Old and new Astras compared

But after catching up with the new AH Astra hatch this week, we reckon the reason for retaining the old model is obvious.

In many respects, we believe the TS Astra remains a better car.

Holden points to Astra's "proven Euro styling, features and benefits" and, according to marketing manager passenger cars, Alan Blazevic,"we believe there will be a place for both body styles in the Australian market".

Yes, the new Astra hatch (we will take a sedan as soon as one becomes available) is larger and more spacious than the car it replaces.

And, yes, there's no denying that it is a quality, well equipped product.

But style-wise the Astra looks like a lot of other hatches and size is something of a two-edged sword, because the larger a car is the more it weighs.

In the case of Astra, it weighs 84kg more than the previous model and that is the same as having someone in the passenger seat all the time.

As both cars are powered by the same 90kW 1.8-litre DOHC four cylinder engine, it stands to reason that being heavier, the new Astra will be slower off the mark and will probably use more fuel – in this case 7.8L/100km compared to 7.6L/100km previously.

With a 52-litre tank, that means you will get 20km less from a tank of fuel – not much but every bits counts.

Looking at the figures, the new hatch is 139mm longer, 44mm wider and 35mm higher than the previous model, with more room for front seats occupants but fractionally less leg room for rear seat passengers.

In comparison, the Astra Classic as it has been renamed is smaller, lighter and more nimble – a sporty car with a BMW feel.

At the end of the day, Holden probably doesn't care which car you buy because the money all goes into the same pocket.

However, both models are worth consideration and will appeal to a different people.

Our test car was the entry level CD hatch with standard five-speed manual box fitted.

It is priced from $21,990 compared to $19,990 for the TS Classic.

The CD gets air conditioning, ABS, driver, front passenger and side impact airbags, steering wheel mounted audio controls, front power windows and heated power exterior mirrors.

Automatic transmission is another $2000 and optional is cruise control, rear power windows and 15in alloy wheels which are packaged together for $990.

Metallic paint is another $300.

Astra Classic gets air, driver and passenger airbags and $990 gets you , traction control, front and rear power windows and 15in steel wheels.

On the road we found the new Astra hatch capable but uninspiring.

It just doesn't quite hold the same appeal as the previous model.

The extra weight has taken the edge off performance and the handling softer and not as sharp as we remember.

You need to rev the engine to get the car off the mark quickly but once it hits its stride this is forgotten.

Grey tones dominate the interior and the firm seats are comfortable, but the driver's seat in the CD model lacks lumbar adjustment.

Four-channel ABS is specified as standard and brake assist reduces the effort required in sudden stops.

Steering wheel controls for the 80-watt Blaupunkt CD sound system are standard and the reproductions is excellent, with MP3 capability.

The new Astra hatch is priced from $21,990.