I'VE always wanted to drive a car 'straight out of the box' and so new that its tyres have hardly touched tarmac.
And Vauxhall made that dream come true at the launch of the new Vauxhall Astra at Ellesmere Port.
I was one of the frontline motoring journalists to take my place in a line of gleaming new Vauxhall Astras which were then driven straight out of the factory and out into the wilds of Snowdonia for an 'up hill and down dale' 180-mile test drive.
Vauxhall came up with the brilliantly simple idea of testing the new Astra alongside the outgoing model.
Journalists drove from our base in Cheshire in the 'old' car to the factory, then straight into the sixth generation model at Ellesmere.
Jumping from one motor to another was an enlightening experience – the "time trip" from the outgoing model to new immediately highlighted the fresh Astra's flowing, elegant lines, outstanding ride comfort and what can only be described as superb handling.
Though it's tough today to fly the flag for Britain in the motoring industry, buyers can at least give three cheers for the red, white and blue with the new Astra.
The current Astra is the best-selling UK-built car in Britain and the new model is the tenth generation of compact car to be built at Ellesmere, which started the ball rolling back in 1963 with the original Vauxhall Viva HA.
Vauxhall has aimed at raising the bar in the class for design, quality, technology and dynamics and they have achieved this, without a doubt.
The reborn and revitalised Astra not only looks far more stylish and drives a whole lot better, its engines are also cleaner yet still retain the same levels of performance.
With a range of eight engines and five trim levels, new Astra will initially be available in UK showrooms from December as a five-door hatchback only, though Ellesmere has got the green light to build a sports tourer in the near future.
Sensibly, the new car takes some styling cues from its outstandingly successful new Insignia stablemate, such as the swooping curve of the rear doors and in some cases the whole thing, like the attractive three-spoke steering wheel that has proved so popular.
Those with an eye for detail will notice that Vauxhall has ditched the V-shape in the front grille and replaced it with the heritage-drenched circular griffin badge as a visual signpost of the marque's history.
Front headlamps now have a more exotic curve and sweep and the sideview reveals far more interesting and contemporary angled windowlines.
Door mirrors have been moved back slightly to accommodate a useful and stylish triangular window.
Like nearly all modern cars, Astra's latest generation has grown slightly. It's 17cms longer than its predecessor, with a wheelbase increase of 71 millimetres, improving rear passenger space and internal comfort.
Boot space is excellent, and some models have a flexible floor system which works well.
Interiors are smarter and more cohesive, with a centre stack which flows down in one piece to the centre console.
First driving impressions are highly encouraging. The challenging Snowdonia route flagged up the new Astra's involving, tight steering, sweet balance and handling, a peach of a gearchange and truly top-notch ride quality.
Pick of the bunch for me is the performance 1.6 SRi Turbo model, which boasts effortless power and refined delivery.
With prices from £15,675-£23,695, Astra flies the flag for a British-built car that continues a fine tradition.
Fast facts:
- New British-built Vauxhall Astra available as 5-door hatch, prices from £15,675-£23,695.
- Eight engines and five trim levels.
- Strong, coupé-like lines, elegant surfaces.
- 17cms longer than outgoing model.
- In UK showrooms from December.
