Expect much from Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer safey. With the Astra hatch scoring the maximum five-star rating in official Euro NCAP tests, we expect the Sports Tourer to also gain the maximum five stars. All models come with ESP and six airbags as standard.

The wheelbase may be the same as the hatch variant but don’t be put off, the engineers have increased the length of the car by 28mm. This bumps up the load volume by 30 litres giving a total load space of 500 litres (when fitted with the optional tyre inflation kit) with the rear seats up. Another benefit is the 73 litres of additional storage space beneath the cargo floor.

With the seats down folded in standard mode the loadspace grows to 1,000 litres. This is further enhanced by a new FlexFold feature (standard or optional depending on trim level) that allows each section of the 60:40 split-fold rear seatbacks to be lowered at the press of a button (the button housed in the walls of the cargo compartment), without having to re-position seat belts or headrests.

In addition, with the rear seat cushions removed altogether – (a first in this class according to Vauxhall) – the Sports Tourer has a completely flat load floor and a maximum load capacity of up to 1,550 litres. A big advantage over some rivals is that the Sports Tourer’s cargo area has flat wall-linings, with no wheel-arch intrusions or side shelves to hamper easy access.

All models benefit from chrome tie-down loops and full carpeting in the cargo area, as well as a 12v socket and pull-down grab handles on either side of the tailgate. Completing the functionality is the two-touch luggage compartment cover, standard on all models. The cover slides upwards and out of the way with a simple tap to load or remove smaller items.

But for larger loads the cover retracts completely. When not needed, the complete assembly can be removed and stored below the load floor of the cargo space.