New Astra Turbo Diesel On Sale Now, SRi Turbo Petrol To Follow

[JoeT]

Holden Unleashes Turbo Diesel Power In Astra Hatch

GM Media
13 June 2006
www.media.gm.com

Australia's biggest-selling European imported car, the Holden Astra, is now available in two turbocharged diesel five-door hatches.

The feature-packed Astra CDTi models boast 1.9 litre turbo diesel engines delivering the outstanding performance and improved fuel economy for which diesel-powered vehicles have become renowned.

The availability of diesel power in one of Australia¡¯s most popular nameplates will add significant momentum to local buyers¡¯ growing interest in diesel fuel.

Astra CDTi will be available in six-speed manual and six-speed automatic variants. The six-speed automatic transmission is a first for Holden passenger cars.

The 110 kilowatt manual is priced at $29,990* and the 88 kilowatt automatic model is $31,490*.

Highly specified, Astra turbo diesel¡¯s standard features include Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with traction control, ABS, driver, front passenger and front side impact airbags, full length curtain airbags, 16-inch alloy wheels (steel spare), fog lamps, cruise control, air conditioning and trip computer.

Holden Chairman and Managing Director Denny Mooney today said it was the first time Holden¡¯s second biggest-selling car line had offered diesel engines.

Mr Mooney said diesel vehicle sales in Australia were on the rise as they offered performance, economic and environmental benefits.

¡°Combining Astra¡¯s great looks with new diesel technology and a sharp price is sure to draw Australian motorists to these cars,¡± Mr Mooney said.

¡°Astra turbo diesel delivers great performance, improved fuel economy and fewer emissions.

It builds on what is already Australia¡¯s most comprehensive small car range.¡±

The six-speed manual DOHC Astra diesel produces 110 kilowatts of peak power at 4000rpm and 320Nm of peak torque at 2000rpm.

The six-speed automatic SOHC Astra diesel variant produces 88 kilowatts of peak power at 3500rpm and 280Nm of peak torque at 2000rpm. An Active Select feature allows the driver to shift manually for a sharper driving feel.

A Garrett turbocharger with charge-air intercooler and diesel fuel feed via common rail and a multiple direct injection system contribute to a vigorous, smooth-running brand of performance

with powerful torque at low engine speeds, higher top-end performance and lower fuel usage.

Astra turbo diesel has undergone extensive field evaluation by Holden engineers, with 50,000 Australian test kilometres augmented by impressive performances in the 2003 and 2005 Darwin to Adelaide World Solar Challenge Greenfleet Class. A recent win in the 2006 Greenfleet Technology Trial in Victoria further boosted its credentials.

Astra CDTi turbo diesel¡¯s fuel economy performance (ADR 81/01) is 6.0 litres/100km for the manual variant and 7.4 litres/100 km for the automatic transmission and emission levels meet Euro 4 standards.

Chassis dynamics

All the controlled, predictable ride and handling attributes that have helped to make the Holden Astra so consistently successful are present in full measure.

They are supplemented in both Astra CDTi variants by the pre-emptive active safety benefits of an Electronic Stability Program (ESP), traction control, four-channel ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and larger diameter (308mm) ventilated front disc brakes.

The advanced ESP system uses sensors to detect critical driving situations, helping the driver to maintain optimum vehicle stability by intervening to apply the brakes individually or alter engine torque. The traction control system monitors grip via brakes and engine output.

The 110kW Astra turbo diesel with manual transmission also offers a sports chassis pack which features a firmer sport-tuned suspension, lower ride height, quick rack steering ratio and a sport switch that recalibrates the electronic throttle and power steering for an even more responsive handling character.

Safety features

Six airbags ©¤ f ront and thorax/pelvis side airbags for driver and front seat passenger, head curtain airbags in front and for outer rear seats

Three height-adjustable head restraints in rear

Three-point safety belts for all seats, height-adjustable in front

Safety belt force limiter and pyrotechnic belt tensioner in front

High-strength safety body with crash boxes and sensors

Side impact protection

Warning control light for unfastened seat belts in front

Safety steering column (height and reach-adjustable)

Automatic release safety pedals

Mountings for child seats

Child safety catch on rear doors

Automatic activation of hazard warning blinkers and unlocking of doors after airbag or belt pre-tensioner is triggered

Styling and feature highlights

The Astra CDTi turbo diesel shares the same well-balanced proportions and striking Euro body design of its petrol-powered five-door hatchback siblings.

