Holden Astra Turbo diesel 2006 review

It also doesn't help that Holden's 1980s version of the small diesel car – the dodgy Gemini diesel – has become a joke among Holden's fleet.

While the Gemini I own is petrol-powered, I still cop its cousin's flak.

Bless the car gods for the invention of turbo.

The Astra Turbo Diesel is thankfully much improved on the Gemini model and after cruising in it for a week, diesel now looks to be a good option.

I could be sensible and rave about the fantastic fuel economy.

My dad did marvel at the fact that I could fill up a jerry can with fuel and have enough to get me around town for a week.

Sometimes, diesel also costs less at the pump than unleaded fuel. But what I liked about this car was that it had the grunt and toughness of a Kenworth truck.

Before you even get in the car, the key operates like a "gansta"-style flick knife – press a button and the key flicks out. I felt very safe walking to my car at night.

The exterior styling is sporty and macho, and when you turn on the engine, the Astra gives off a rumble which sends out the message "you don't want to mess with me".

It is not the zippiest of cars through traffic and it takes a little bit of time to get off the line.

But once the turbo kicks in, you're off.

This is not a car you can get bored with. Several driving modes and settings also offer plenty to do when stuck at the lights. The six-speed auto transmission changes to manual with a flick of the wrist. Sport mode can be switched on in both manual and auto.

Mix and match to suit the conditions, desired fuel economy or even your mood.

The computer dash display has different settings to keep an eye on during the trip. I set the stopwatch to measure how long it took to travel short distances.

The computer also can tell you what day it is, which can be handy for those early blurry-brained mornings.

The interior did seem to lack the attention given to the outside and the only handy bit of storage is the glove box, which has a removable divider to increase its size. There was no holder for me to stash my cup, mobile phone or loose change.

The steering wheel controls for the stereo and dash computer were fiddly and the stereo system sounded weak.

So I just turned the stereo down and listened to the turbo booster and engine rumble. CAPTION (astra) Holden Astra Turbo Diesel. Diesel delivers

Love it - Leave it

Holden Astra Turbo Diesel

Love it

Great fuel economy.

Turbo provides the necessary power to offset the slow diesel engine.

Sporty style and grunty engine sound.

Six speed manual transmission for trips on the open road.

Leave it

Lack of storage.

Fiddly steering wheel controls.

Limited back seat space.