The evergreen VW Golf hatchback has gained a serious rival in the shape of the handsome new Opel Astra which is far more refined than the outgoing model. At 22,645 euros in Germany, the medium-sized family car from Rüsselsheim is 6,000 euros cheaper than the Wolfsburg-made Golf. It is also the first Astra to emerge under Opel’s Stellantis-ownership and uses an upgraded version of a Peugeot chassis. The format of this car remains the same but the visuals have changed completely. The 4.37-metre Astra is better-proportioned, flatter and a tad wider than before. It also has taut lines, sheer surfa…