"it's probably the finest driver's van on the market."

In the unlikely event that the name hasn't already caused the penny to drop, the Astravan's origins will become instantly apparent to anyone who's familiar with the styling of the latest Vauxhall Astra. We're dealing with a modified version of the Astra Estate that's designed to retain the feel of the passenger carrying base vehicle while adding extra load-carrying capacity in the form of a long, low area immediately behind the front seats. The Astravan inherits the Astra's sharp lines with the prominent V on the grille, the large pointy light clusters and the roof line sloping away towards the rear. By the modest standards set by rival compact vans, it's a very good-looking vehicle indeed.

The Astra Estate's rear glasswork and seats obviously got the chop in the Astravan conversion process but the commercial modifications go considerably further than that. A half height steel bulkhead comes as standard fit and buyers have the option of extending this to roof height with a mesh partition. This set-up is known as the Flex system and by means of a flap in the bulkhead and a folding passenger seat, it allows longer items to be accommodated. In standard form, the load area is 1,780mm in length and 900mm high but the absence of any side access means that you often have to physically climb inside to retrieve items that have slid down to the far end. A load liner protects the floor and there are six tie-down points for securing cargo, something that it would be wise to do before exploring the Astravan's impressive handling package. The 1.6m load volume and the 650kg maximum payload mean that carrying capacity isn't the Astravan's strongest suit.

Commercial vehicle interiors are usually bland, no-nonsense affairs with the emphasis placed on tough materials and sturdy construction but the Astravan's close links to Astra passenger cars pays dividends here. The design and materials that position the Astra as one of the top family hatches on the market make the Astravan arguably the top light van for interior sophistication and comfort. The two-tone dash and door panels take on the sharp, angular theme from the exterior, with the controls intelligently positioned and the aluminium-ringed instruments easy to read. The control interface for the stereo isn't immediately self-explanatory and storage space is less abundant than you'd find in purpose-built compact vans but the Astravan is brimming with neat touches. Amongst these are the clever switches for the self-levelling headlamps and the instrument illumination: these pop out allowing you to twist them into position before pushing them back into the fascia.

Very tall drivers may have a problem with the restricted seat travel but those of around six-feet in height should have no problem reaching a very comfortable driving position with the aid of the rake and reach adjustable steering column. The seating itself is firm and supportive with strong side bolsters that become even more pronounced on the sports seats fitted to the range-topping Sportive versions. The driving position is exactly as you'd find in the Astra passenger car, which means it's far less upright that in other compact vans. This makes repeated entries and exits more of a chore but is infinitely preferable on longer journeys.

The Astravan engine line up yields a good degree of choice, with no fewer than three CDTi common-rail diesel engines and a 1.4-litre petrol option. It's the diesels that most buyers will concentrate on but making a decision between them is far from straightforward. For a start, there's only 29bhp between the lot. The line-up opens with an 89bhp 1.3-litre option that produces 200Nm at 1,750rpm. This is an impressive unit and, to be honest, it should prove quite adequate for most operators thanks to muscular responses that belie its modest size and stunning fuel economy that approaches 60mpg on the combined cycle. The 1.7-litre CDTi engine comes next and it's both quicker and less economical, but only just. Here, you get 99bhp and 240Nm from 2,300rpm. The 1.9-litre CDTi range-topper packs an impressive 118bhp and 280Nm at 2,000rpm, its power delivery being smoother with less turbo lag than you'll experience in the 1.3-litre van. It feels strong through the lion's share of the rev range as well and of all the engines, it's best equipped to make the most of the Astra's involving chassis. You can still expect fuel economy in the region of 50mpg too.

The Astravan turns in an accomplished performance on poorly surfaced roads with the front end soaking up the bumps very effectively. There's tons of grip as well and this inspires confidence even in wet conditions. The well-weighted steering and accurate gearchange mean that this is a van that you can really enjoy driving, even if the 'box does feel slightly reluctant when moving through the lower gears. The Vauxhall Astra is a fine-handling family hatch, so it stands to reason that the Astravan will be a fine handling van. In fact, in the absence of any direct competition, it's probably the finest driver's van on the market. On longer trips, the only drawback is the level of noise emanating from the rear. The engines are reasonably refined but there's a lot of tyre roar echoing around back there and holding a conversation in the front can be difficult.

Equipment levels are another Astravan strongpoint, with all the basic Club models featuring electric windows, a CD stereo and height adjustment for the driver's seat as well as twin front airbags, ABS, emergency brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution. The Sportive derivatives have sports seats and steering wheel, matt chrome trim inserts, air-conditioning, body-coloured mirrors and door handles, roof-rails and 16" 'Structure' wheels which offer the look of alloy items without the repair or replacement costs.

It's the Astravan's passenger car qualities that have always set it apart from its purpose-built small van rivals. Although you'll be able to carry a lot more cargo and access it more easily in a Ford Transit Connect, Citroen Berlingo or Vauxhall's own Combo, you'll arrive in better shape after a long journey in the Astravan and you'll likely enjoy the experience of getting there far more. Without direct rivals in today's CV marketplace and with its own distinct set of abilities that will be exactly what many operators are looking for, it's hard to see how the Astravan can fail.

Facts At A Glance

VAN: Vauxhall Astravan range

ENGINES: 89bhp 1.4-litre petrol, 89bhp 1.3-litre CDTi, 99bhp 1.7-litre CDTi, 118bhp 1.9-litre CDTi

PAYLOAD: 650kg

LOAD AREA: 1.58m3

SAFETY FEATURES: twin front airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, ABS, EBA, EBD

WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4515/1753/1500