2008 Holden Astra Review
May 16, 2008 by Anthony Crawford
2008 Holden Astra CD Review & Road Test
“For just under $22,000, the base model Holden Astra CD with five on the floor, is a surprisingly good drive and well worth a look”
Good & fun drive, value for money, well built.
Starting to show its age (though it still looks good).
CarAdvice rating: 
(3.50)
- By Anthony Crawford
The problem with driving the world’s fastest and most expensive cars, as we recently did on our “Full Throttle in Europe” tour, is that you quickly get a taste for the best automotive engineering that money can buy.
The other more important issue is that your ongoing expectations are immediately re-calibrated to a much higher level than they were previously. That can make things difficult, especially when reviewing small five-door hatches, priced under twenty five thousand dollars.
The only Astra I’ve driven in the last twelve months is HSV’s sizzling VXR Turbo three-door hatch, which I labelled “a point-to-point weapon” due to its ferocious in-gear acceleration.
But the Astra CD is a long way down the mountain from the VXR in fact; it doesn’t have a Turbo or even a 2.0 litre engine. No need for panic though, with 1.8-litres mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox; it’s still a sporty drive.
103kW and 175Nm doesn’t seem like a lot and frankly, you might get the wrong impression. It’s a lot better than that. Up to 90% of available torque is on song from 2200 to 5500rpm, so the Astra pulls hard very soon after you punch the throttle.
And don’t let me forget to mention the advantages of power to weight. At 1249kg, the Astra made light work of any hill, which stood in its path.
Very good car but the competition in this class is great.
Cheers !
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.
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.
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.
By the sounds of that it deserves better than 3/5
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
No diesel option?
What cars is this competing against and how does it compare?
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.
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.
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…
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..
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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!
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.
That particular Astra is getting on now and wasn’t highly acclaimed when new, critically speaking.
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.
^It is also well priced and cheaper than some barina’s of the same age.
Golf do you know? Anybody?
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….
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).
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?
^There should have been TR Astra’s in England
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!!!!
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).
Astra sales up 16.5% on last july sales figures.. let the figures do the talking..
Darn … why does Toyota have to take all the fame. I couldn’t believe the Corolla trumping over the sales of the Holden Commodore, and doubling over the Astra … what next?? When will Holden play their new Astra???
How come everyone says an Astra needs the timing belt done at 60K??
Bought a new Astra in 2005. When I booked in for its 60k service today 3-10-08 the local dealer said the belt needs to be changed I agreed but was suprised by it. Have since checked my owners handbook which says the belt is done at the 90k service.
Whose correct the local dealer or the offical owners manual issued by Holden??
Hi All
I own a astra city (4-years old) and yes all 4 disk brakes and pads needed replacing at the 3-year point at 70,000klms!!
Worse is that I am currently battling Holden over the 2 computer modules (engine servicing and transmission) that have just failed. To replace both modules it is $4000 in parts alone and from my research this is not uncommon. Holden appears to be well aware that these cars can suffer serious failure at about the 4-5 year point – NOT acceptable in my view. I would seriously advise any buyer to avoid this car!
karen i am also battaling the same issue, what is your vehicles problem… in january holden had my car for 3 months, still under warranty, replacing the CIM module, which was causing all of my dash board to flicker etc. November this year the same issue occurs, not under warranty, they replace the CIM module again. THen realising this is not the issue, they say it is the Transmission Module. Is it common for a 2005 model car, for two modules to go. no way! shocking buy, avoid.
Hi Giulio
I own Hunter Holden.
I have a lot of very dedicated people working very hard to satisfy a lot of customers…..mostly we get it right.
If you have an issue with some work that we’ve done then I’m more than happy to look into it if you can provide me with appropriate details.
Also quite happy to deal with this in a public forum if you prefer otherwise feel free to contact me on 8878 7878 at any time.
Regards
Adam Kaplan
I have a 1997 TR Astra City, from what I’ve researched, theyre generally very reliable cars, well built and often overlooked as an excellent economical family car.
Good luck “Should I buy a Used TR Holden Astra?” you shouldnt regret it if you do by a TR, but by now you probably already have bought it lol!
Cheers!
Attention all buyers considering owing an Astra! And also for Adam Kaplan who apparently owns the dealershipe at Hunter Holden (where I bought it).
