2008 Holden Astra Review
16 May, 2008
36 Comments 
The overall look remains contemporary, despite the fact that this “AH” generation Astra has been around since 2004. Styled in Europe and made in Belgium, might explain some of that.
There’s a great range of colours too. The Black Sapphire Metallic is definitely the pick, with Moonland Metallic (a smoked Blue/Grey) coming in, a close second. Just don’t pick the Power Red as we ended up with, as it doesn’t do the car any justice.
Interior wise, its modern, but I take issue at design of the centre console. It’s got nothing to do with the switchgear, that’s mostly well positioned and quite functional.
My beef is with the angle of the console itself. Rather than sliding outwards, this console is angled ever so slightly inwards, making it almost impossible to see the various positions on the HVAC dials while driving. Let me qualify that. I’m referring to those of us over 43 years, who need to don the occasional pair of reading glasses from time to time.
Although the steering wheel is plastic on the CD variant, its plenty thick and with excellent grip. You also get audio controls in the form of a scroll wheel (far more functional than buttons) for sound and frequency.
It’s all here though, as standard kit. The seven speaker sound system is better than decent and thankfully (does anyone under thirty still use CDs?) there is an auxiliary input for your MP3 player.
You even get heated power mirrors and projector style headlamps along with a remote folding key fob.
If you’re intending on using the Astra as a family run around, safety is reasonably well provided for with 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Driver, front passenger airbags and side impact airbags.
What you miss out on in the CD variant is full size curtain airbags and Electronic Stability Control, which is not so good. To get both of those features, you would need to step up to the CDTI or SRI.
Boot space is both deep and wide and plenty big enough for a decent length trip away for three to four people and the rear seats are 60/40 split fold.
“The Astra is a solidly built car with a broad range of talents and represents good buying”
Location: Home / Holden, Behind the Wheel / ...
Rate Post: 
(5 votes, average: 3.2 out of 5)
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May 16th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Very good car but the competition in this class is great.
Cheers !
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May 16th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Looks awful in red agreed, decent modest car though but the diesel would be a more economical but at more cost presumably. Somehow in four years this has dated itself quite dramatically, time for a mid-life facelift methinks.
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May 16th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
The point people need to know is that the Astra can be a poor “Economy” car.
They have high maintenance costs from what I gather anecdotally. Most concerning is brake wear, I have read post after post about people needing new rotors and pads at 30 to 40,000km and Holden charge a fortune for repairs.
Then there is the problem of cam belts. not sure if it is fixed now but historically a big problem as they needed changing at 60,000.
Plus it is a Euro car, they just cost more to maintain.
Stay away in my opinion unless you buy a performance model.
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May 16th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
SamR - if anyone need rotors changing after only 30 -40K then I would seriously question their driving standards.
I have a Vectra its got is original discs on at 80K’s and still going strong. Indeed I had an astra old model which when I sold it had 216k’s on the clock with original discs.
Holden may be ripping you off with replacements. I researched UK prices and a pair of rotors are typically $72 not fitted.
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May 16th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
By the sounds of that it deserves better than 3/5
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May 16th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Had a 1.6L version in London for about a week and while first impressions were good, I grew to hate it. 3rd gear has difficult to find when going hard from 2nd. It seemed that to make it feel sporty they firmed everything up so as bumps feel quite harsh. Power steering struggles with fast turns during parking manuveures. Given a few days, I’m sure I would have found some more negatives.
I really think this is a car you’ll like after a quick test drive and then hate it after a while. Don’t get me wrong, it’s easy to drive and feels weighty in the right places but I just couldn’t like it.
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May 16th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
1.6 litre is your only problem. The five speed shifter is too easy and there is no problem finding any ratio.
You simply cannot judge a car based on a rental vehicle which are generally hammered from the very first kilometer they are driven.
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May 16th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
I was given an Astra as a loan car when my car went in for a service. I drove it for several hours and was glad to hand it back. It has the most uncomfortable driving position of any car I have driven. I’m 189cm and the pedals were awkward and cramped, the door seemed too far to the right to comfortably rest my right leg against and the seat was uncomfortable. This car definitely proves that beauty is only skin deep! Good exterior looks, awful ergonomics!
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May 16th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
ozman disagree about the diving position. I am the same height as you and find the seating position good! Pently of leg room. I traded my 2005 subaru outback 3.0R on one of these cars and found the seating postion in the subaru which cost 50K (double the price of an astra) cramped with no thigh support compared with the astra! I have found the ride better than the Subaru belive it or not!
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May 16th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
I’m with you Fred, I’m only 178cm but find the driving position very ergonomic but then, I might spend a good few minutes setting up my driving position before starting the car. In fact, I very often tweak the steering wheel adjustment and seatback position, depending on what sort of driving mode I’m in at the time.
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May 16th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Not that I have an Astra but I regularly change the driving position due to back problems, I stretch out more on long runs and shift more forward for town driving for more control.
