A STUBBY-BOOTED sedan version of Holden's acclaimed Astra enables the company to compete head to head with Toyota Corolla, Ford Laser and Nissan Pulsar. It uses the same underpinnings as its hatchback sibling but offers the added practicality of a boot. Visually, it closely resembles the hatchback but whether it looks as good is open to debate. More importantly, the Astra sedan offers the taut handling and zippy performance that has earned its five-door brother widespread praise.