Holden Astra 2016 Review

Filed under Car Reviews

A total overhaul of this small car has left us impressed. Keep reading to find out why the first post-GFC model for Holden is a winning purchase.

Holden Astra 2016 Aggregated Reviews

Cars Guide: 7/10
Motoring: 8/10
Redbook: 7.8/10
Car Advice: 8/10
Practical Motoring: 7.6/10
Combined total score: 7.68/10

We love:

  • Massage seats with 3 settings
  • AEB braking
  • Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
  • Great rear seat headroom

Pain points:

  • Expensive for the segment
  • Space saver spare

Holden Astra 2016 review

This sporty small car gives Holden drivers a bit more of an edge than the sister model Cruze. Here's what we think of the all new European version of the Holden Astra.

Exterior of the Holden Astra 2016

The new Astra has an imposing presence for a small car, with chrome bars reaching from the grille to the headlights emphasising lines parallel to the roads. The timing belt has been replaced with a timing chain too, reducing servicing costs as the car ages.

2016 holden astra 8

Image courtesy of Car Advice

The headlights on the RS are an adaptive LED matrix - under the cover, there are eight LED globes which will switch off individually when the forward-facing camera detects an oncoming car. Very cool.

Inside the Holden Astra 2016

The lower, shorter, sleeker body of the Holden Astra is now even roomier inside. The dashboard has a subtle display which clearly shows tyre pressure, digital speedo and trip information. The car seats are comfortable but basic in the base model, and the soft-touch dash surface doesn't reflect sunlight into the driver's eyes.

2016 holden astra 12

Image courtesy of Car Advice

The driver gets a leather steering wheel on the basic model, with audio and cruise control buttons conveniently positioned. Safety is also a high priority, with 6-airbags, forward collision warning, and optional lane keep assistance.

The boot holds 370L, just 10L less than the VW Golf. Upgrade to the optional pack and you'll enjoy a sunroof to open up the already spacious rear seats. Backseat passengers also benefit from dual-zone climate control.

Connectivity

A 7-inch touchscreen with simple controls seamlessly connects you through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to a range of apps, Bluetooth streaming, USB input with album cover display.

2016 holden astra 3

Image courtesy of Car Advice

There's also DAB+ digital radio and Siri Eyes Free technology as part of the Holden MyLink Infotainment pack.

What's it like to drive a Holden Astra 2016?

It's very quiet at cruising speeds on the highway. Designed and sourced in Europe, it's been tuned perfectly for the Australian roads. The new, lightweight structure really pays off as the car feels more powerful on the frugal turbo four-cylinder engine.

The new Astra is a full 200kg lighter than the 2015 model.

Fuel efficiency is better than ever before too, thanks to the much lighter bodywork. Light, precise steering ensures a confident connection to the road, setting it apart from other European made brands who don't have the benefit of steering and transmission that's locally calibrated.

2016 holden astra 7

Image courtesy of Car Advice

The optional upgrade pack provides you with auto high-tex headlights, radar cruise control, and a sunroof. Radar cruise control is a forward facing camera sensor that detects the vehicle ahead of you.

Who's the Holden Astra 2016 for?

The all-new 2016 Holden Astra isn't for the old Astra's demographic of owners of inexpensive, Australian branded vehicles. With the new model, Holden looks to attract people traditionally buying German models.

"The new Astra is designed to appeal to people who may have never considered our brand before," - Holden GM of product marketing Ben Lasry, to Cars Guide.

Servicing costs of the Holden Astra are still cheap, making it an ideal small car for families looking for European sophistication while retaining loyalty to Holden.

Feature Summary

Price: new from $21,990

Engine: 1.4L or 1.6L turbo four-cylinder petrol.

Transmission: Manual or automatic.

Wheels: 16 inch or 18 inch alloy.

Safety: 5 star ANCAP

Fuel: 5.8L/100km

AV and tech: Touchscreen Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, rearview camera.

Seats: 5

Doors: 5

You can finance a Holden Astra 2016 from $105/week*, get a quick quote to find out exactly what it will cost.

No time to shop around for your car? Just tell us exactly what you want, including the features and colour. We will find the vehicle to match and negotiate the best price for you.

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