One ting I have noticed is that seats have definitely improved. Year back I could never get comfy in Astra’s, Mondoes, Now aday I can, so it seems that the mass manuacturers are takng things more serious. The most uncomfortable I have drven lately was the cramped footwell of a 3 series and my brothers 94 Porsche 911.
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May 17th, 2008 at 9:40 am
No diesel option?
What cars is this competing against and how does it compare?
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May 17th, 2008 at 10:30 am
I too have heard from an Astra owner that they are expensive to maintain. Brake replacement, timing belt replacement, and full injector clean required at or before 60,000k.
You’re better off with a bigger, more comfortable car that “only” does 10l/100k rather than the “economy” of 7.6 and those very steep maintenance costs.
However, as a small car it’s not alone in high running costs. A Suzuki Swift requires tyres at 30-35,000ks, and the 30,000k service specifies tappet checks. What the ????
The tyres are Bridgestone Potenza R080 with a hardness factor of 140 (that’s a competition tyre rating) and provide fantastic grip and stability both wet and dry, but cost $140 or so each, which is hardly economy car prices.
And tappets every 30,000k?? That’s ridiculous in an economy car, especially since they are shims and require a special tool to service, which Suzuki won’t sell to anyone.
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May 17th, 2008 at 10:40 am
what is it with you guys and diesel, what don’t you get,its not cost effective in Oz, and NO it does not not deserve more than 3/5, its a nice car that will empty your wallet, euro build quality sucks.
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May 17th, 2008 at 10:59 am
have 2 friends with previous shape Astras, both have had pads/rotor and cam belt changed by 60K service, costing close to 2000 dollars…. ouch. I do like how they handle and ride though…
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May 17th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
I had to live with an Astra for three months and they where worst months I have experienced from any car, the thing was uncomfortable (seats), driving position was all wrong, knobs dashboard and dials felt cheap and nasty, 1.8L engine lacks punch, quality of paint (fading) was below par which is very common for most Holden’s, pads worn out, I don’t like the shape, a little bit girly.. Very glad to see the arse end of the Astra, now we have a 2.0L Ford Focus and all can say is that this beauty craps all over the holden ergonomics and power department..
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May 17th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
I owned 2 of the previous model Astra, circa 2000 and 2003, quite by accident. Accident? Yes. I had a 2000 CD manual which was a great car with a decidedly unpleasant gearbox. Just mine, sadly. Anyway, I did the cam thing at 60,000 kms and suspected the dealer was ripping me off with the brake pad story, but changed them twice in 97,000 kms anyway.
The intention was to trade it on a 2 or 3 yo falcon or Commodore and I spotted a 2003 SRi with only 8000 kms on the clock. Drove it and loved it. Bought it. Gutsy 2.2, sports seats, bigger wheels, much better tranny. It was a beaut.
Reckless, I had my Golf serviced for 45,000 a few weeks ago and the dealer said, “At 45,000, we also recommend an engine flush and injector clean.”
Despite some pointed questioning of its validity from me, it took him 2 answers to admit it’s not a VW recommendation. Only theirs. So, I told him no.
All dealers try to get you with this. Just ask them if it’s on the manufacturer’s schedule and watch them squirm.
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May 17th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Still casting my mind back to my Astras, I think that previous model was a nicer, better balanced looking car than this current model. It was decidedly more popular, too.
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May 17th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
I have a ‘06 CDX wagon. While it’s not the most exciting car (to drive, look at etc), I’m more than happy with the purchase. Previous car was Golf V 2.0TDI, with DSG box, expanding family was the only reason it had to go!! I actually wanted an Astra wagon CDTi, which we don’t get in Oz, which I think GM need to address.
If anyone is interested, further additions to the family mean that the Astra is on the way out in H2′08, only has 15k on the clock, with after market leather (from Blackmans) & tinted windows (alway worth the $) Colour is Metallic Moonland.
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May 17th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
My (previous model)Astra has just had its 120 000 km service. Timing belts are expensive, electric window mechanisms fail (one on mine, two on my son’s, brake discs are soft and wear quickly. However it is comfortable, rides over corrugations as though they aren’t there (local Holden tuning?)and is very economical on fuel. Also feels pretty nifty despite size of engine.
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May 18th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
You’re right, Golfschwein, about the dealers inventing the need for injector flush. That’s what I told my friend, but he had already agreed to have it done because he felt the car was running a bit rough and was using too much fuel. Afterwards, the car ran back to original tune and used less fuel, indicating it was needed.
As for the brakes, when replacing euro car rotors it’s often possible (and many $$$$$ cheaper) to replace with DBA rotors and ,say, Bendix pads. In almost all cases, braking will be just as good and the rotors and pads will last at least twice as long.
Many models are available drilled and slotted for better performance with the appropriate non-OEM pads.
No, I don’t work for DBA
but if you do this you are buying Australian made and getting much better value.
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May 18th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Great car in a sea of top offerings. Still think front light is toooo Gary Glitter over top and looked miles better when black out surround with silver bezel on previous model. I laught CARADVICE think this car is old and average……its plain still hot and if it aint broke; why fix it?
