BACK IN BLACK

HOLDEN ADDS A BLACK EDITION TO ITS POPULAR ASTRA RANGE

VALUE

The Black Edition Astra is based on the regular RS hatch and costs $27,490 drive-away, $500 more than the standard 2019 RS. The model is available in red, white or silver, with contrasting black roof. The grille, alloy wheels and side mirror caps are also black and Holden throws in go-fast body decals for good measure. The deal also includes privacy glass and a black lining on the roof. That’s a lot of differentiation for not a lot of money. The RS is well equipped already with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, front and rear sensors and camera, semiautomatic parking, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, digital radio and keyless entry with pushbutton start. The cabin is a little dark and the digital displays on the dash and in front of the driver look a little dated.

COMFORT

In RS grade, the Astra gets snug and supportive cloth front seats with decent side bolstering. They’re manually adjustable but it’s relatively easy to find a comfortable driving position. You have to move up to the RS-V for leather, heated seats and dual-zone aircon. Rear shoulder and legroom is acceptable for two adults but there are no air vents or centre armrest. The boot space is reasonable for a hatch.

SAFETY

The Astra was crash tested in 2016 and scored five stars based on good occupant protection from its six airbags and above-average driver assistance tech at the time. It still holds up reasonably well, although it is no longer among the class leaders. Standard features include auto emergency braking (though without cyclist and pedestrian protection), lane departure warning with steering assistance and blind spot warning.

DRIVING

For a sports version, the cabin may lack racy styling cues but hit the road and the RS shines. The 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo is a punchy performer and the six-speed auto keeps things on the boil, especially in sports mode, where it holds on to lower gears longer to give you maximum drive out of corners. It doesn’t sound especially sporty but it has enough grunt to chirp the tyres and tug on the steering wheel through corners if you’re too enthusiastic. The steering is well weighted and the suspension strikes a good balance between comfort and control. It can be a little fidgety when the road turns lumpy, but it’s easy enough to live with in the daily commute.

ALTERNATIVES KIA CERATO GT, $31,990 D/A

More expensive but more gear, including leather heated seats and adaptive cruise. Not as engaging to drive. Slightly more power but less torque. Industry-leading seven-year warranty.

FORD FOCUS, $32,795 D/A

Less power and torque than the Holden but still a lot of fun to drive. Extra money buys more luxuries, a more modern cabin and advanced safety equipment, albeit as part of a pack.

VERDICT

Sharply priced, great to drive and a bit of a sleeper, the Astra Black Edition is let down only by a slightly drab cabin.