First Drive: 2007 Holden Astra Range Now Has More Power

[JoeT]

Astra Tweaked For 2007

Toby Hagon
20 April 2007
www.drive.com.au

Holden has added a new engine to its Astra line-up as part of a mild mid-model update.

The new 1.8-litre engine is still smaller than that in some competitor vehicles but now delivers a more respectable 103 kilowatts of power, representing a 9kW, or 10 per cent increase over the engine it replaces.

However, to achieve that output you need to feed it more expensive premium unleaded; expect a slight power drop running on regular unleaded.

Now with variable valve timing for improved efficiency, Holden claims fuel economy improvements for the Astra of between 4.8 per cent and 6.3 per cent, depending on the model. The base model Astra with a manual transmission uses a claimed average of 7.4 litres of fuel per 100km.

Click here to continue article



First Drive: Astra Buffs Up For 2007 Title Fight

Byron Mathioudakis
20 April 2007
www.goauto.com.au

Holden gives the base version of its upgraded, expanded Astra range the grunt needed.

Holden has added a gutsier 1.8, more engine and model choices, and a new convertible known as the TwinTop, as part of its facelifted AH Astra MY7.5 (Series II) range.

You will need to look hard to spot the changes though, which are limited to a redesigned front bumper and air-intake, a new grille, chrome headlight surrounds and new-style alloy wheels on the CDX and CDTi turbo-diesel, while higher-grade trim materials are now used inside.

Addressing lacklustre performance criticisms, the volume-selling CD and CDX three and five-door hatchback and wagon models gain an upgraded 1.8-litre ECOTEC twin-cam four-cylinder engine dubbed XER.

Click here to continue article

[regfootball]

the wagon is cute!

[ronald mcretard]

does anyone know if the U.S. Saturn Astra will be sold as a convertible or wagon in addition to the hatchback?

[bone]

I'd like the wagon to be sold in N.A. although I know it won't happen.

[Butz]

What's the obsession with wagons and hatchbacks unless it's a 3-door?
Hopefully, for NA it'll come with a 2.4 ECOTEC like the one on the Cobalt

[TaHoE]

Originally Posted by ronald mcretard

does anyone know if the U.S. Saturn Astra will be sold as a convertible or wagon in addition to the hatchback?

In this iteration it's Hatchbacks only.

[mikmak]

Chrome headlight surrounds are a step backwards IMO. Good to finally see a much needed power increase though.

[benroethig]

I love the front end on those Astras and the wagon looks great. Too bad the only version of this car we're getting is the ugly hatchback version.

[GMinTheDriveway]

Originally Posted by benroethig

I love the front end on those Astras and the wagon looks great. Too bad the only version of this car we're getting is the ugly hatchback version.

No ugly hatchbacks, but two handsome ones and no ugly notchback sedans!

[SierraGS]

Originally Posted by Butz

What's the obsession with wagons and hatchbacks unless it's a 3-door?
Hopefully, for NA it'll come with a 2.4 ECOTEC like the one on the Cobalt

I think many buyers like the utility that the Wagon model gives you in a smaller car. I personnally prefer the wagon, but like all 4 Astra styles and alos hope the 2.4L or at least the 2.2L is offered, and there is hope for a 2.2L if not a 2.4L for NA (found in second article).

"Meanwhile, Holden added a non turbo-charged SRi three and five-door hatchback (but not wagon, sadly), which also powers the new TwinTop, back in January, but waited until now to launch the vehicles to the Australian media.

It is an all-new, 2.2-litre twin-cam direct-injection petrol ECOTEC four-cylinder engine, delivering 110kW at 5600rpm and 210Nm at 4000rpm on PULP."

I like the fact it is a DI engine, just hope it comes with a good shifting manual transmission.

[asim]

Thanks SO much for importing this over here in America GM! I just hope it sells, from the way the new Outlook and Aura are selling, it isn't much of a good sign.

[redimpss5]

Originally Posted by regfootball

the wagon is cute!

Hehehehe, he said cute.

[mikmak]

Originally Posted by asim

Thanks SO much for importing this over here in America GM! I just hope it sells, from the way the new Outlook and Aura are selling, it isn't much of a good sign.

Really? What seems to be the problem? Is it a segment slump? Have ppl seen much advertising? I thought both were quite good.

[benroethig]

Originally Posted by asim

Thanks SO much for importing this over here in America GM! I just hope it sells, from the way the new Outlook and Aura are selling, it isn't much of a good sign.

It's a niche vehicle and GM knows that which is why their importing from Europe. I'd say if i reaches a third of the sales that the Ion did, it's a success. If they had brought the Sedan and Wagon instead of the hatches, 150,000 units would be be unreasonable.

Originally Posted by mikmak

Really? What seems to be the problem? Is it a segment slump? Have ppl seen much advertising? I thought both were quite good.

Saturn doesn't have that many dealerships or the name recognition. The GMC Acadia and Chevy Malibu are going to greatly outsell their Saturn cousins.

[Gm786]

That's a pretty good looking wagon. I wonder if GM has any plans to bring it to the states?