Way back in 1979 Vauxhall launched the Astra, a car that has been nipping at the heels of Ford's popular Fiesta model ever since.

It has consistently been the second most popular hatchback in the UK for nearly all that time, but its runner-up status has not diminished its charm, or Vauxhall's wish to endure and innovate in this most competitive sector.

But the competition has just taken a hit. With 'dieselgate' certain to damage Volkswagen's reputation and sales, the Astra could take up the slack.

Given that a brand new Astra is on its way in November, the opportunity is arguably even more golden.

Diesel version

The 2016 5-door Astra is available in a 108bhp diesel version, which can deliver up to 91mpg. Although admittedly, diesels are not exactly flavour of the month at present.

Petrol version

The 134bhp version offers up to 76mpg, while the more powerful 148bhp version returns up to 51mpg.

An average of 130kg has been shaved off the weight here, which reviewers say has improved the car’s handling and ride comfort.

While few would deny that the Volkswagen Golf is the class leader here, the Astra is considerably more affordable in its sportier incarnations than its German rival.

Vauxhall is rightly proud of the Astra, which it demonstrated recently by assembling 128 red, white and blue Astras in the shape of a union flag. While Astras are also built on mainland Europe, Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port has built more than five million since 1979 and has exported them to 25 European countries.

There's no reason to think Vauxhall can't build five million more Astras over the next 36 years.