Holden Astra 2004 News

It has a two-part retractable hardtop, not the canvas roof seen in the earlier Holden Astra droptop in Australia, to give it a showroom advantage over the Volkswagen Golf. There is no confirmation yet that the fresh-air favourite will return down under but it looks highly likely.  

The Commodore VF, Holden Colorado 7 and Opel Astra GTC have all been caught on camera in recent weeks during test runs out of Melbourne. The hottest hit was scored by Ben Williams, who shot the camouflaged Commodore (below) during country runs with a group of current cars and - surprisingly - a full-sized Dodge. "I saw the car in country Victoria. It was with a group of Commodores. There was also an American car (above)," says Williams. The Colorado 7, which plugs a giant hole in Holden's SUV lineup later this year, is caught wearing a different style of disguise in a Melbourne carpark. "I saw this car at my local shopping center car park. I think it's a new SUV for Holden," says Jon Walker. Holden has already announced preliminary details on the car, which is based on the Chevrolet Trailblazer and will be the first full-sized SUV for the brand in almost a decade." “Australians are buying more SUVs than ever before. The Colorado 7 will be a perfect fit for customers looking for the increased packaging flexibility and lifestyle benefits of clever interior storage, seven seats and rugged off-road performance," says Holden's John Elsworth. But there is nothing yet on the exact specification or the crucial pricing. Mathieu Lewis only manages a quick glimpse at a speedy yellow coupe but he knows what he's got.  "I spotted the new Opel Astra GTC on Punt Road in Melbourne. It's a rough photo I managed to get of it through the mirror," he says.  Opel has no details yet on its sales plan for the hot hatch, but is surprisingly happy it has been snapped.  "Yes, it is one of our GTCs, the very first to arrive in the country," says Michelle Lang, spokesperson for Opel Australia. "I'm not surprised it was spotted - it's a head turner."  

It has styling that mimics the larger Insignia and is expected to break cover at the Paris Motor Show in September, although there is no confirmation - yet - for Australian sales.

Opel Australia has confirmed the three-door sports turbo compact will be completing the launch line-up. It will run possibly a 1.4 or 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine the former with around 100kW, the latter with 132kW and six speed manual only. Following its world premiere at the 64th International Motor Show in Frankfurt last year, the Astra GTC presents an ultra-sporty and stylish model to Australia, joining the exciting launch range comprising the Astra Hatch and Tourer, Corsa 3 and 5 door, and Insignia Sedan and Tourer. The Astra GTC will be the "hero" of the range. According to Opel, GTC designers wanted the car to be the ultimate expression of Opel's design language `sculptural artistry meets German precision'. The new Astra GTC stands out with sharp design and driving capabilities. On the outside, sculpted shapes with precise accents add drama to clean, sweeping coupe lines. And on the road, all Astra GTC versions benefit from a premium front axle layout with HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) that combines with the clever Opel patented Watt's link rear axle to provide stability and the sharpest driving precision. Few sporty cars in the segment offer such a sophisticated front axle architecture.  

