DESPITE all the uncertainty hanging over the future of the Ellesmere Port plant, the good news is that the sixth-generation Vauxhall Astra is a great-looking car built to a high standard.

And, judging from a short test drive to Snowdonia this week, it will give its rivals a run for their money.

However, it still faces some tough competition – from the Ford Focus which, although it is beginning to show its age, is still one of the finest handling cars in the sector.

With its sleek and sporty looks, it should more than hold its own when it starts rolling out of showrooms. From launch, it will be available with five petrol and three turbo-diesel engines.

The pick of the bunch for me is the 1.4-litre turbo-charged petrol Astra, boasting a top speed of 128mph and a 0-60mph acceleration in nine seconds. On the twisty roads of Snowdonia, the 1-4-litre proved very tidy, demonstrating plenty of grip and displaying very little body-roll. It was a fun, but sure-footed car to drive.

The Astra was quick off the mark and with plenty of mid-range pulling power, it proved a flexible car, ably aided by a slick and smooth six-speed manual gearbox. The cabin imitates the wraparound style first seen in the Insignia with a wing-shaped dashboard that extends into the doors and down into a sweeping centre console.

Trim quality is very good – to look at and to touch – and the overall appearance is rounded off with details like chrome surround dials.

There was more wind and road noise than expected on some models but final tweakings are expected to minimise these to more acceptable levels before the cars start leaving showrooms in December.