First drive: Diesel and thrust for Holden's Astra

1 Aug 1984

By THE GOAUTO TEAM

Government-forced rationalisation saw Holden pair up with Nissan to offer the N12 Pulsar-based Astra SL/X and SL/E. Only grilles and tail-lights differed.

Being pure Pulsar meant the Astra offered the same troublesome 51kW 1.5L four-cylinder engine, awful five-speed manual gearbox (three-speed auto optional), pleasant interior and comfy front seats.

Few Aussies were fooled though and fewer bought one against the all-conquering Ford Laser.