WHILE us blokes are usually more concerned with how fast a car will go, how sporty it looks and how many gadgets are crammed inside - our good ladies often judge a motor on somewhat different criteria.

This fact was heartily reinforced recently when the Vauxhall Astra Exclusiv 1.7 CDTi arrived.

While I was obviously keen to retain a subjective approach and not make any swift or sweeping judgements until I had at least sat behind the wheel, Mrs G took an instant liking to the family-friendly hatchback before she'd even opened a door.

Was this positive reaction based on a new-found knowledge of matters motoring? Had the wife been reading up on the Astra's merits behind my back? Was she after my job?

Thankfully not. What had provoked this surge of approval was the colour.

My other half had taken a particular shine to what Vauxhall called the ‘Pearlescent Iceberg' hue that the astra was sporting.

And actually, she did have a point. This shade of what I, being a fella, would describe as pale blue was subtle yet, at the same time, striking.

It was sufficiently different to make the Astra stand out from the crowd but without resorting to the garish assaults on the eyeballs that increasingly adorn our cars these days.

In fact, in keeping with the Iceberg theme, it looked quite cool.

And this chilled-out mood was continued inside with the soothing ambient blue light in the centre console and roof - one of the standard features on Exclusiv trim models - which created a decidedly relaxed vibe.

But while a laid back look and feel is all well and good, I was obviously looking for a bit more urgency from the Astra in terms of performance - and I have to say, it didn't let me down.

The 1.7-litre diesel engine proved willing and durable, able to cope with the demands of a family load in untroubled fashion while offering punchy acceleration and good top-end pace.

You'll also benefit from some impressive economy, which the GM boffins have managed to eke out of the power pack without any loss of performance.

Average fuel consumption of just over 60 miles per gallon is definitely not to be sneezed at and CO2 emissions of 124g/km mean that you'll be paying only £90 a year in road tax.

A longer wheelbase and wider track on this tenth generation edition of the Ellesmere Port-produced stalwart also offer great stability and sure handling, which combine to offer a smooth and untroubled ride.

Vauxhall even incorporates bespoke UK steering settings to help cope with the unique demands of British roads.

The increased dimensions of the new Astra also mean that there is space aplenty inside for the average family's needs.

Head and legroom is good in the front and the back and the extra width means that your rear passengers won't feel cramped at all, while there are enough adjustment options in the driver's seat and steering wheel to ensure a comfortable driving position.

The boot is big and extra load carrying versatility is afforded by the 40/60 split rear seats and materials throughout the interior have a high-quality look and solid feel about them.

The sweeping centre console puts most controls within easy reach but, with plenty of gadgetry included, does have a lot of buttons and takes some navigating - although this problem is slightly alleviated in Exclusiv models by the steering wheel mounted audio controls.

Cruise control and a chrome decorated steering wheel are other benefits of this trim level, as well as the aforementioned ambient lighting, but generous equipment also featured in the entry-level Expression also includes electronic stability programme; front, side and curtain airbags; active safety head restraints; air conditioning and an MP3 compatible CD player with an auxiliary-in socket.