Looking for a safe used car? Think German. The 2007 Used Car Safety Ratings suggest that German-designed cars are among the best choices.Volkswagen's Golf and Bora, Holden's German-sourced Astra TS and Mercedes-Benz's C-Class all rated well for occupant protection and safety for other road-users.With improvements to occupant safety, coupled with reduced risk to other road-users, smaller cars have replaced large family cars as the pick of the litter.In previous years the BMW 3 Series and the family-friendly Holden Commodores and Ford Falcon have been the star performers.This year the researchers highlighted the Golf, Bora, Astra TS, C-Class, Toyota Corolla and Honda Accord.The ratings show that if you make the wrong choice of used car, you could be up to 26 times more likely to be killed or seriously hurt in an accident.The research, by Monash University with the RACV, TAC and VicRoads, shows a staggering difference between used cars.As new-car safety has improved, it has widened the gap between the safest cars on the road and the most dangerous.The latest data shows that a Daihatsu Hi-Jet made from 1982-1990 is 26 times more likely to leave occupants dead or seriously injured than a Volkswagen Passat built from 1998-2005.Two criteria were used: crashworthiness, which is the car's ability to keep its occupants safe; and aggressiveness, which is the likelihood of injury or death to unprotected road-users.TAC senior manager of road safety David Healy says the ratings will play a crucial role in reducing the road toll.“It's going to make a huge difference” Healy says. “We know that by producing safer vehicles we can reduce the road toll by up to a third."“It is another piece of the jigsaw puzzle fitting into place. We now have reliable information on 279 second-hand models on the Australian market."“That means we have real-world data to tell the consumer the car to buy that's safer in a crash as well as safer for other road-users involved in the crash.”Of the 279 models covered by the study, 48 were rated “significantly worse than average” for crashworthiness. Another 29 were rated “worse than average”.On the flip side, 38 models performed “significantly better than average”. Another 48 recorded “better than average”.It means plenty of safe models are available. You just have to pick the right one.Australian New Car Assessment Program chairman Ross McArthur: says: “That, for me, is an important bit of information.“People need to know that picking a car that meets the minimum standard is not enough. You have to be more careful.”Buying a used car often means there are budget considerations, but that shouldn't rule out safety.McArthur says the study highlights affordable models and consumer should arm themselves with that knowledge.“You can get safe cars that are cheaper, and more expensive cars that don't perform as well,” McArthur says. “The key is to be selective. Look around. Don't make the decision on the first vehicle you see.”And don't always trust used-car salesmen.“You need to be properly informed. If you are informed, you are in a much better position to make a decision.”Small cars such as the well-performing 1994-2001 model Peugeot 306 start at $7000.Family cars such as the Holden Commodore VT-VX and Ford Falcon AU also score well and start at reasonable prices.The study clearly shows advances in car safety, with newer models being progressively better.For example, the Holden Commodore VN-VP series received a “worse than average” crashworthiness rating; the later VT-VZ range scored “significantly better than average”.With stricter safety standards and improved crash-test ratings, McArthur is looking forward to a time when all cars are as safe as they can be.Until then the Used Car Safety Ratings is a crucial tool to protect drivers.“I hope we get to the point where every car is a five-star rated car,” McArthur says.“But as a general rule, the newer the car, the better it performs."“But that's not always the case, so you need to look at the Used Car Safety Ratings.” The hit listHow the cars performed in both criteria - crashworthiness (occupant protection) and aggressiveness (risk to pedestrians). Best performersVolkswagen Golf (1999-2004, below)Volkswagen Passat (1999-05)Holden Astra TS (1998-05)Toyota Corolla (1998-01)Honda Accord (1991-93)Mercedes C-Class (1995-00)Peugeot 405 (1989-97) Worst performersMitsubishi Cordia (1983-87)Ford Falcon XE/XF (1982-88)Mitsubishi Starwagon/Delica (1983-93/1987-93)Toyota Tarago (1983-89)Toyota Hiace/Liteace (1982-95) Crash course in car safetySmall carsBest performersVolkswagen Golf (1994-2004)Volkswagen Bora (1999-04)Peugeot 306 (1994-01)Toyota Corolla (1998-01)Holden Astra TS (1998-05, below) Worst performersVolkswagen Golf (1982-94)Toyota MR2 (1987-90)Mitsubishi Cordia (1983-87)Nissan Gazelle/Silvia (1984-86)Nissan Exa (1983-86) Medium carsBest performersBMW 3 Series E46 (1999-04)BMW 5 Series E39 (1996-03)Ford Mondeo (1995-01)Holden Vectra (1997-03)Peugeot 406 (1996-04) Worst performers Nissan Bluebird (1982-86)Mitsubishi Starion (1982-87)Holden Camira (1982-89)Daewoo Espero (1995-97)Toyota Corona (1982-88) Large carsBest performersFord Falcon AU (1998-02)Ford Falcon BA/BF (2002-05)Holden Commodore VT/VX (1997-02)Holden Commodore VY/VZ (2002-05)Toyota Camry (2002-05) Worst performersMazda 929/Luce (1982-90)Holden Commodore VN/VP (1989-93)Toyota Lexcen (1989-93)Holden Commodore VB-VL (1982-88)Mitsubishi Magna TM/TN/TP/ Sigma/V3000 (1985-90, below) People moversBest performersKia Carnival (1999-05)Mazda MPV (1994-99) Worst performersToyota Tarago (1983-89)Mitsubishi Starwagon/L300 (1983-86) Light carsBest performers Daewoo Cielo (1995-97)Daihatsu Sirion (1998-04)Holden Barina XC (2001-05) Worst performers Daewoo Kalos (2003-04)Hyundai Getz (2002-05)Suzuki Alto (1985-00) Compact 4-wheel drives Best performers Honda CR-V (1997-01)Subaru Forester (2002-05) Worst performers Holden Drover/Suzuki Sierra (1982-99)Daihatsu Rocky/Rugger (1985-98) Large 4-wheel drives Best performers Ford Explorer (2001-05)Nissan Patrol/Safari (1998/04) Worst performers Nissan Patrol (1982-87)Toyota Landcruiser (1982-89) 

