Astra is virtually twice as resistant to bending forces as its predecessor Astra's body is fully zinc-galvanised Rear suspension is a compound torsion beam design Aluminium front MacPherson struts reduce weight Four-wheel disc brakes are standard Bosch 5.3 four-channel, anti-lock braking is optional Anti-lock braking system includes switchable traction control The Astra engine uses a variable-length intake manifold system for improved torque at high and low engine speeds Twin camshaft, 16-valve Astra Ecotec engine produces 85kW at 5600rpm and 165Nm at 3600rpm Astra's automatic transmission automatically selects neutral at idle to minimise vibration and reduce fuel consumption Holden claims the automatic transmission's neutral-select cuts fuel consumption by up to 3 per cent Driver and passenger airbags are standard on Astra Dual front airbags are standard equipment Australian modifications to Astra include UV resistant door handles, tinted glass and heavy duty battery/alternator Astra's electro-hydraulic power steering uses energy only when assistance is needed The electro-hydraulic system uses an electric motor to drive the power steering pump Pyrotechnic seatbelt pretensioners hold front passengers securely in an accident Astra has a drag coefficient figure of 0.31 Radio volume is dependent on road speed Astra wheelbase is 89mm longer than the previous model