Vauxhall Astra, Class understudy
Calling the Astra a 'plain old hatchback' is derogatory, we know, but we don't mean to be rude. In fact, we quite like the current Astra. It's not going to set anyone's world alight, but there are about a thousand versions of it to suit every pocket and predilection, ranging from fuel-sipping ecoFLEX versions to the fuel-sapping VXR. That one might set your world alight, as it happens. And there are, of course, body styles aplenty too, including the convertible TwinTop, an estate, the three-door 'coupé' (as distinct from the five-door version) and a van, obviously.
It's been around in this format since 2004, so it's probably closer to the Ford Focus than it should be now, and it's still managing to outsell the Golf consistently too - though that's more expensive. Still, Vauxhall's getting something right, because it has regularly commanded a spot in the top five sellers list since launch.
