Holden Astra CD 2007 review

The new Euro IV compliant engine puts out 103kW of power at 6300rpm and 175Nm of torque at 3800rpm in manual form, up 11kW and 5Nm respectively.

As well as producing more power it also delivers better fuel economy, down from 8.2 to 7.8 litres/100km for the four-speed auto.

They’re modest gains but come at no extra cost because Holden has held prices for the new model at the current level.

The bad news is that these figures are generated using premium unleaded petrol.

Holden tells us the car will run on standard unleaded but could not supply figures for the reduced power output that will result.

The previous engine dropped from 92kW to 90kW when run on standard.

The Astra range starts with the entry level CD five-door manual hatch priced from $21,990, topping out at $47,490 for the 2.2-litre Twin Top coupe-cabrio auto.

The auto adds $2000.

It’s all part of a mid-life makeover for what is Holden’s second biggest selling model behind the perennial Commodore.

Launched here in 2004, the Astra holds third place in its own segment, behind Corolla and Mazda3.

Holden describes Astra as one of the most complete small car ranges in Australia.

However, this overlooks the fact that there is still no sedan.

What of a diesel wagon, fivespeed auto or standard electronic stability control? The latter is standard on Commodore, which leads its segment, and diesel Astra gets a sixspeed auto.

Holden remains vague when asked about these possibilities, saying only that it is constantly reassessing the pricing and specification of its car in what is a very competitive segment.

The engine upgrade is accompanied by minor styling changes with a revised front fascia, headlamp and grille.

We were able to take the fourspeed auto for a quick run up to the Blue Mountains and back at the launch of the new model in Sydney.

New engine or not, it’s still not going to set the world on fire but it will not disappoint the average driver.