The VAUXHALL ASTRA (2012-16) 5DR HATCHBACK 1.7 CDTI ECOFLEX DPF 110 EU5 ES 6SPD is a practical, five-door family hatchback, sitting in the UK’s popular middle-sized car class alongside the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. It offers more room and motorway comfort than a small city car, while remaining easier to park and run than a larger family car. The 1.7-litre diesel is aimed at drivers covering regular longer journeys, with Ecoflex tuning intended to keep fuel use down; its six-speed gearbox suits relaxed cruising. The roomy cabin and useful boot make this Astra a sensible choice for commuters, couples and small families needing everyday flexibility. It is less suited to mainly short town trips, where a petrol hatchback may be a better fit. Mycarcheck.com records six checks across four cars, averaging £2,600, 107,000 miles, 4,000 miles yearly and just over two previous keepers; treat these figures as a useful guide.