While waiting for hybrids, Holden adds Astra diesel
While GM's down-under division Holden waits for hybrid powertrains to appear in their big Commodore sedans, they are moving ahead with improving the mileage of other models. The latest addition to the lineup is the Astra CDTi Wagon. The estate version of the compact Astra is now available to Australian buyers with the 1.9L turbodiesel that's offered in many of GM's European cars. On the Australian test cycle, the Astra diesel rates 33.1 mpg (U.S.) when paired up with six speed automatic transmission. The Holden Astra gets a full range of standard safety equipment include stability control and plenty of airbags for all occupants. Unfortunately, buyers at Saturn stores in the U.S. don't have the option of either a diesel engine or the wagon. The GM press release is after the jump.
Press Release:
Holden adds another model to its growing diesel line-up
Australia's biggest-selling European imported car in 2007, the Holden Astra, is now available in a turbocharged diesel wagon, bringing the number of diesel models in Holden's line-up to four.
The feature-packed Astra CDTi Wagon boasts ESP® as standard and a 1.9 litre turbo diesel engine delivering exceptional performance and fuel economy.
The Euro 4 compliant Astra CDTi Wagon will be available in a six-speed automatic transmission and delivers outstanding fuel economy (ADR 81/01) of 7.1 litres/100 km.
GM Holden's Director of Marketing Philip Brook said the Astra CDTi Wagon was another example of the fantastic choice offered by Holden's Astra range.
"The Astra CDTi Wagon will appeal to customers in search of something a little roomier as well as a vehicle that offers outstanding performance, combined with great fuel economy and safety," said Mr Brook.
Astra CDTi Wagon's standard features include ESP® with traction control, ABS, EBD, BA driver, front passenger and front side impact airbags, full length curtain airbags, four 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, cruise control, semi automatic climate control and trip computer.
The six-speed automatic SOHC Astra diesel engine produces 88 kilowatts of peak power at 3500rpm and 280Nm of peak torque at 2000rpm. An Active Select feature allows the driver to shift manually for a sharper driving feel.
On sale 1 June 2008, the Astra CDTi Wagon is priced at $32,490# and is available in a range of colours including:
Casablanca White
Power Red
Star Silver Metallic*
Black Sapphire Metallic*
Pannacotta Metallic*
Metro Metallic*
Over 218,725 Astras have been sold in Australia to date, making Astra Holden's second most popular nameplate behind Commodore, and Australia's best-selling European import in 2007.
#Recommended Retail Price – Excludes dealer delivery and Government charges.
ESP® is a registered trademark of Daimler Chrysler AG
*Metallic paint an additional $360
[Source: General Motors]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Peekoyle 8:43AM (5/29/2008)
Sadly, the price of Diesel in Australia is nearly 20% more expensive than Petrol.
This jump over petrol has only happend in the last few weeks, but already many of the new Diesel buyers have been complaining in the media that the cost/mileage adavantage of their new Diesel vehicles has vanished overnight.
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Andrew 9:04AM (5/29/2008)
At least someone at GM is doing something intelligent. Someone needs to convince Lutz that diesels are a good idea for North America...
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CT-Jake 9:51AM (5/29/2008)
No one should be surprised that just as the availability of clean diesels arrives, the price of diesel fuel jumps beyond all rationality. Producers, distributors, dealers all make money on the number of gallons/barrels moved. Why charge a reasonable price on something which reduces the number of gallons/barrels moved. Well, that's my conspiracy theory for today.
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EvenSteven 10:17AM (5/29/2008)
33MPG...Why would anyone spend the premium for the Diesel engine and pay the continued premium for the fuel to achieve the same MPG as a gas powered car? My Nissan Sentra SER has 200hp and achieves the same. Disapointing numbers for Diesel. Same goes for the new VW TDI Jetta. The Prius is still a better choice. I thought Diesel had promise but its looking less and less so.
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why not the LS2LS7? 12:41PM (5/29/2008)
33MPG seriously? Even with a small, underpowered engine?
I predict failure.
GM, get moving with the Malibu-sized 2-modes.
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psarhjinian 10:12AM (5/30/2008)
"No one should be surprised that just as the availability of clean diesels arrives, the price of diesel fuel jumps beyond all rationality"
Diesel prices have always been artificially low in Europe. In North America, they've tracked demand pretty much as you'd expect.
Plus, there's that little "it takes more crude to make a gallon of diesel than a gallon of gas" thing. Diesel _should_ be more expensive.
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harlanx6 1:06AM (5/31/2008)
Too late! these high milage diesels would have been highly desirable 5 years ago. No wonder they are in trouble! Same for ford.
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