Hey,
I had a similar dilema, Astra Sport Hatch CDTi or Honda Civic Type S GT 2.2 CDTi.
A friend has just brought himself the Astra which I drove and it does feel very nice, but it's an Astra
Another point I was considering is that the same friend is connected in the motor trade and so spare parts/upgrades to the Astra I could have got dirt cheap which was the main reason why I would have gone that route.
In the end and I pick it up tomorrow
I ordered the Civic in Tangerine. Felt nice to drive, looks good and different and just feels altogether better built. Obviously I will be paying a little more on servicing, but I save some money on road tax & car insurance for pretty much similar performance.
Oh and I have a bigger boot to, a major requirement for me as I fly RC model helicopters and some aint small.
Like me I am sure you will be very happy in your decision, I'm getting restless now with the wait
Ian