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May 19th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Not a bad little car and sell well. Sick of people trying to compare their astra with a BMW or whatnot due to the indicators being on the wrong side. Should be an ADR to have ‘em all where they should be. Shame on holden for cost-cutting their last decent Euro before everything (non-Commodore) turns Korean.
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May 19th, 2008 at 11:45 am
My sis owned an 06 astra cd. had a good deal/discount when buying it, but cost her a fortune to maintain it. New pads and rotors at 50,000km. New cam belts at 60,000km. When questioned the service centre manager as to why i needs replacements so soon, he just said thats the manufacturers recommendation and failure to follow the log book service may void warranty if the belt snaps and damages the engine internals. oh and it also had 2 power window failures, 3 blown brake light globes and a faulty central locking. Although they were covered by warranty, but all this in only 2 years of ownership? She sold it couple of months ago.
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May 31st, 2008 at 9:21 pm
i just brought a brand new astra cd 08 which i get to pick it up on friday and looks hot in black,tint, alloy wheels at a good dame price.
reading all ur comments bad and good, i think every car that u buy there is always goin to be problems and its not just the car its also the way the driver drives the car.
thats lives things cost. oh well….
im excited cos i never own a brand new car, not a used car BRAND NEW!!!!!!!!!! which now im gonna look hot in.
you beauty!
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June 15th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
I’m wondering and asking you guys, I may be going to buy a 2nd hand Holden TR Astra. I do not know alot about them and wondering if you know if they have any problems I need to know if I will consider it. 1996 model.
Appreciate any of your thoughts or experiences you have had. e.g Are they reliable, any problems you have had? etc.
Thanks.
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June 15th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
That particular Astra is getting on now and wasn’t highly acclaimed when new, critically speaking.
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June 15th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
But Golfie Im looking for a cheap reliable good moderately sized car with good fuel economy as a good little work to work vehicle.
Just wondering if they have/had any common faults to know about?
So any information is appreciated.
Thank You.
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June 15th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
^It is also well priced and cheaper than some barina’s of the same age.
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June 15th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Golf do you know? Anybody?
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June 16th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
In response to comments about the Astra …
My girlfreind and I have owned a AH CDXi Astra since they first came out in 2005 and having moved myself from a 1988 VL Turbo Commodore I do find it hard power wise but have learnt to live with it and I think it has adequate power even with the sport button that adds quite an extra bit of torque especially on take off and at high speed driving..
This car has never let us down and the only thing that has been done so far was the tyres which were replaced at 48,000km ,front brake rotors and pads at approx 52,000 km and the regular services by Holden who have been extremely efficient …
The cam belt,oil,plugs,fluid levels I check myself regularly as I am very mechanically minded and have had it checked at the dealer just recently so I think if the key points to take notice on these cars are the the timing belt due to the fact they can break ,all you have to do is check them regularily and also the fluid levels just like any other car,most people think that because they have a new car it doesn’t need to be checked by themselves and they can just wait until it’s scheduled services …
Problems occur because cars are not looked after ,any car can break down new or old and no car is perfect otherwise motor company’s would make no money on spare parts ,at the end of the day they are mechanical and require attention just like anything …..
Our Astra has served us well and we keep it immaculate ,we only hand wash it and also check the fluid levels every week.
I don’t believe you can generalise on a loan car or hire car and place fact that the entire model is a piece of crap that’s generalising in a big way ,every car has it’s faults and problems ,it does state in the Service book to check timing belt for the 60,000km service coupon this should be done by your service dep….
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June 16th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Having just spent four days with an Astra Coupe 1.8 petrol (a hire car with just 24K’s on the clock as I was given the keys) I was presently surprised. I handled superbly was reasonably spritely (a 112Kw diesel would have gone better) I’d say it was much better than the Focus 1.8 sport I hired last year.
The economy of the petrol over 900Km levelled out at 8.1’s, more than my 3litre diesel vectra 7.6’s. It was doing 10.5’s round town again more than my vectra’s 10.1’s.
Great car though but a diesel would have been more fun.
Adrian - rotors at 52Ks, Jeeze you’re heavy on the brakes I’ve generally get 144K’s but my trips are largely open roads in hilly Devon (UK).
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June 18th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
No Name can you help or know any things I need to know about before I do (I may) buy a Used TR Holden Astra?
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June 18th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
^There should have been TR Astra’s in England
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June 27th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Info provide on Page 3 about Electronic Stability Control (ESP) is incorrect. All models (including CD Hatch) from model years MY08 onwards have ESP as standard across all models. Holden has not done well to advertise this, which is big downfall from a marketing prospective. But I guess most large organisations are not efficient.
What is true that CD doesn’t have curtain airbags … and this i spoor, as this is the feature that assisted the Astra to claim their 5-star EURO NCAP performance at the start in 2004!!!!
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June 28th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
Apologies for the typo … ESP is standard across all MY08.5 models. However, not sure if this is the same as ESP-Plus (which is what the Europeans have been offering for quite sometime now).
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