IS this the best small car on the Australian market? Compared with others in its price bracket, it is hard to see anything that tops the Holden-badged Opel hatchback - and it is even harder to justify the significant stretch required to buy a VW Golf. The Astra drives with a degree of refinement rarely seen in this class, offers a good-sized and comfortable interior as well as plenty of European charisma. Quality standards are high as are the levels of active and passive safety. It is no surprise Holden is doing well with this car.