2004 Holden Astra CD 1.8 litre petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A terrific value for money motor car

Faults:

Nil.

General Comments:

Performance is superb for a 1.8L 92 kw car.

The car's finish is flawless and an absolute pleasure to drive. It handles as if on rails.

Some people may not like the dark interior, however I prefer it this way, especially when it comes to maintaining a clean look.

My only gripe is with the cruise control. There is no indication on the dash display to tell you when it is either on or active. It works a treat though, so this is a minor bug in an otherwise fantastic little motor car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th June, 2004

15th Dec 2004, 02:28

I'm wanting to buy a holden astra classic, but not sure if its worth the price it costs to fix it at times. I heard from friends it can be quite expensive. Is this true?

13th Mar 2006, 21:41

What a shame Holden went to Daewoo for their Astra Classic replacement, the Viva. I have driven a couple of examples of the older Astra prior to the AH series, and van tell you they are better than any Korean and most Japanese. It's like driving a Mercedes or BMW, but for half the price. If sourcing from Korea is the best they can do to compete with the Corolla and Tiida, then I will be taking my business elsewhere.

2004 Holden Astra CD 1.8 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A great choice for a small car with many treat features

Faults:

The only fault I can pick is the high beam, it is set like a focused laser (rather than an ambient spectrum), which makes winding country roads more difficult -- a minor problem. However, on the straights at the dead of night, you can see it all.

General Comments:

Just on a week now, and I've driven out of the Holden yard with a 2004 plate model, Astra CD, 5 door hatch, manual, 1.8lt. I got free air, traction control and ABS thrown in for free.

I also went for tints and an interior/exterior protection treatment.

So far, just over 500 km's.

I found the gear box is a little "notchy" in 1st to 2nd gear, but they're getting smoother all the time. In addition, flicking the indicator had me throw the wipers into action several times. I'm now used to it on the left hand side of the steering wheel -- as much as I am with the reverse gear having the curious "lift and top left" action.

The seats were at first a little uncomfortable or should I say a tad too firm. They're now wearing in and feel better. Though I did have some difficulty putting sheep skin seat covers on, there's a lot of metal things under the seats and arm access there is tight.

The finish of the car (at least the one I bought) is without flaws, be it paint work or interior. I will say, the Astra CD is dark in tones on the inside, though I prefer it that way. Some may not. But it makes for a neat finish with the tints, that's for sure.

Petrol use is economical, as stated by the specifications and conforms to the bowser top ups so far.

I also like the sound system in it, though I don't drive with distracting blaring tunes. None the less, the CD player is good and changes to bass/treble/volume are simple. In fact, all the electronic controls in the car are fast to master (it's not an SLR digital camera).

It's certainly a zippy enough car for city use, even in Canberra which boasts numerous short range feed/merge lanes into the more paced 80 km to 110 km artery format, yet the Astra delivers the acceleration comfortably and keeps up with the pack (for what is a city full of late model cars of many makes).

I've also driven into the local mountain ranges (sealed roads) and it handles the hair pins, descents and the climbs nicely, not to mention the endless round-abouts in the capital -- it's a sure footed car. As yet, I haven't tried out the cruise control but will in due time. Breaking is good, though I haven't (fortunately) tested the ABS.

Given the unusually warm Autumn weather (as neatly stated on the handy readout display), I've been able to fire up the air-cond and it doesn't reduce the performance in any undue manner. It certainly cools the cabin down to a shivering temperature.

The Astra is quiet, be it engine noise (revs), or road surfaces -- even on the less than best paved country roads. The doors seal well and there's a solid chassis feel. The suspension too takes the body jar out. The ride is comfortable.

I'll be curious how the other features such as head-lamp adjustment and demisters on the mirrors work out, especially as Canberra winters are rather icy and foggy.

Clearly my review is still early days -- however I'm more than pleased with this vehicle -- certainly as a city use vehicle in what is a city of open (and often high) pace driven roads. I'd certainly recommend it to city use people and even interstate travel. Needless to say, all who have had a close up look at my car are impressed with what is an understated small-medium vehicle packed in many features not seen in other makes of comparable price range. A good deal indeed for this price/class. I'm looking forward to when I have completed the "wear in" to fully appreciate it. I'll write another review then.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th April, 2004

27th Apr 2004, 07:03

Just two mistakes to fix in my review ^above.

1.) There are no "demister mirrors" in the Astra CD.

2.) I said "breaking", when I should have said braking.

I should have proof read it first, rather than have posted late last night.

31st Aug 2004, 07:11

Thanks for your comments on your new Astra. They've been very useful, as I'm currently in the process of deciding on buying a new car, and am currently leaning (strongly) toward the Astra Classic CD (Re-badged CD).

I would be very interested to hear any further comments, issues, surprises etc you've experienced since you purchased the vehicle. I'm almost content with my preliminary decision (it's tough to find a decent competitor for the price), but would welcome your thoughts.

Thanks again.

Cheers.

Jason.