• Striking coupe-inspired styling
• Innovative chassis combines outstanding handling with safety
• Four petrol and three diesel engines
• Unique Panoramic Windscreen available on all models

The Sport Hatch is Vauxhall's latest and most dynamic version of the Astra range, set to star in a rapidly evolving market segment. Combining low, sporty styling with a scintillating driving experience, Sport Hatch offers a radical reinterpretation of the more traditional "five minus two" design of a three-door hatchback.

As the Sport Hatch is expected to appeal to younger buyers, the range consists only of the sporty models from the Astra range; SXi, SRi and Design. Vauxhall will be contesting this year's British Touring Car Championship with a VX Racing version of the Sport Hatch, and the searing road-going VXR will go on sale later this year.

Styled to stand out
The "GTC Genéve" concept, which was the star of the 2003 Geneva Motor Show, can now be seen to be very close to the production reality of the finished Sport Hatch.

With its stunning coupe-inspired styling, the Astra Sport Hatch certainly looks the business. The roofline is 32 mm lower than that of the five door Astra and almost every exterior panel is different. With low mounted sports seats it has a cabin to match the dynamic exterior styling, but practicality is still strong with a 302 litre boot and five-seat capacity.

Every Sport Hatch comes with the option of Vauxhall's innovative Panoramic Windscreen, which has become this year’s most talked about motoring innovation – a 1.5 metre long sweep of glass to the middle of the roof, without the distraction of any bars or pillars. The experience is like sitting in the cockpit of a fighter jet.

Dynamic appeal backed with technology
With all versions enjoying the benefits of a taut sports chassis the Sport Hatch is as good to drive as it is to look at. A range of standard and optional driving aids add reassurance – including ESP^Plus stability control and Vauxhall's Interactive Driving System, which includes features such as electronically controlled shock absorbers which the Astra was first to bring to this segment.

Comprehensive choice of engines
No fewer than four petrol and three diesel engines will be available in the Astra Sport Hatch from launch, all offering strong performance, low running costs and strong economy.

The 1.4i 16v (90PS) and 1.6i 16v (105PS) petrol engines both feature TWINPORT technology to improve fuel consumption and increase power. The 1.8i 16v engine offers 125PS, and performance enthusiasts will be delighted by the option of Vauxhall's acclaimed 2.0 turbo petrol motor with 170PS.

All three CDTi common-rail diesel engines pass the stringent Euro IV emissions tests while also offering outstanding frugality. The 1.7 CDTi has 100PS and manages up to 65.7mpg, while two 1.9 versions provide serious performance – available in either powerful 120 PS or hot-hatch baiting 150PS states of tune.

The 2.0 T petrol and both 1.9 diesel engines benefit from a standard six-speed manual gearbox. "Easytronic" clutchless transmission is also available in conjunction with the 1.6 petrol engine, and a conventional auto is optional with the 1.8-litre unit.

In the cabin
With an ergonomic driving position and excellent standard equipment the Astra Sport Hatch is a great place to spend time. All versions come with air conditioning and a CD player. Numerous other audio options are available, including state-of-the-art sat nav systems, a DAB digital radio and MP3 compatible disc readers.

Safety
The Sport Hatch shares the crash protection system that has already won a top five-star Euro NCAP rating for the five-door Astra. All models feature six airbags as standard and an impressively rigid bodyshell. Extensive testing has proved that cars fitted with the Panoramic Windscreen enjoy the same levels of safety and composure as those without.

Ultra-competitive running costs
Variable servicing intervals ensure the Sport Hatch spends only the minimum amount of time off the road. Depending on use, petrol models can go up to 20,000 miles or two years between services, while diesels can manage 30,000 miles or two years. Intelligent design of components ensures that repair costs are minimised for minor accidents to help keep insurance premiums low.