HOLDEN’S six-speed manual Astra CDTi has so much thrust, thrift and verve, it probably qualifies as a ‘hot’ hatch. However, as complimentary as that sounds, it might be selling the diesel edition short, seeing as it also seats five, has six airbags, ABS brakes and stability control as standard, and boasts a hunkered-down Euro style and quality to it. Spend an extended period of time in one and you might be shocked to learn that it may rate as the best ‘real world’ new car you can buy for under $30,000 in Australia – as long as you don’t mind changing gears, that is.