AUSSIE MOTORING
The History of Holden The Holden Astra continued from Issue 37
Fifth generation (AH; 2004–2009) The fifth generation AH Astra, based on the Delta I platform Opel Astra H was launched in November 2004 as a five-door hatchback only, manufactured in Belgium, selling alongside a Polish-built Astra TS sedan and hatchback. The sedan and hatchback TS Astra models carried a “Astra Classic” badge, but were finally dropped in late 2005, replaced by the Holden Viva, a rebadged Daewoo Lacetti. Between 2003 and 2004, the Holden Viva was marketed in Australia as a Daewoo Lacetti before Holden withdrew the brand from Australia due to unsustainably poor sales amid quality & reliability issues.
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Like the previous generation, the AH series was found to provide an “average” level of safety according to the 2008 Used Car Safety
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equivalent, lights on all models, new 16 inch alloy design for CDX and CDTi models, and black tinted headlamps for sport variants. The 1.8-litre petrol engine also benefited from an upgrade to Z18XER with a power upgrade from 90 kilowatts (120 hp) to 103 kilowatts (138 hp). The 2.2-litre engines available in the SRi, and Twin Top remained the same, as did the 2.0-litre turbo in the Astra SRi Turbo. MY08: changes from October 2007 saw the deletion of the five-door SRi, leaving only the SRi coupé, and the Twin Top with the 2.2-litre engine. MY08.5: minor, non-cosmetic update from May 2008 onwards. MY08.5 Astras received electronic stability control (ESC) as standard fitment across the entire lineup. ESC was previously limited to SRi and CDTi variants. This series also marked the return of the five-door SRi, although it was now standard with the 1.8 – as opposed to the 2.2-litre petrol engine previously fitted. This engine change also affected the coupé SRi variant, but not the Twin Top. The Astra wagon range was also expanded to include the diesel engine option available already on the hatchback. Although only offered with an automatic transmission, the diesel CDTi wagon marked the return of the Astra wagon to the New Zealand market after its discontinuation after the TS series. MY09: The CD and CDX hatchback and station wagon variants reverted to the black bezel projector-style headlamps.
Specification levels
• • • Ratings. At launch, AH Astras came with front- and side-impact airbags as standard inclusions, allowing the Astra to receive a threestar ANCAP crash safety rating. Holden suspended importation of the AH Astra on 20 April 2009, citing currency fluctuations, perceived poor resale value and build quality problems. Holden’s import cessation, which resulted in no Astras arriving during June and July 2009, coincided with the introduction of the Holden Cruze, reported to be the direct replacement for the Holden Astra. On 31 August 2009, Holden confirmed that the cessation of Astra imports would become permanent, with no intention of further imports of either the then current AH series or the next generation car. Holden stated their small car efforts would now be focused on the new Cruze, instead of the unsuccessful Astra. Model year changes
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MY05: the AH range expanded in August 2005 with the release of the Astra station wagon to uplift slow sales. MY06.5: Quality control related revisions from June 2006 added head-protecting side curtain airbags as standard equipment for the CDX. Also released was the turbodiesel hatchback, badged CDTi. Two versions of the diesel were offered: a 1.9litre version with 100 kilowatts (130 hp) teamed with a six-speed manual transmission known as the Z19DTH, and a six-speed automatic model with the Z19DT, producing 78 kilowatts (105 hp). This was a first for the Astra in Australia, but not New Zealand where the Astra TS had previously been offered with a 1.7-litre turbodiesel. Acceleration was fair to average, but fuel economy was improved over the outgoing model. MY07: models appeared in January 2007, coinciding with the release of the Astra SRi and Twin Top convertible. Both releases came with a more powerful 2.2-litre Z22YH petrol engine producing 100 kilowatts (130 hp), available with the six-speed manual or four-speed automatic. MY07.5: in April 2007 the Astra line-up received a facelift including a tweaked front grille which added a “V” shaped centre in the chrome strip which was also shared by its UK Vauxhall
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CD: was the base model with the smaller Z18XE engine (later the Z18XER) CDX: added 16 inch alloy wheels. CDXi: versions added adjustable front seats, air conditioning and curtain airbags. Discontinued after MY06. CDTi: diesel-powered version of the CDX. SRi: was the sport model of the AH series Astra, equipped with leather seats, climate control and 17-inch alloy wheels. SRi Turbo: was the larger 2.0-litre Z20LER engine.
Special editions
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60th Anniversary: editions were introduced to commemorate the 60th anniversary since the first Holden, the 48-215 which the Astra was styled after. 60th Anniversary models included 15-inch alloy wheels and steering wheel radio controls. CD Equipe: These models gained the 15-inch alloy wheels, and rear power windows at no extra cost during 2006 and 2007.
HSV VXR Turbo
The Opel Astra OPC (with Vauxhall’s V-grille and VXR badge) was marketed in Australia as the HSV VXR Turbo by Holden Special Vehicles from 2006 to 2009, fitted with the 177 kW (236 hp) Z20LEH engine. In July 2008, HSV released a “Nürburgring” special edition. A HSV VXR Turbo driven by Dutchman Ivo Breukers and Australians Morgan Haber and Damian Ward, won Class E for “Production
