Review: Opel’s Astra Tourer has it all – style, space, practicality and the choice of an all-electric

But the odd thing is they are not really any more accommodating than a run-of-the -mill hatchback or saloon.

Boot sizes tend to be similar, or in some cases smaller, while the space onboard remains identical.

So, if the average family needs to pack all of the essentials (bikes included) for a fortnight in Cork or Kerry, then an estate is probably the car for you.

Of course they’re not called estates anymore — monikers like Avant, Fastback and Shooting Brake are far more de rigueur.

With Opel they’ve opted for Sports Tourer, a far cry from the original Kadett Caravan of the late 1960s which adorns the tailgate of the new Astra.

Measuring 4,642 mm long, 1,860mm wide and 1,480mm high, and a loading height of around 600mm, that proverbial kitchen sink will be a doddle.

The boot will swallow up 608 litres of luggage which almost trebles to 1,634 with the seats folded flat. The petrol/diesel versions also come with a clever moveable load floor, which can be easily adjusted and the puncture repair and first aid kits can be accessed from the rear passenger area, without the need to fully unpack the boot.

An optional power tailgate which opens and closes with a wave of your foot under the rear bumper further eases the burden.

Like its award-winning hatchback sibling, the Tourer is treated to a new state-of-the-art cabin featuring the fully digital Pure Panel that envelops the driver. It comprises of two 10-inch screens, one acting as an instrument panel and the other covering all of the infotainment and includes wireless connection to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The graphics are crystal clear and the icons easy to navigate. And there’s even a bank of toggle switches underneath for quick access to the heater, demister and a traditional dial for the volume on the radio.

Opel’s colour reversing camera deserves a mention and gives you 360 degree lines of vision and warning of oncoming traffic.

Looks-wise, it’s simply gorgeous and sports the same Vizor Face as the hatch with super-slim blade LEDs nestling either side of the piano black grille.

At the rear it’s a similar affair with the surrounds of the light clusters finished in black that perfectly complement the dark chrome blitz logo in the centre and on the Astra name emblazoned across the tailgate. Super sexy 18 inch Pentagon alloys finished in black with red inserts match the wing mirrors and roof, giving it serious street presence.

Its real exclusiveness is the level of choice for customers as the Astra Tourer was the first estate to come in petrol, diesel, hybrid and all-electric.

We tested the good old-fashioned oil burner and were left more than impressed. Comfort, style and practicality aside, the wagon is every driver’s dream starting from the moment you climb into the cabin.

Hit the ignition button and the first bit of reassurance comes from the fuel gauge telling you that you have 880km until empty.

The second comes from the hush of the 1.5 litre engine generating 136bhp and lots of low-down torque. The third comes from the ride and handling, which for a car this size, is remarkable. There’s little roll in the corners and phenomenal grip and composure on more unforgiving roads.

The only real dilemma is which mode of power to choose. The Opel Astra Tourer starts at €30,995.