The type of used car you buy could mean the difference between life and death, an Australian study says.The study found, for example, that drivers and passengers are 26 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured in a Daihatsu Hi-Jet microvan (made between 1982-1990), than a VW Golf hatch (1999-2004), the 2007 Used Car Safety Ratings report says.And the Transport Accident Commission believes the report's release could potentially slash the road toll by a third.Released in Melbourne yesterday, the study examined more than 2.8 million cars of 279 different types involved in crashes from 1987-2005 in Australia and New Zealand.Researchers rated vehicles on how much protection was offered to drivers and how much the vehicle was likely to harm other road users in an accident.Small cars and other vehicles built before 1990 performed worst for safety, with the Daihatsu Hi-Jet, Daewoo Kalos (2003-2004) and Ford Falcon XE/XF (1982-1988) poor examples.About two-thirds of cars in the worst performing category were light cars, including the Daewoo Kalos (now badged as Holden Barina) and the Hyundai Getz.Cars rated the highest for protection were the VW Golf and Bora models (built between 1999 and 2004) and the Holden Astra TS (1998-2005).Most four-wheel drives scored average or better results for occupant protection, but were more likely to harm or kill other road users.The report was conducted by the Monash University Accident Research Centre with support from Royal Automobile Club of Victoria, TAC, VicRoads and state and federal road authorities.VicRoads vehicle safety chief Ross McArthur said selecting a vehicle that met minimum safety standards was not enough.“You can get good performing cars that are cheaper and you can get cars that are more expensive that don't perform as well,” Mr McArthur said.“As a rule, the newer the car is, the better performance it has, but that's not always the case so you need to be informed.”The cost of a vehicle also did not necessarily mean it was safer, said RACV chief vehicle engineer Michael Case.Consumers needed to consider the safety ratings when buying a car to ensure its safety.Mr Case said structural design and safety equipment such as airbags played an important role.“Among small cars, the Toyota Corolla, the Holden Astra and the VW Golf have performed well and these vehicles are very affordable for used-car buyers,” he said.  Safety scoreVehicles scoring better than average in crashes:VW Golf/Bora (1999-2004)Holden Astra TS (1998-2005)Toyota Corolla (1998-2001)Honda Accord (1991-1993)Mercedes C Class (1995-2000)Peugeot 405 (1989-1997)Subaru Liberty/Legacy (1989-1993)Toyota Cressida/Mark II (1989-1993)Subaru Forester (1997-2002) Models that scored worse than average:Mitsubishi Cordia (1983-1987)Ford Falcon XE/XF (1982-1988)Mitsubishi Starwagon/Delica/L300 (1983-1986 and 1987-1993)Toyota Tarago (1983-1989)Toyota Hiace/Liteace (1982-1986 and 1987-1989 and 1990-1995).Source: 2007 Used Car Safety Ratings report 

