COMPACT HATCHBACKS are like Tim Henman. They have consistently over-performed year-in, year-out, to the point that we have come to expect too much of them.

The weight of the motoring worlds rests on their shoulders, but not just for two weeks in the summer. All year round we demand that they perform for the commute, for shopping, for short school runs, epic holiday drives and laden up for trips to the tip.

Unlike Henman, the UK's two top-selling C-segment hatchbacks show no sign of retiring. The Vauxhall Astra and Ford Focus, the Ford Escort prior to that, have been at it like McEnroe and Connors for decades, and the latest set is humdinger.

That's partly because the Focus has set the benchmark so high. While the Volkswagen Golf can match it for build quality, the Honda Civic can trump its styling and the Mazda3 uses the same sprightly chassis - none can touch it as an overall package.

The Astra has been the model that has run the Focus closest, reflected in the tit-for-tat sales figures over the years. The latest, sixth generation model is Vauxhall’s attempt not just to equal the ageing king, but to dethrone it.

Of course, in this sector the battle isn’t won with masses of horsepower or the availability of high-tech options. It’s the all-round package that counts, particularly the mid-range models.

Vauxhall’s engine down-sizing programme gets it off to a flying start. The mid-range petrol units have not been completely displaced by small capacity units as with the all-new Meriva line-up, but the turbo-charged 1.4-litre unit is a prime example of the downsizing initiative.

The more advanced engine commands a premium over the 16-valve 1.6-litre unit, but offers better fuel efficiency, lower emissions and a considerable degree more power.

It’s an impressive performer, with no waiting around for boost and plenty of urgency when it arrives. Being picky, there is a little stutter when coasting or braking to a stop in second gear, presumably as the engine management adjusts to coming off boost. It becomes noticeable around town, but that minor glitch is a small price to pay for the tractability and a combination of performance and economy that would have been the stuff of fantasy in this market not that long ago.

The 1.4 Turbo engine compliments the new five-door Astra’s chassis very well. Ride and handling remains one of the areas where the Astra’s biggest rival excels, but Vauxhall has closed the gap considerably with the new car. The forgiving ride doesn’t sacrifice chassis rigidity, which is a benefit for passengers as the Astra corners with little body roll and of benefit to the driver in terms of the feel and feedback.

There’s a greater feel of solidity to the way the Astra drives, and that solidity is reflected in the overall impression inside and out. The exterior styling is more mature and hard to dislike, while inside the Insignia influence is obvious to say the least.

Upmarket feel aside, the Astra doesn’t feel as big inside as some of its rivals. There’s more than enough room for 2.4 children in the back, the boot space is perfectly adequate and the five-door format lends itself to everyday ease of use, but the high shoulder line makes the interior feel less expansive. The thick A-pillars have a similar effect for the driver, and hamper visibility, too.

None of that detracts from the quality ‘vibe’ you get from the driver’s seat. The stylish steering wheel and dials, buxom seats and contoured door inners are a class above those of the rivals. The centre console is similarly busy to the Insignia set up, but the knobs and buttons have a consistent quality and a high level of finish. Add to that the decent level of refinement, wind, road and engine noise isolation and the Astra is a high quality package.

Like tennis fans, C-segment customers can be demanding without realising it. Models like the Astra 1.4 Turbo Exclusiv have to work hard to live up to expectations, but this is one car that will not disappoint.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

Model: Vauxhall Astra Exclusiv 1.4 Turbo, £17,655 on the road
Engine: 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol unit developing 138bhp and 147lb/ft of torque
Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, driving the front wheels
Performance: Maximum speed 126mph, 0-62mph 9.0 seconds
CO2 emissions: 138g/km
Economy: 47.9mpg