THE Opel Astra returns a well-known badge to the Australian market, this time directly under the guidance of its German originator instead of Holden.

One generation on from the last Astra sold by Holden until 2009, the latest model comes in three body shapes – five-door hatch, three-door GTC and Sports Tourer wagon.

An all-turbocharged four-cylinder engine line-up – two petrol and one diesel – are on offer, along with a choice of six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

Pitched at rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf, Peugeot 308, Ford Focus and Honda Civic, the Astra is expected to be Opel’s top seller in its foray into Australia.

The question is, does it have what it takes to become more than curiosity value in the huge Australian small-car market?