Holden hatches baby Astra

HOLDEN has bolstered its Astra line-up by adding a new three-door model that lowers the cost of entry from $19,920 to $18,990.

On sale from today, the three-door Astra City offers essentially the same features and specification as its five-door sibling - with the exception of rear doors.

At the newcomer's heart lies the same 1.8-litre ECOTEC engine that powers the other Astra models. This unit generates 90kW and 165Nm - figures that put it on par with the likes of the Toyota Corolla and 1.8-litre Mazda 323 Astina/Protege.

Transmission choices comprise a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic that adds $1850 to the price.

Standard features include power steering, six-speaker sound system, driver and passenger airbags, front seat belt pretensioners and a multi-function display with time, date and outside temperature settings.

The only options, apart from automatic transmission, are air-conditioning ($1775) and metallic paint ($120).

Holden says the newcomer should generate around 500 monthly sales, although some of these will be at the expense of the sedan and five-door models.

The Astra has been a strong performer for Holden, notching up 2666 sales in May to be the biggest seller in the small car class. In year to date terms, its 6686 sales place it second behind the Toyota Corolla (7570).