Whenever Opel brings out a new generation of a model they 'explore the new possibilities'. And so, with their Astra and its Kadett predecessor, we have always got something very fresh from GM's European subsidiary.

The latest Astra, due in Irish showrooms immediately after Easter, is very fresh indeed.

If you are familiar with the Signum large car, think of a scaled down version in terms of the 5-door hatch, but with even better proportions.

Opel are particularly proud of the 'packaging' in this new car. In every key interior dimension it is bigger than its predecessor, and those who have to travel in the back will particularly appreciate more leg- and headroom.

Those who have the good fortune to be in the driver's seat will appreciate a number of ergonomic improvements in the switchgear and instrumentation.

The latter, for instance, are stylistically adapted from the Signum rather than the rather bland look of the Vectra.

The entertainment controls are located high on the centre stack, because Opel's people figure that people adjust the radio much more than they do the heater/ventilation.

On the introduction drive, the seats seemed right up at the top of the class. There's ample adjustment to fit any size or shape of operator. And - though in LHD cars they usually seem so - the pedal positioning for this writer was particularly good.

There are style cues which are now familiar from the Vectra, such as the cross-dash strip that is a reflection of the bonnet line and is replicated in the doors. It is also a key part of the outside back hatch door, lending no small part to that distinctiveness I mentioned earlier.

Ireland is getting the full set of seven specification levels.

The engines list is also comprehensive, with petrol variants going from a 90hp 1.4-litre to a 'wow' factor 200hp turbo later that will bring back memories of the old Kadett GSi.

The 1.7-litre 100hp diesel which we have already driven in the Meriva suggested a really nice balance of power and drivability in the car. I also drove the 150hp 1.9-litre diesel that makes the new Astra a very sporty oil-burner. Using a variant of the MultiJet technology already seen in the Alfa Romeo 156, it is an underbonnet powerhouse.

The Astra comes with a host of electronic help as standard, and then goes further with the optional electronic adaptive suspension which probably lifts the crossbar in this regard in the class.

Other option include the 'see around the corner' adaptive lighting system which is a first in the segment.