It is identified externally by unique twin-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps and CDTi badging at the rear.

The spacious and cleverly-packaged interior features a smart charcoal fabric trim, contoured seating, comfortable ****************pit layout and 60/40 rear fold flexibility.

Standard equipment includes a leather-wrap steering wheel (sports style in the manual model) with remote audio controls, single CD player with MP3 function, power windows all round, cruise control, trip computer, air conditioning, graphic information display, remote external mirrors and six-way adjustable driver¡¯s seat.

Exterior colour selection

Black Sapphire (metallic)

Star Silver (metallic)

Casablanca White

Ultra Blue (metallic)

Pannacotta Gold (metallic)

Moonland (mid grey metallic) ¨C new to Astra

Selected Holden accessories

Five-door hatch body kit, (lower and rear roof spoiler).

Range of 17- and 18-inch alloy wheel options.

Astra CDTi recommended retail pricing

(excluding delivery and government charges)

$29,990 (manual transmission)

$31,490 (automatic transmission)

Metallic paint $360

On Sale

June 2006

* Excluding dealer delivery and government charges.



Astra SRi Turbo Roars Back Down Under

GM Media
13 June 2006
www.media.gm.com

The new generation of Holden¡¯s four-cylinder performance hero, the Astra SRi Turbo coupe, will roar into Australian showrooms later this month.

The AH series SRi Turbo brings together turbocharged power, striking coupe design and strong value, making it an obvious target for small car performance enthusiasts.

Priced at $34,990*, the Astra SRi Turbo packs a 2.0-litre engine generating peak power of 147 kilowatts at 5400rpm and peak torque of 262Nm at 4200rpm.

The Borg Warner turbocharger is accommodated without modification to the body or engine compartment .

Performance is matched by a comprehensive standard safety package that includes Electronic Stability Program (ESP), ABS, traction control, an adaptive sports chassis system and six airbags including driver and front passenger, front side and curtain airbags.

The AH series builds on a pedigree of Astra performance models, with the previous TS series SRi Turbo gathering accolades during its time in the Australian market, including MOTOR Magazine¡¯s ¡®Bang For Your Buck¡¯ award in 2003.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Denny Mooney, today said SRi Turbo highlighted that the performance side of Holden¡¯s brand was not limited to one size of car or engine.

¡°Astra SRi Turbo is as much a performance leader for Holden as our SS Commodore or Monaro,¡± Mr Mooney said.

¡°It is crucial that we are consistent in our offerings across the Holden range and there is no question that Astra SRi Turbo will satisfy the same appetite for performance in the small car segment as its larger siblings.

¡°It highlights Astra¡¯s versatility, given that the turbo will join the naturally aspirated Astra coupe, three-door and five-door hatches, Astra wagon, convertible and the first-ever diesel models on the showroom floor.

¡°We¡¯re delighted to bring back turbocharged power to the Astra nameplate, and we¡¯re doing it in a convincing fashion.¡±

Astra SRi Turbo is highly specified with features including 18-inch alloy wheels (16-inch steel spare), climate control air conditioning, sports body kit, fog lamps, leather-faced seats, heatable front sports seats, six-stack in-dash Blaupunkt CD player and a trip computer.

High performance

The three-door SRi Turbo hot hatch is most the powerful model in the Holden Astra range.

The high-torque 2.0 litre ECOTEC four cylinder DOHC turbocharged engine is matched to a slick six-speed manual transmission. It delivers peak power of 147kW at 5400rpm. Pulling power is equally impressive, with the torque curve rising sharply from idle speeds and reaching a peak 262Nm at 4200rpm.

Fuel economy performance (ADR 81/01) is 9.4 litres/100km and emission levels meet Euro 4 standards.

Chassis Dynamics

The Astra SRi Turbo offers great agility, precise handling and a sophisticated chassis system which provides a very high level of driving safety by optimising roadholding capabilities.

Astra SRi Turbo provides the remarkable active safety benefits of an adaptive interactive driving system ( IDS Plus) sports chassis. This is highlighted by a continuous damping control (CDC) feature which sets a new standard in driving dynamics by constantly adapting shock absorber characteristics to road conditions and vehicle movements.

Also networked into the advanced chassis package is ESP, a traction control system which regulates grip via brakes and engine power output, and ABS with brake assist.

Drivers can also activate a sport mode which modifies the electronic throttle and electro-hydraulic power steering for an even more sports-oriented experience.

