Holden Astra 2005 Review

Styling is on the money, with the cute-as-a-button Euro-flavoured hatch attracting blanket praise.

This Astra has improved in some areas and stalled in others.

Exterior styling, albeit a subjective area, is a winner and the interior is fresher.

However, there are some areas that need addressing, not the least being the old 1.8-litre Ecotec four-cylinder engine which is retained for the incoming Astra.

Once the revs rise it has a tendency to stick on its engine speed even if the driver eases off the throttle.

It's not a particularly safe characteristic and can catch people out.

It tends to happen when the revs rise beyond 4000rpm and while many people will be pottering around below that the trait of this powerplant is that it needs a dig in the ribs to stir it into action.

This is not the only flaw with the AH Astra.

As in the previous TS model, the cruise control function is located at the tip of the indicator stalk but can be a bit fiddly to activate.

It is not hard to inadvertently trigger the indicators.

Particularly when the cruise proves cumbersome or, as this driver found on a few occasions, did not want to work and would only come on once the engine was switched off and turned on again.

Aside from the aforementioned niggles this Astra has a lot of street cred and is as agile and competent as its predecessor.

The chassis feels tight and confident, which is duplicated in its predictable and solid handling manners.

Comfort levels vary from model to model.

The seats in the CDXi are more comfortable and supportive than the base CD and there is a more upmarket sound system.

Which also begs a word of warning.

Never leave the car unlocked with the in-dash stacker full of CDs.

You can operate the sound system and remove the discs without putting a key in the ignition.

Fuel economy in a mixed bag of a test with a variety of different roads was about 8.4litres/100km, which is reasonable but below 8litres/100km, depending on conditions, is quite realistically achieved.

Despite some of its flaws the new Astra is a welcome addition and further dates the TS version which has served Holden so admirably in image and sales since 1998.

And if you rarely, if at all, use cruise control and you like to keep engine revs below 4000rpm then the Astra is a fine catch.