- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
1.4T, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
110kW, 240Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 5.9L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
5/5 star (2015)
2018 Holden Astra Sportwagon LT new car review
What is it?
Holden’s latest addition to its expanding line-up now that it’s a fully-imported brand. The Sportwagon joins the Astra hatch and sedan in a three model range.
Unlike the US/South Korean developed Astra sedan (which is known as the Cruze overseas) the Sportwagon was developed by Opel in Europe.
It slots into a gap in the market, with the Renault Megane and Volkswagen Golf the only other small wagons. So while it’s unlikely to be a big seller it gives Holden potential to reach more customers.
How much does it cost and what do you get?
Holden is offering only two variants of the wagon. The entry-level LS+ starts at $25,740 (plus on-road costs) while the LT tested here is priced from $29,940.
The LS+ comes equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, leather steering wheel, cruise control, digital radio, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen.
The LT gets 17-inch alloys, leather trim, power tailgate, keyless entry and ignition, navigation, automatic park assist, climate control and an 8-inch touchscreen.
What’s under the bonnet?
The Sportwagon is only available with a single powertrain, a 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The little engine produces 110kW of power and 240Nm of torque, which is adequate for a small wagon but on the road it lacks punch in the mid-range.
The trade-off is a strong fuel economy rating of 5.9-litres per 100km, although you’ll need a light right foot to hit that figure on a regular basis based on our experience.
What’s it like to drive?
Because the Sportwagon comes from Opel it has the typical European small car feeling on the road. That is to say it feels solid and responsive, but with a firm ride that can occasionally crash over sharper bumps.
It’s not as sporty as Renault’s (more expensive) GT-Line and GT Megane wagons, but it’s not trying to be, instead focusing on being a practical wagon. And on that front it’s an easy to live with proposition.
What’s it like inside?
The interior mirrors closely what you find in the Astra hatch, with a simple presentation that could benefit from some more design flair.
There’s some glossy black plastic through the centre of the console but the rest of the dashboard is made from dull plastic that looks and feels a bit cheap. The steering wheel in particular looks plain, with simple graphics for its various controls.
Where the Sportwagon redeems itself is the space, with good room both front and rear for occupants. There’s also a generous boot, with a claimed 540-litres that expands to 1630L when the 60/40 split/fold rear seats are dropped.
Is it safe?
The standard equipment list includes an extensive list of safety features, even on the LS+. A reversing camera, rear parking sensors, autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, forward collision alert and forward distance indicator all included on both models. The LT adds blind spot monitoring to the package.
Would I buy it?
The Astra Sportwagon is a good small wagon but it’s missing the final veneer to make it a compelling choice against a variety of SUVs. It drives well, but the engine lacks fizz, and the cabin is uninspiring.
Small SUVs may be all the rage but the Astra is cheaper than most similar equipment high-riders and because it sits lower it drives better.
The Sportwagon will nicely fill the role of someone looking to carry bigger loads but doesn't want a big car.
What else should I consider?
The Volkswagen Golf wagon (from $28,990) and the Renault Megane Zen wagon (from $30,490) are the closest in size and style.
Alternatively you could look at a small SUV, such as a Suzuki Vitara Turbo (from $29,990), or even the cheaper models in the mid-size SUV space, like the Hyundai Tucson Active (from $28,590).
2018 Holden Astra Sportwagon LT pricing and specifications
Price: From $29,940 plus on-road costs
Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
Power: 110kW
Torque: 240Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Fuel use: 5.9L/100km