Holden Astra 2005 Review

Actually, they will need to be better than just good to keep faith with the people who have bought the latest European-made small cars from GM Holden.

The Barina, Astra and Vectra have done a lot to prove Holden has morphed into more than just a Commodore car company.

But Holden has done a deal with Daewoo to boost the value of its baby Barina and the Astra-sized Viva, so it will shift emphasis from next month as the first rebadged compacts roll off the boat from South Korea.

Where does that leave the latest Astra line-up? Sitting pretty, judging from a week with the new Astra wagon.

We were captivated by the styling of the new Astra coupe. The all-round strengths of the wagon, and the practical back end on the pint-sized family friend, show how much the European newcomer has been improved.

It's not the cheapest car in its class, but $23,490 is a good deal for a wagon clearly better than any of its direct rivals.

It gives young couples with kids a realistic alternative to a city-style four-wheel-drive.

The wagon and coupe stretch an Astra line-up that was revitalised last year with a full body swap and will eventually grow to include a turbo coupe early next year, then a convertible with folding metal roof.

Holden says it maintains its commitment to the Astra, now its second-best-selling vehicle after the Commodore.

It has allowed Holden to boost volume while waiting for the crucial compact 4WDs -- also coming from South Korea -- from the middle of next year.

The Astra wagon has the same basic mechanical package as the rest of the family, though it has a wheelbase 89mm longer.

Height is increased by 40mm and Holden says the carrying capacity is 454 litres, or 1549 with the rear seats folded.

There is a touch-pad release for the rear door, a cargo cover, side storage compartments, a 12-volt socket and roof rails.

There are two models, CD and CDX, but both come with front and side airbags, anti-skid brakes, front electric windows, CD sound and airconditioning.

The CDX, from $25,990, picks up alloy wheels, cruise control, six-stack CD, trip computer and four electric windows.

ON THE ROAD The best thing about the Astra wagon is obvious. It does not feel as if you are driving a wagon. The car rides tight and light, is quiet and comfy, gets along well enough, and is barely affected by weight in the tail -- unless you shop big and fill it.

It is pretty much the way we remember the Astra hatch, though it does not turn heads like the coupe.

We found plenty to like, from the engine response to the touch-pad release for the tailgate.

And we even enjoyed the central controller for the CDX's trip computer and sound system, which was much more intuitive and straightforward than the BMW iDrive system that led us all into the world of computer-mouse-style electronics in cars.

The problem for the Astra is that Australians have deserted the station wagon end of showrooms.

They much prefer 4WDs, which means the new Holden is just as likely to be shopped against a Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 as the Mitsubishi Lancer and Toyota Corolla wagons that shape as its direct rivals.

Holden is confident it can get plenty of customers for the car and it is definitely the new class leader, but we are not totally convinced.

But there is no need to wonder when you're driving, because the Astra wagon is a very nice device. It is easy to park, has classy headlights, stops well and performs with plenty of perk.

The CDX test car was loaded with everything you really need for enjoyable driving, particularly cruise control, effective air-con and punchy CD sound.

We also liked the steering-wheel buttons for the sound system.

The wagon tail is good, with a low loading lip and a fully flat floor.

We threw in some bikes and also loaded the Astra for a trip to the tip, appreciating the fold-flat rear seats and the tie-down hooks.

People on picnics will like the power socket and storage bins in the back and we can see some families using the roof racks.

We took a while to adjust to the firm seats, and never really liked the austere look inside the cabin, but that was about it on the negative side of the balance sheet.