Hatchbacks on turbo power

The turbodiesel Astra hatchback is a first for Holden in New Zealand.

Heading up the upcoming Holden Astra hatchback range for New Zealand is a three-door turbocharged petrol model and two turbocharged diesel five-door variants.

The SRi Turbo packs a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine generating peak power of 147kW (196bhp) at 5400rpm and peak torque of 262Nm at 4200rpm, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.

Safety equipment includes an electronic stability programme, ABS anti-lock brakes, traction control and six airbags.

"Astra SRi turbo is as much a performance leader for Holden as our SS Commodore or Monaro," says Holden New Zealand managing director Peter Keley.

"It is crucial that we are consistent in our offerings across the Holden range and there is no question that Astra SRi turbo will satisfy the same appetite for performance in the small-car segment as its larger siblings.

"We're delighted to bring back turbocharged power to the Astra nameplate, and we're doing it in a convincing fashion."

Combined fuel economy tests show the hot hatch consumes 9.4 litres/100km (30mpg), says Holden.

Standard equipment for the $38,990 car runs to 18-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, sports body kit, fog lamps, leather-faced seats, heated front sports seats and a six-stack in-dash CD player.

The only panels shared with the five-door hatch are the front bumper, front fenders and bonnet.

The Astra CDTi diesel models carry a turbocharged 1.9-litre common-rail engine mated to six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearboxes.

The manual set-up develops 110kW (147bhp) at 4000rpm and 320Nm at 2000rpm. The six-speed automatic produces 88kW (118bhp) at 3500rpm and 280Nm at 2000rpm.

It is the first time Holden's Astra nameplate has offered diesel engines in New Zealand.

Tests in Australia revealed fuel economy of 6 litres/100km (47mpg) for the manual variant and 7.4 litres/100 km (38mpg) for the automatic transmission, says Holden.

Like the petrol models, the diesel meets Euro 4 emissions requirements.

Holden says the Astra turbodiesel underwent extensive tests in Australia, including impressive performances in the 2003 and 2005 Darwin to Adelaide World Solar Challenge Greenfleet Class.

A recent win in the 2006 Greenfleet Technology Trial in Australia further boosted its credentials.

As well as the stability programme, traction control, ABS, airbags, fog lamps and air con, standard features in the turbodiesels include cruise control and a trip computer.

Holden has yet to set the price of the diesel Astras.