HOLDEN is not content watching rival small cars zoom up the sales charts while its fine European-sourced AH Astra languishes, so out goes the ancient 90kW 1.8 ECOTEC number and in comes a 103kW version that promises power on par with many 2.0-litre units. And just in case that isn’t enough, a new 2.2-litre SRi model joins the Astra fraternity, giving Holden’s second-best selling nameplate an unrivalled spread of models in the hotly contested small-car segment. You will also find this engine in the new TwinTop convertible.

Holden AH Astra
Released: November 2004
Ended: March 2007
Family Tree: AstraGreat styling, impressive dynamics, a classy (if somewhat sombre) interior and keen pricing have always made the AH Astra a compelling small-car choice, no matter whether you are talking abut the value-packed CD, well-equipped CDX or luxurious CDXi. If only Holden had offered a more powerful engine than the 90kW/165Nm 1.8-litre twin-cam unit that dated back to the lighter TS Astra of 1998. The resulting performance deficit was further amplified in the head-turning base Coupe variants, as well as the underrated wagon versions released during 2005. Only the excellent CDTi diesel and rorty SRi offer the sort of verve that such a good-looking range of vehicles deserves.
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