More power but still not enough gears

The Holden Astra range is receiving a handy horsepower boost as part of its recent mid-cycle makeover. The new engine is Euro IV compliant and although capacity is unchanged at 1.8-litre power is up from 92kw to 103kw while torque has increased by 5Nm to 175Nm.

The more powerful engine is also more efficient as economy has improved, down from 8.2 to 7.8 litres/100km for the four-speed auto. The improved power and economy figures are achieved using premium unleaded petrol as they were with the previous engine.

As was the case with the previous engine, the new engine will also run happily on normal unleaded petrol but power and torque will drop accordingly.

The Holden Astra comes standard with a 6-speed manual gearbox with a four-speed automatic being an option. You really have to question the way Holden continues to offer 4-speed autos in the Astra and Commodore range when the competition are moving up to and beyond 6-speed automatics.

Holden’s Astra currently sits behind Toyota’s Corolla and the Mazda 3 on the sales leader board for its segment. The entry level Astra CD five-door manual hatch is priced from $21,990 while the top of the range 2.2 litre Twin Top coupe-cabrio auto is priced at $47,490.

In stark comparison to Holden’s TK Barina that has a 2-star ANCAP rating the Holden Astra Sri (2.2-litre engine) is equipped with a number of active and passive safety features. Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control and an Anti-lock Braking System combined with front driver and passenger airbags, side impact and curtain airbags are all standard fare on the SRi.

Specifications and pricing for the Astra SRi are as follows;

Pricing
Astra SRi 2.2 5 Door – Manual $29,990
Astra SRi 2.2 5 Door – Automatic - $31,990
Astra SRi 2.2 Coupe – Manual - $30,490
Astra SRi 2.2 Coupe – Automatic - $32,490
Astra TwinTop – Manual - $45,490
Astra TwinTop – Automatic - $47,490

Specifications Astra SRi 2.2
2.2 litre Direct Injection 4 cyl petrol engine
Power 110Kw
6 speed manual transmission or 4 speed auto with sport mode
17 inch alloy wheels
Sports chassis pack
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Driver, front passenger, side and curtain airbags
Charcoal leather faced heated seats Lower sports body kit Rear roof spoiler

Specifications Astra Twin Top
Three piece power retractable hard top with remote control
2.2 litre Direct Injection 4 cyl petrol engine
Power 110Kw
6 speed manual transmission or 4 speed auto with sport mode
17 inch alloy wheels
Sports chassis pack
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Driver, front passenger and side air bags
Pop up rollover protection Leather faced heated seats
6 disc in dash CD
Rear park assist

There are two new colours available;
Magma Red (Solid bright red)
Peacock Blue (Met blue/green)(Not available on Sri)