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 Programme (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 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 4,000 rpm and 320 Nm of peak torque at 2,000 rpm.

The six-speed automatic SOHC Astra diesel variant produces 88 kilowatts of peak power at 3,500 rpm and 280 Nm of peak torque at 2,000 rpm. 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/100 km 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 Programme (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 ─ front 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 cockpit 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) – 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.