Further contributors to the turbo coupe¡¯s great handling character are a lower ride height and low-profile tyres on large 18 x 7.5-inch light alloys, 308mm front ventilated disc brakes (28mm larger than standard Astra) and 264mm rear discs.

Safety Features

Six airbags ©¤ f ront and thorax/pelvis side airbags for driver and front seat passenger,

head curtain airbags in front and for outer rear seats

Head restraints in front, height-adjustable

Three height-adjustable head restraints in rear

Three-point safety belts for all seats, height-adjustable in front

Safety belt force limiter and pyrotechnic belt tensioner in front

High-strength safety body with crash boxes and sensors

Side impact protection

Warning control light for unfastened seat belts in front

Safety steering column (height and reach-adjustable)

Automatic release safety pedals

Mountings for child seats

Automatic activation of hazard warning blinkers and unlocking of doors after airbag or belt pre-tensioner is triggered

Styling and feature highlights

While the Holden Astra SRi Turbo shares the same powerfully expressive body shape as its Astra coupe stablemate, a tapering bumper, modified radiator grille and larger air inlets give it a distinctive face of its own.

It is further differentiated by a stylish sports body kit − incorporating an integrated rear window spoiler, deep rocker mouldings and specific rear bumper − fog lamps, aluminium exhaust tip and stand-out five-spoke 18-inch alloys.

Sports theming continues inside, with a leather-wrap sports steering wheel, matt chrome accents, sports style leather wrapped gearshift lever, sports instrument dials with matt chrome rings, aluminium alloy pedals and doorsill plates.

There¡¯s no compromise in terms of everyday functionality and spaciousness, with interior room for five, practical split fold rear seat and generous cargo space of 302 litres.

An extensive standard equipment listing includes cruise control, power windows, climate control air conditioning, leather-faced seats, heatable front sports seats, six-stack in-dash Blaupunkt CD player, premium seven speaker system, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, graphic information display, sunshades with illuminated vanity mirrors, sunglasses storage and colour-keyed floor mats.

Exterior colour selection

Black Sapphire (metallic)

Star Silver (metallic)

Casablanca White

Selected Holden accessories

Rear parking sensors

Roof bar with ski carrier

Astra SRi Turbo recommended retail pricing

(Excluding delivery and government charges)

$34,990.

Metallic paint $360

On Sale

June 2006.

* Excluding dealer delivery and government charges.

[ChevyLaxMan]

get seriously global now, GM! inefficient jerk...

[Odin]

um????

[Butz]

Lucky Aussies!

[Mikkoo]

Originally Posted by Butz

Lucky Aussies!

There will always be product that GM doesn't sell in the USA. And of course the same goes for product for the NA market that is not available in Europe and elsewhere.
I'm confident that once the mfg's can meet the new diesel emission standards coming to the USA, you'll see much more offerings from a much more broader spectrum of manufacturers, so be patient.

[paul8488]

Very cool. I'm impressed that there's a 6-speed manual AND 6-speed automatic transmission available with this car.

[Black AH CDX]

the picture you show is of the CDXi, which has been deleted from the Australian range.

[RedVee8]

The Turbo Diesel seems to have replaced the CDXi in equipment and price terms.

[PRO_USA1776]

Ok, so "Rick" where is my 60 MPG Opel/Saturn - Astra?

[soloyosh]

By my math 7.4L per 100km works out to 32.2mpg. Not sure how close that is to EPA City/Hwy though.

[vncj96]

can somone tell me what the HP numbers would be and why the auto seems to have less power, bring that car across the pond darn it

[big swede]

I know everyone will say that they would buy one if it was available here but I'm not sure if Americans are willing to pay the price that this vehicle will comand. It definitely sounds like an incredible car that's for sure.

[rsbaker]

This is a no-brainer for Saturn! Just slap those Saturn Badges on it and bring it over.

[killerfire]

Bring it to Canada and you'll make ALOT of sales

(I'd buy one tomorrow)

[rsbaker]

Originally Posted by big swede

I know everyone will say that they would buy one if it was available here but I'm not sure if Americans are willing to pay the price that this vehicle will comand. It definitely sounds like an incredible car that's for sure.

Valid point. GM would have to keep the price competitive but these Opels in the US as Saturns would so out class anything from Toyota or Honda or even the new VW Jetta and Golf/Rabbit. In Fact GM needs to do whatever it takes to get this Astra and the new Corsa over here and in the Saturn showrooms as soon as possible.