February 1999 Volume 80 Number 2 "serving the protectors"
ASTRA with European Flair
By Jim Barnett

Holden’s new Opel-designed, Belgian-built Astra is one of the best small cars on the market. Holden is importing the 5-door hatch version which was released in Australia last year and is available in two specification levels: City and CD. Both models share the same highly efficient 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder engine with either 5-speed manual or 4-speed, multi-mode, automatic transmission.

Astra’s wedge-shape design is very smart and chunky. It’s body panels are constructed of lightweight, high-tensile steels, which are fully zinc-galvanised to ensure long term protection against corrosion. Torsional rigidity and bending resistance is nearly double that of its predecessor which results in better ride, handling and safety. So confident is Opel that it offers a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty in Europe. Sadly, the General doesn’t offer the same in Australia.

The roomy interior is comfortable and offers a host of convenience and safety features. These include:

• Driver and passenger airbags.
• Front seatbelt pre-tensioners.
• Lap-sash seat belts for all passengers.

Seats are firm, comfortable and supportive. The driver’s seat can be height adjusted, and a tilt-telescopic adjustable steering column allows selection of the optimum driving position.

With its easy-to-use controls, the dashboard layout is stylish. But in true European style, the indicator stalk is found on the left of the steering column. A digital display in the centre of the dashboard shows outside temperature, time and audio settings. A quality Blaupunkt radio-cassette player with six speakers is also fitted.

Storage areas include a two-tiered glovebox, bins on all four doors with drink holders and a small compartment near the steering wheel.

The capacity of the roomy rear cargo area can be increased by folding one or both of the rear, 60/40 split design seats. When opened, a small panel behind the centre armrest enables the carriage of four adults - as well as long items such as snow skis - without folding either seat.

Both models feature:

• Power mirrors.
• Central locking with keyless entry (incorporating a deadlock function).
• Immobiliser.
• Remote hatch and fuel release.

One push of the button locks all doors and the hatch. Hold the button down a second time and the deadlock function operates, making it impossible to open the doors from inside or outside.

A spritely 1.8-litre, twin-cam, 16-valve ECOTEC engine drives the front wheels through a standard 5-speed manual transmission, or the optionally-available 4-speed automatic.

The auto box features Economy, Sport and Winter modes. It automatically selects neutral while stationary with the brake applied which saves up to 3% in fuel. The engine is free-revving and has a throaty note in the upper rev range.

Perhaps due to some fine tuning in Europe by Lotus, suspension and steering are superb. The car corners extremely well.

The base City with automatic transmission is impressive to drive, so forget the horror stories you’ve heard about small 4-cylinder cars with automatic transmissions. This car is quick; and the engine’s 85kW of power and efficient engine management system offer smooth power delivery up to 6,500rpm.

Considerable engineering has been applied to Astra. It’s rack-and-pinion power steering is driven by a maintenance-free electric motor, instead of the usual power-sapping, belt-driven pump. In the event of a major frontal collision, clutch and brake pedals break away to minimize injury to the driver’s legs. Also standard are:

• Three-position, height-adjustable headlamps.
• Rear fog lamps.
• Pollen filters in the ventilation system.

Under testing, the automatic’s fuel consumption was around 9.5 litres/100km. Longer trips would no doubt return better results.

Astra City is priced at $20,990. That price increases by:

• $1870 for air conditioning.
• $1950 for automatic transmission.
• $990 for ABS/traction control.

Test car from Holden Australia through City Holden.

http://www.holden.com.au