We say OK to drive thanks to a stiffened chassis and it looks great but the cabin lacks the same spark as the exterior and is awkward.Performance There’s a good range of petrol and diesel engines available on the Vauxhall drop-top, the fastest of which is a 2.0-ltre turbocharged petrol option that’s worth 197bhp, clears 60mph in 8.3 seconds and tops 147mph. In reality, the less powerful diesels are the better choice given their blend of fuel economy and performance however.Emissions None of the Twintops engines are particularly economical but the diesel units are definitely more cost effective, if only slightly. The pick of the engines is the 1.9-litre CDTi 113bhp unit which returns 47mpg - not great but ok.Driving The Twintop has retained the hatch's good driving manners but again its capable rather than exciting which is disappointing for a car where you can feel the wind in your hair. There’s plenty of control around corners but not enough feedback and feel through the steering wheel to be anything other than ok.Feel The ride is firm onboard the Twintop Astra which means it does rattle along some of the UK’s roads. That’s particularly noticeable when the roof is lowered.Space Good-sized boot is ok at 440-litres and still decent with the roof folded down. Passenger space isn’t however and anyone in the rear will know they’re in the cheap seats with minimal legroom and cramped shoulder space.Equipment Electric-folding roof and windows, a CD player, air-conditioning and steel wheels at base spec.Price The Astra Twintop is competitively priced with entry-level models starting from £17,000 and rising to almost £26,000. It’s not cheap to run either.Quality Pleasant and durable inside. Vauxhall's mechanics are usually strong. There are question marks over the folding roof mechanisms on most of new-generation folding hardtops though. Again, the cabin layout inside the Astra range is illogical, cluttered and awkward in the main.Safety A strengthened windscreen surround and rear roll-over hoops are standard. Front and side airbags are also standard. ESP is an option.Pros The Astra Twintop is a solid car and one that makes roof-down driving quite affordable. It’s sleek in terms of looks and handles well.Cons Unfortunately, the Twintop is quite dull in a segment that should be more exciting anyway. The cabin is poorly laid out and there’s not enough feedback through the steering wheel.Alternatives Renault Megane Cabriolet, Ford Focus
