It's difficult to believe a small sedan can be exciting. And that's the way it is with Astra. But it's a pleasant surprise to experience everything being done suitability and unobtrusively. The Astra just gets on with the job.

It rides well and gets along pretty well, too, but it doesn't evoke any passion. Sure it looks quite good, although it doesn't stand out. And there's nothing wrong with that!

The auto on the test car was a real auto! It seems too common these days for manufacturers to want their cars to drive in overdrive at city speeds. Holden are to be commended for having a "lock-out" feature on the auto tranny for the Astra. It makes no sense to "labour" an engine in overdrive when you're in town.

Like many of today's small cars, the interior provides adequate space and quite reasonable comfort. The only problem I found was the road noise at highway speed. Like the Toyota Corolla, it's a little too noisy for a modern car.