Holden Astra CDXi 2005 review

I can say that because earlier this year I tested the top-of-the-line five-door Astra hatch CDXi, and while it was modern, motivated and even slightly edgy, the new shape didn't grab me. Until now.

Here, the coupe doesn't have the two rear passenger doors which, to me, only made the new-shape Astra hatch look average. But take them away and you're left with a sexier shape. More racy and more fun.

And the gold-green colour is fab, too. It's fresh, clean and expensive-looking and reminds me rather of a good vintage champagne.

A drive in the CDXi was buttery smooth and it was a road-hugger, and a trip to Cape Jervis found nothing changes with the CD coupe. There's easy transition through the five gears, a gutsy 1.8-litre engine and fluid brakes with ABS for safety.

The grey-black interior has practical, low-maintenance cloth seats and a simple dash but with easy-to-read, large buttons for the single CD, heating and radio.

Volume/tuning controls on the steering wheel are handy and the sound from the Blaupunkt CD/MP3 player is topnotch. Not so good is the placement of the ignition and the indicator lever. They are in the normal place, but because the key is so chunky, I almost knocked it out of the ignition several times when I flicked the indicator.

The trip computer, however, makes up for any disappointments telling the time, radio station and outside temperature.

Luckily the climate control works brilliantly and I had to make use of the aircon after I'd toasted myself a little too much. It's all about balance I worked out later.

Speaking of balance, dual airbags keep both driver and passenger secure – if the need arises – but the Astra feels safe for a smallish car.

I say small, but interior-wise it's roomy enough in the front to stretch your legs and, yes, there's still enough space in the back to fit a couple of littlies. Adults might find it a bit squeezy though. The seats are firm but comfy.

Admittedly, the Astra CD doesn't have all the extras, and more storage and seating room would be nice at times. But this is the kind of car that is a little bit speccy, sexy and a little bit special. Who needs a bigger, boring car when you can have one with a sexy, zippy personality? I know which I'd choose.

Love it, Leave it

Holden Astra Coupe five-speed manual

Love it

The colour, the coupe shape.

Power and tinted windows.

Rear light over the licence plate is handy for night-time shopping.

Leave it

Door handles are too far forward to open the wide doors with ease.

Chunky key.

A cup holder in the glove compartment?