BILLED as the most dynamic Astra yet, the new Astra Sport Hatch certainly is different. But is it dynamic? I'm not so sure.

The sleek exterior styling makes it look every inch the sporty hatchback it is trying to be, but, in terms of performance, it doesn't quite cut it.

I tried the 1.6 SRi model which, in keeping with the aggressive looks, had 16-inch alloy wheels, lowered sports suspension, sports front seats and a leather-covered steering wheel.

While the exterior styling is quite impressive - with a muscular look to the front and rear ends - the interior is somewhat cheapened by the silver instrument panels and angular dashboard.

The smooth, aerodynamic styling of the exterior seems to have been ignored inside the car. Even the gearstick is square.

The cabin itself is comfortable enough, and even the fact that it is a three-door doesn't really affect the comfort for those in the back. There is plenty of leg room for passengers, but head room is a different story. The rear seats have been lowered to compensate for the highly-sculpted roof, but anyone over 6ft should make a mental note to mind their head.

Visibility from the rearward positions is limited by the narrow passenger windows, and the rear window is absolutely tiny - so buyers could find parking sensors are well worth considering from the options list.

The drive is smooth and controlled but, for a sports model, I was looking for something extra.

For the totally image-conscious driver, the Sport Hatch sounds like the animal it claims to be - but, roaring exhausts aside, the performance is simply not up to scratch.

For stop-start town driving this car is annoyingly jerky, but on the motorway it does perform. As soon as you hit 60mph, you can feel the real power kick in and it is all too easy to get carried away.

However, the 1.9 turbo diesel model is, I'm told, where the fun really begins.

As far as gadgets and gizmos go, there really aren't many to speak of. The indicators are sensor activated and don't actually click into position.

I originally thought this would be quite an ingenious idea, but when I was indicating left, then right, then left, when all I wanted to do was turn into my drive, they became a pain.

The SRi also boasts metallic pedals, silver interior trim and air-conditioning.

Far from achieving the cutting-edge design statement that the exterior does so effectively, the interior looks plastic and tacky.

An added option is the panoramic windscreen - a pricey extra at £850, but nonetheless a quite different approach to the conventional sunroof.

The windscreen stretches across the sculpted front of the car and allows maximum light and visibility, even if it does feel like you are in a goldfish bowl for a while.

If the Sport Hatch (pictured) performed as well as it sounds, this would be a different review and I would be queuing up to buy my first Vauxhall.

As you have probably gathered by now, it doesn't.

For more information, call J Davy Vauxhall on 01256 319450.