TIMES may have changed since Vauxhalls were lusted after, but the suggestion that a car from the Griffin empire goes better with a diesel under its bonnet no longer provokes shrieks of laughter.

This is true of the firm's Astra, which is already a winner in five-door form, thanks in part to its rakish styling.

This latest incarnation possesses a futuristic streak that's lacking in so many of its peers.

The car's large headlights, with their beautifully-detailed lamps, and its Mazda 3-esque rump, complete with bold horizontal chrome strip, form only a part of the reason that the Astra has become something of a talking point.

To get excited about what is perceived to be a "bread and butter" family hatch is more common place in Ford Focus launches, which should bring a wry smile to Vauxhall executives - now that the Blue Oval's conservatively-styled second generation model is in the public domain.

Vauxhall is understandably bullish about its Astra - the car has to succeed in a market full of similar cars for similar money.

But, more than that, the Astra must do the numbers in the hard-nosed fleet sector.

Fancy, gimmick-laden people carriers need not apply. What fleet managers want are practical, reliable, value-for-money machines that make employees feel special.

But when your carpet samples or boxes of photocopier toner won't fit in a hatch, you need something bigger.

A Zafira, maybe? Er, no, it's an MPV silly. Vectra? Might stretch the fleet budget a bit and is, like a desk near a window, something to aspire to. Enter the Astra Estate (pictured).

The load-lugging Astra certainly has the looks to impress. Although from the B-pillar forward, it's familiar territory both inside and out. The estate's gently sloping roof and generous amount of side glazing disguises its utility role well.

Inside, the car's T-shaped centre console, which can be covered in posh-looking silver trim on selected models, contains all the important audio and ventilation controls.

The instruments are clear, and the driving position boasts a wide range of adjustment.

The cabin materials look and feel more premium than the car's price tag suggests, and leg and headroom is more than adequate.

Move to the rear of the car and it's easy to see why the Astra will attract the attention of people who put practicality first.

The car's tailgate opens wide to reveal a flat load space and pleasingly low loading lip.

Folding the rear seats forward boosts the car's carrying capacity even further. This flat space can be enhanced by Vauxhall's optional "FlexOrganiser" system of sliding dividers and a range of cargo nets and boxes.

Buyers of Club-spec models can add a forward folding front passenger seat and sliding rear seat. Positive steering, responsive brakes and a supple chassis make the Astra wagon an enjoyable drive when empty and has all the hallmarks of a stable one when laden.

Six airbags come as standard, plus a wealth of brake assist features, with numerous electronic stability gizmos available as options.

The good news for bean counters everywhere is that, along with the predictably refined range of petrol engines, the Astra Estate can be powered by one of four diesel motors.

While serious penny pinchers can opt for an 80PS 1.7, there's also a 100PS variant plus a 1.9-litre unit with either 120PS or 150PS.

The latter offers stonking performance, but it's the 100PS 1.7 that impresses most with its ability to effortlessly soak up endless motorway miles one minute and deliver ample over-taking thrust on B-roads the next.

With the optional six-speed manual gearbox, it's the consummate all rounder, and a description that perfectly sums up Vauxhall's Astra Estate as a whole.

For more information, call J Davy Vauxhall on 01256 319450.