Insurance costs have been reduced by making parts damaged in a low-speed collision easier to remove and cheaper to replace while service intervals are long (especially in the diesels). Fuel economy is good in the majority of models although the turbocharged 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre units are thirsty, however depreciation will be the biggest cost over the long term.

The Sport Hatch scores fairly well on the eco front, with an average of 172g/km CO2 across the range. Eco-conscious buyers should consider the 1.7 CDTi ecoFLEX which is one of the greenest models in the range, emitting 119g/km of CO2 and returning 63mpg.

The previous Astra three-door was (on the whole) reliable, but suffered from a string of niggling electrical and trim problems. Quality on the current Astra is better, with few faults reported from owners so far.