The Astra TwinTop is finally confirmed for Down Under duties and could even make it to showrooms before the end of the year. While GM Holden refuses to confirm any details, and insists it is still working through the business case for the car, its dealers are talking openly about the TT and even touting an on-sale date in the back end of October. The early arrival is unlikely, particularly as there are still stocks of the previous-model Astra convertible in Australia, but GM Holden is keen. The car is expected to come with a 2.2-litre petrol engine, electronic stability control, five-speed manual and automatic gearboxes, and a price tag close to the current car, which will mean about $45,000. GM Holden is not likely to follow Vauxhall, which has a 1.6-litre price leader at closer to $38,000 in Britain. The TwinTop is the latest of the new generation of convertibles which have a solid roof - usually metal, but composite in the latest Mazda MX-5 - to make them into a complete coupe when they are not doing convertible duties. It can easily be added to the local line-up as GM Holden has a commitment on Astra numbers - but not the exact model mix - it takes from Opel in Europe. It has already tweaked the mix this year to introduce the Astra turbo coupe and diesel hatch. "We have said for some time that we're looking at the possibility of the Astra TwinTop convertible," says GM Holden spokesman Jason Laird. "We think the retractable hardtop would do quite well here. We are still looking at timing and pricing, but it makes a fairly compelling case." Laird says the TwinTop could create problems clearing the last of the previous model, without going into specifics. And he has ruled out any chance of a TwinTop turbo, although there was a time when the Astra range included a performance convertible. But GM Holden is moving quickly on the latest Astra and knows it would be a summer hit in Australia. "From the moment we introduced the current car it became the best-selling convertible in the country and has pretty much stayed there," Laird says. "When we introduced the five-door Astra in 2004, we knew we would have the ability to customise the local Astra fleet. "The trick with Astra is to pick the right cars at any point in time. It's not necessarily about taking every variant, but picking the right ones at the right time." Meanwhile, the upcoming Holden Epica is going to rock Toyota Australia's fuel-economy drive. Toyota is pushing the fuel-economy advantages of its all-new Camry and upcoming V6Aurion over the VE Commodore. But the Korean-made Epica promises to undercut the Camry, which achieves 9.9-litres/100km, according to leaked information from Holden at Fishermans Bend. The Camry-sized Epica looks likely to run at 8.2-litres/100km with a two-litre engine, according to ADR81/01 trials, with the 2.5-litre model coming in at 9.3-litres/100km.

But after catching up with the new AH Astra hatch this week, we reckon the reason for retaining the old model is obvious. In many respects, we believe the TS Astra remains a better car. Astra is Holden's second biggest selling passenger vehicle behind the perennial Commodore, so it is understandable that the General might be a trifle uneasy about upsetting the status quo – especially in the wake of Ford's recent successes. Holden points to Astra's "proven Euro styling, features and benefits" and, according to marketing manager passenger cars, Alan Blazevic,"we believe there will be a place for both body styles in the Australian market". Yes, the new Astra hatch (we will take a sedan as soon as one becomes available) is larger and more spacious than the car it replaces. And, yes, there's no denying that it is a quality, well equipped product. But style-wise the Astra looks like a lot of other hatches and size is something of a two-edged sword, because the larger a car is the more it weighs. In the case of Astra, it weighs 84kg more than the previous model and that is the same as having someone in the passenger seat all the time. As both cars are powered by the same 90kW 1.8-litre DOHC four cylinder engine, it stands to reason that being heavier, the new Astra will be slower off the mark and will probably use more fuel – in this case 7.8L/100km compared to 7.6L/100km previously. With a 52-litre tank, that means you will get 20km less from a tank of fuel – not much but every bits counts. Looking at the figures, the new hatch is 139mm longer, 44mm wider and 35mm higher than the previous model, with more room for front seats occupants but fractionally less leg room for rear seat passengers. In comparison, the Astra Classic as it has been renamed is smaller, lighter and more nimble – a sporty car with a BMW feel. At the end of the day, Holden probably doesn't care which car you buy because the money all goes into the same pocket. However, both models are worth consideration and will appeal to a different people. Our test car was the entry level CD hatch with standard five-speed manual box fitted. It is priced from $21,990 compared to $19,990 for the TS Classic. The CD gets air conditioning, ABS, driver, front passenger and side impact airbags, steering wheel mounted audio controls, front power windows and heated power exterior mirrors. Automatic transmission is another $2000 and optional is cruise control, rear power windows and 15in alloy wheels which are packaged together for $990. Metallic paint is another $300. Astra Classic gets air, driver and passenger airbags and $990 gets you , traction control, front and rear power windows and 15in steel wheels. On the road we found the new Astra hatch capable but uninspiring. It just doesn't quite hold the same appeal as the previous model. The extra weight has taken the edge off performance and the handling softer and not as sharp as we remember. You need to rev the engine to get the car off the mark quickly but once it hits its stride this is forgotten. Grey tones dominate the interior and the firm seats are comfortable, but the driver's seat in the CD model lacks lumbar adjustment. Four-channel ABS is specified as standard and brake assist reduces the effort required in sudden stops. Steering wheel controls for the 80-watt Blaupunkt CD sound system are standard and the reproductions is excellent, with MP3 capability. The new Astra hatch is priced from $21,990.