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Trending News

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COTY 2006 Holden Astra CDTi

Holden Holden News Holden Astra Holden Astra News Holden Astra 2006 Hatchback Best Hatchback Cars Holden Hatchback Range Car News

1 December 2006

3 min read

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1 December 2006

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The stylish imported Astra is the first diesel passenger car to wear the badge of an Australian manufacturer in more than 20 years, a wise move by Holden, given the surge in popularity of diesel-powered vehicles amid rising fuel prices.

But the Astra is an attractive option for much more. It has the styling that will appeal to a wide range of car buyers and, at $29,990 for the six-speed manual, it is very competitive with European brands.

While the Astra lost points from most judges because of the amount of clatter transferred to the cabin, it did win favour for a good ride and handling package.

The six-speed manual proved popular and the rating of the car's on-road dynamics were generally positive. The Astra is a step in the right direction, but Holden still has some issues to overcome if it is to convince its core buyers in regard to its use of diesel.

The CarsGuide team of car experts is made up of a diverse array of journalists, with combined experience that well and truly exceeds a century. We live with the cars we...

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Trending News

1. Toyota's $50k off-road bargain! New Toyota LandCruiser FJ to be half the price of an LC300 and way cheaper than a Prado: Reports

2. Price cut for premium electric car: Genesis slashes the cost of its GV60 electric car rival to Mercedes-Benz EQC and electric Porsche Macan

3. Is this China's new Toyota RAV4 fighter? Haval's latest answer to the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage prepares for battle

4. The future of electric cars revealed: New Chinese car is the first to use "solid state batteries" to trump Toyota, BYD and Tesla

5. The 2025 Ram Dakota Hybrid is the 675Nm ute ready to strike fear into the heart of the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger and BYD's new dual-cab

6. Carmakers turned bigger profits last year, but who was the winner? Most and least profitable car companies including GWM, Toyota and Ferrari revealed - report

7. 2025 Toyota RAV4 takes shape: New version of popular family SUV approaches, so what should you expect from the Mazda CX-5 rival?

8. Honda slashes drive-away pricing of 2024 HR-V range while lopping a little off the top of lower level ZR-V and CR-V grades

9. Attention Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol buyers: The latest on the missing GWM Tank 500 diesel, PHEV plug-in hybrid and twin-turbo V6 for Australia and NZ

10. "I didn't realise it runs like our assembly plants": Global Chevy boss surprised by the depth of Australian Chevrolet Silverado remanufacturing process

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