I bought Astra CD early 2007 and have been regretting since. Latest casualty is this: I took the car to 30000 km servie and asked them to only perform the manufacturer’s recommended service. At pick up I was slapped with a $465.00 bill!! Asked if they did anything other than the sandard 30k service and NO there was nothing else done, and apparently that was the standard cost for this service. I am still shocked as how could this be right,can anyone please tell me? Almost $500.00 for a standard 30k servie?
Have had other problems like rough and squeezing barkes, leaking oil etc which always took many trips to dealership as they simply would not seriously look at the problem in the first visit.
Will NEVER buy from Holden againg…….Such disgrace and rip off…
Hi Sheraz
You’re right, I do own Hunter Holden.
Beauty of these forums is that nameless faceless people can bitch about legitimate businesses to their hearts content and there is only one loser! Given that I don’t know exactly who you are I had to do some guesswork.
I came up with a bill for a 30K service on an Astra on the 26th of Feb that totalled $464.85. I’m going to assume that is you.
The quote you signed in the morning when you authorised the work was for $486.00 I’m surprised you didn’t take the opportunity to question the amount right then and there if you felt strongly enough that you’re prepared to refer to my business as a disgrace and a rip off on a public forum such as this!
By the way, the reason we provide a quote for the work before it is performed is to allow people to exercise their right to NOT have work performed by us if they are not satisfied that it represents value.
Does your plumber or electrician do that for you? I recently had a dryer repair carried out at my home, the call out fee alone was $150 and the repair exceeded $350 ….. it’s just a dryer, it doesn’t have nearly the amount of technology that your car does, and I can assure you, my dryer hasn’t done anything like the work that your 27,002 km Astra has.
I took the liberty of ringing 3 other Sydney Holden dealers and had the same service quoted.
The average of the 3 prices was $481.41 so I don’t feel that you’re quite entitled to call us a disgrace and a rip off.
I’m sure you could get a service quited cheaper somewhere, but do they use genuine parts and do they guarantee their work? Do they quote a low figure up front and sting you with extra work that isn’t perhaps necessary. Do they provide you with an extended warranty?
If you still have problems with your car and you’re prepared to contact me then I’d be only too happy to work through the issues with you. No way do we get all of them 100% right, but we’re sure happy to try.
Sheraz, we need all the customers we can get. We work very hard to provide relative value for the work that we do and if you have a problem I’m always happy to talk about it.
I can be contacted on 02 8878 7878.
Regards
Adam Kaplan
Adam, I am seriously looking at buying a 2008/09 CDx Astra with all the bits and pieces, eg leather interior, seat warmers. Can you give an honest appraisal of the vehicle quality and the likelihood of the problems listed occurring – timing belts, brakes, oil leaks. Also it has been driven by an employee of the dealership and has 4,500ks. What sort of price would you expect to pay? Thanks Stuart
To all the people who bitch about Astra just buy a mazda 3 best thing ever!
What a Crock of S#@T Buy a Mazda 3 are you kidding just because your neighbour buys one and then their neighbour buys one and well what do you know every dweeb with no automotive knowledge is buying one just because they assume they must be a good car because so many people have them .I’ll tell you why so many people have them because they are cheap mass produced asian garbage and you can pick them up from Mazda for a cheap shitty price but don’t expect a good paint job as I know first hand after a few years the clear goes dull as mud .
Hey by the way good call Adam ,not all dealerships are rip off’s it’s just some people buy a new car and expect servicing for free .mechanics need to be payed ,service dep staff ,parts ,labour ,get over it or go and buy a Datsun 120Y ……
wow adrian!
We all have cars we like and don’t like and we have a right to hop on this site and give a review, I was just saying I’m happy with my Mazda 3 go and have a look at one.
I liked the astra too but your right the Mazda was cheaper for me so in the end it one me over. I think it’s harsh to name names of people and dealerships on hear though.
Anyway just passing through found this site by accident and thought I’d give a female veiw on the cars then again I’m just a dweeb with no auto knowledge but after all this site is about cars and general peoples views.
Yeah I may have been a bit harsh and no not everyone is a dweeb just those that cannot see the bigger picture also the comment was not directed at females in particular ,it’s just that so many people in Australia choose Asian manafactured cars and they really believe they have struck gold ,Many cars here are manafatcured overseas including the Astra but still a larger percentage of the money made on car sales from Astra’s still stays in our country ,people are buying cheap Asian manafactured cars and building the overseas economy up ,why not try and buy products from the country we live in and support our industry a little more instead of making off shore car companys laugh and run off with our hard earned money …..