BMW I3 vs Holden Astra
What's the difference?

BMW I3

—

2020 price

View pricing & specs

Holden Astra

$4,500 - $20,990

2018 price

View pricing & specs

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Volkswagen Transporter

Volvo C40

Volvo Es90

Volvo V40

Summary

2020 BMW I3

2018 Holden Astra

By James Cleary

By Peter Anderson

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Electric range

270 km

5.8L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

14.6 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

42.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Design
Dynamics
Tech

Good to drive
Good looking
Well-specced

Dislikes

Pricey
Tight rear room
Short warranty

Missing rear seat amenities
Smallish fuel tank
Awkward pedal position

2020 BMW I3 Summary

It’s easy to forget BMW was paddling into the growing electric vehicle wave when it was only a gentle swell. It took off early with the i3 city car, which believe it or not has been in the Aussie new car market for six years.

While the German maker has long been developing the concept of electrified powertrains in existing models, the i3 was the result of a dramatically different approach, showcasing the use of exotic materials and innovative packaging.

Like its i8 supercar sibling, the i3 won’t be replaced with a new-generation version, but BMW says it will continue to develop this high-tech hatch before it departs, and we spent a week in the sporty i3s to see how it stands up in 2020.

View full pricing & specs

2018 Holden Astra Summary

Holden's current Astra is the second go the car has had in this country, after first being badged an Opel to the sounds of crickets from the buying public. That hubristic exercise was followed by a brief withdrawal from the Australian market before returning, rather more sensibly badged (and sensibly-priced) as a Holden.

It chugged along quite nicely in 2017. It didn't break any records, no, but regularly broke the 1000 units per month mark to end up with about five percent of the small car market, which it shares with some serious competition from Europe and Japan.

The + in R+ means more safety, but also more money. Safety is good, but do you get anything else for your money?

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2020 BMW I3 2018 Holden Astra

Verdict

Yes, it’s pricey for a small hatch, but this little BMW is a city car like no other. The i3s is tailor made for the urban environment, and six years on retains the quirkiness and charisma that stood it apart at launch, and it can still hold its head high among the current EV crop.

Verdict

The Astra's biggest problem is probably the Holden badge. Despite the company's best efforts, some buyers are wary of the company's longevity and some of the other cars in the range do the Astra no favours - Trax, Colorado and Barina feel cheap, because they are. The Astra isn't cheaply made and holds up very well in excellent company.

BMW I3 vs Holden Astra What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW I3 vs Holden Astra
What's the difference?