Astra. With this 105hp engine, mated to the Easytronic 3.0 automated transmission, CO2 emissions are rated at 96g/km, with fuel consumption of 4.2l/100km.

The new 1.4-litre ECOTEC direct injection turbocharged petrol engine will probably also turn a few fleet heads. It will be available with 125hp and 150hp power outputs with fuel consumption and emissions starting from 4.9l/100km with 114g/km CO2. Topping the petrol engine range will be GM’s 200hp 1.6-litre direct injection turbo engine with 5.9l/100km and 139g/km CO2.

The 1.6-litre ‘Whisper’ diesel is already available in the Mokka, Meriva, Zafira Tourer and outgoing Astra. In the latest model it will offer 95hp, 110hp, 136hp and 160hp. 110hp variants with stop/start offer the lowest fuel consumption – in the 3.4 to 3.5l/100km range combined for the five-door with 90 – 93g/km CO2 emissions. Even the 136hp variant offers combined consumption between 3.7 and 3.9l/100km with 99-103g/km CO2 emissions. Start/Stop is fitted as standard to this engine.

The outgoing Astra was pretty good to drive, but the latest model sets new standards. The 1.6-litre CDTi diesel is sure to be a strong fleet seller and fleet drivers are not going to be disappointed by the experience. The car certainly feels lighter on the controls than its predecessor and it rides and handles well. Its arch-rival the Ford Focus may have the edge in chassis terms, but it is by a small margin. The car will be a capable highway cruiser, while offering low fuel consumption. It would certainly be the best power option for the Sports Tourer, although this model was not available to drive on the launch.

I couldn’t help feeling that the star in the new Astra is the 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine, which is sweetly refined yet with plenty of power when needed. The lightweight engine certainly helps to give the car great balance too and with CO2 emissions in the 114-117 range for both 125hp and 150hp variants, there may be fleet drivers who are tempted away from the 1.6-litre diesel. It would certainly be a good choice for anyone covering relatively short distances, where a diesel particulate filter would have difficulty regenerating.

The launch included a night driving section to show off the new LED matrix headlights. If you have never experienced them before, they really can transform night driving. Once activated, the headlights don’t actually dip but switch different LED arrays on and off to avoid dazzling approaching drivers and those in front. This leaves a cut out if you are following a car, keeping the back of the car in shadow to avoid dazzle, while lighting up a wide section of the road.

Verdict:

The best Astra yet? Without a doubt, but more to the point, one that can give rivals from Ford and VW some serious competition. The weight reduction and improved aerodynamics have certainly helped to offer very competitive fuel consumption and CO2 emissions from both diesel and smaller petrol engines.