Competition among car manufacturers to produce Britain’s bestselling motor has always been lively. Since 1965 Ford has held the title for all but six of the years. But in 2004 Vauxhall began a serious challenge, as its fifth-generation Astra looked like a match for the Focus in almost every respect.

Three years on, the sales figures have proven that its optimism was a little premature, and the Ford Focus retains the top spot. But the Astra occupies a respectable second place and that makes it a pretty safe bet when it comes to buying secondhand.

With a broad range of petrol and diesel engines, the Astra offers something for everybody. The smallest 1.4 litre petrols are keen enough to please the driver, and do a fair job of powering the car along.

The mid-range 1.6 and 1.8 litre engines have little to separate them in terms of either performance or economy, and you have to step up to the turbocharged 2 litre motor if you fancy something a little sporty. Even then, Vauxhall offers alternatives – a 170bhp unit and a somewhat saucier 200bhp version.

With a secondhand premium of just £250 for the more potent engine, you can bet that most buyers gravitate towards it rather than its 170bhp sibling.

Diesel power originally came in 1.7 and 1.9 litre versions, producing from 80bhp to 150bhp. In June 2005 a 1.3 litre joined the range, producing a lusty 90bhp. But it is the high-performance 150bhp 1.9 litre diesel that is the pick. Giving the Astra a 0-60mph time of just 8.3sec, it can embarrass many a petrol motor while modestly sipping its fuel at a rate of 48.7mpg.

As with all the diesels, if you push it hard it can sound a little harsh and strained. Ultimately, however, that doesn’t matter, since the beauty of these diesels is that they are happiest cruising with the rev-counter needle indicating anything between 1500rpm and 3000rpm, from which speeds acceleration is strong and muscular, while the engine stays relaxed.

In a move that almost certainly confuses the majority of buyers, Vauxhall has adopted a trim lineup that mixes names such as Life, Club, Design and Elite with letters such as SXi and SRi. While the last two designations are sports oriented, with larger alloys, sports seats and alloy pedals, the other cars in the range seem unsure about whether they lean towards luxury or sport. So, when buying secondhand, check the specification of the actual car you’re keen on, rather than rely on the badge to indicate what kit is included.

Externally, the latest generation of Astra is arguably the best looking ever, and having grown by 14cm in length and 2cm in width, it is also the largest. Interior space is good for four adults, with a fifth accommodated in the middle of the rear seat for the occasional short hop to the pub.

There’s also a big step up in quality from previous models, and the feel, fit and finish of cabin plastics knock on the door of the benchmark VW Golf. Only the rather austere fascia design disappoints a tad, although in fairness it functions well and accommodates plenty of functions without ever feeling cluttered.

On the road the Astra feels very solid; with firmish seats you feel changes in the road surface, but more in a reassuring way than an annoying one. With the full five-star Euro NCAP score for adult occupancy, front and side airbags as standard kit, as well as an antilock braking system, the Astra is also one of the safest cars in which to travel.

It’s also an easy car to live with because it requires servicing only every two years or 20,000 miles on petrol models, and every two years or 30,000 miles on diesels. That said, the infrequent dealer visits place a responsibility on owners to keep an eye out for dashboard warning lights and to regularly check the oil and coolant levels so as to avoid unexpected mishaps.

Because the Vauxhall Astra is Britain’s second bestselling new car, there is a lively trade in used examples and plenty of variety to choose from; but you must move quickly to snap up what you want.

Servicing Two years/20,000 miles (petrol) and two years/30,000 miles (diesel)
Suspension Prone to front bush wear but this is covered by original warranty if it happens prematurely
Tailgate Check tailgate light switch works properly as some owners have needed them replaced under warranty
Sport pack SportSwitch firms up the suspension and steering and sharpens the throttle response
Warranty Three-year/60,000-mile warranty on new cars
Insurance High-performance turbocharged petrol model a reasonable group 13, while 150bhp diesel is just group 11
Safety Maximum five-star Euro NCAP result for adult occupancy, plus impressive four stars for child occupant safety
Boot space At 350 litres not quite as large as a Ford Focus, but equal to a VW Golf
Facelift 2007 facelift included revised bumpers, front and rear lenses and additional chrome front grille detailing

Vital statistics Values

Model Opel Astra 1.9 CDTi 5dr
Engine 1910cc, four-cylinder turbodiesel
Power 150bhp
Transmission Six-speed manual
Fuel 48.7mpg (combined cycle)
Acceleration 0-60mph: 8.3sec
Top speed 129mph

The one to buy

A 2005 05 Vauxhall Astra 1.9 CDTi Design with 20,000 miles. Pay £9,995 at a Vauxhall dealer or £9,250 privately

Or for similar money

2005 54 Volkswagen Golf 1.9 TDI S
2005 05 Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Ghia
2005 55 Seat Leon 1.9 TDi Stylance
2006 55 Peugeot 307 1.6 HDi 110 SE
2007 56 Renault Mégane 1.9 dCi 130