Review: Holden BL Astra Sedan (2017-20)

Overview

Released in Australia in June 2017, the Holden BL Astra was a small, front-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in South Korea, the Holden BL Astra was powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Although sharing its name with the BK Astra hatch and BK Astra Sportwagon (manufactured in Poland and England, respectively), the BL Astra sedan effectively replaced the Holden JH Cruze . As per the table below, the BL Astra sedan range consisted of LS, LS+, LT and LTZ variants.

1.4 ECOTEC Turbo: B14XFT (LE2) engine

The Holden BL Astra sedan was powered by General Motors’ B14XFT engine (RPO code: LE2). Within its aluminium alloy block, the B14XFT engine had 74.0 mm bores and an 81.3 mm stroke for a capacity of 1399 cc. Furthermore, the B14XFT engine had an aluminium alloy cylinder head with integrated exhaust manifold, a forged steel crankshaft with fully-floating piston wrist pins, double overhead camshafts with an inverted-tooth camshaft driven chain, four valves per cylinder, variable intake and exhaust valve timing, a single-scroll turbocharger with an electronically controlled bypass valve, direct petrol injection via a high pressure fuel pump (driven by the intake camshaft), coil-20-plug ignition and a compression ratio of 10.0:1.

To reduce fuel consumption, the B14XFT engine – when mated to an automatic transmission – had a stop/start function which automatically shut down the engine when the vehicle was stationary in traffic; the engine would then automatically restart when the driver removed their foot from the brake pedal. Over the combined ADR 81/02 test cycle, fuel consumption for the BL Astra was 5.8 litres per 100 km and 6.1 litres per 100 km with the manual and automatic transmissions, respectively.

The Holden BL Astra had nine month or 15,000 kilometre service intervals (whichever came first).

Body and dimensions

Like the Holden BK Astra hatch , the BL Astra sedan was underpinned by General Motors’ ‘Delta 2’ (D2) architecture. Compared to the BK Astra hatch, however, the BL Astra sedan was 298 mm longer (at 4666 mm), 18 mm narrower (1791 mm), 27 mm lower (1458 mm) and had a 38 mm longer wheelbase (2700 mm). Furthermore, the BL Astra sedan had a boot capacity of 419 litres and a drag co-efficient of 0.295 Cd.

Suspension and steering

The Holden BL Astra had MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle. Furthermore, the BL Astra had rack-and-pinion steering with electric power assistance via a rack-mounted motor; its turning circle was 11.9 metres (kerb to kerb). Holden developed the suspension and steering tune for Australia and General Motors International (GMI) markets.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Holden BL Astra included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with dual pre-tensioners and load limiters.

The Holden BL Astra LS+, LT and LTZ variants were further equipped with a ‘Holden Eye’ forward facing camera which provides the following functions:

• Forward Collision Alert: monitored the distance to the vehicle ahead and, if there was a risk of collision, issued audible and visual warnings;
• Forward Distance Indicator: provided the following time to the vehicle ahead so the driver would know if they were too close. The system displayed a minimum following time of 0.5 seconds; and,
• Lane Keep Assist: could detect lane markings and alert the driver if the Astra crossed these markings.

Beyond this, the Holden BL Astra LT and LTZ added a ‘Side Blind Spot Alert’ system which used short-range radars located in the rear bumper to monitor moving vehicles up to 3.5 metres behind the side mirrors and on both sides of the vehicle. If a moving vehicle was detected, the driver would be warned via an amber icon in the side mirror. Furthermore, the icon would flash if the driver activated the turn signal in the direction of the detected vehicle.

Unfortunately, the Holden BL Astra was not available with autonomous emergency braking (AEB).

Brakes

The Holden BL Astra had 276 mm by 26 mm ventilated front brake discs and 264 mm by 10 mm solid rear discs.

ANCAP safety rating

In ANCAP crash testing , the Holden BL Astra sedan received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 34.94 out of 37. In the frontal offset test, protection of the front occupants’ heads, necks and thighs were rated as good, though chest and lower leg protection were rated as adequate (i.e. a slight risk of serious injury). Furthermore, maximum points were awarded in the side impact and pole tests.

Features: Holden BL Astra LS

Standard features for the Holden BL Astra LS sedan included 7.0J x 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/55 R16 tyres, a six speaker sound system, Holden’s ‘MyLink’ infotainment system including a seven-inch colour touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, a digital radio tuner (DAB+), USB and auxiliary (3.5 mm) inputs and iPod integration, cloth seat trim, air conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter, halogen headlights, LED daytime running lights, a rear view camera, rear parking sensors, dusk-sensing headlights, 60/40 split fold rear sets, remote central locking, power adjustable door mirrors, power windows, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

Features: Holden BL Astra LS+

Compared to the Astra LS, the Astra LS+ was further equipped with projector headlamps and LED daytime running lamps, auto high-beam assist and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Features: Holden BL Astra LT

Relative to the Astra LS+, the Astra LT added 7.5J x 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/45 R17 tyres, an eight-inch colour touch screen with integrated satellite navigation, a digital radio tuner (DAB+), rain-sensing wipers, proximity key, push-button start, heated door mirrors, illuminated vanity mirrors, a remote start function and lip spoiler.

The Holden Astra LT and LTZ were also fitted with Holden’s ‘Advanced Park Assist’. Operating at speeds up to 30 km/h, Advanced Park Assist uses ultrasonic sensors to detect parallel and perpendicular parking spaces. When engaged, Advanced Park Assist provides automated steering to park the vehicle, while the driver controls vehicle speed (below 10 km/h).

Features: Holden BL Astra LTZ

The range-topping Holden BL Astra LTZ was distinguished by its 7.5J x 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/40 R18 tyres, single-zone climate control air conditioning, leather-appointed seats, heated front seats and a power-operated sunroof. Visually, the Astra LTZ can be identified by its chrome exterior highlights.

Paint colours

The Holden BL Astra sedan was available in two standard paint finishes (Summit White and Absolute Red) and five ‘prestige’ finishes (Gasoline, Old Blue Eyes, Nitrate Silver, Satin Steel Grey and Phantom Black).

Related links

• Holden Media: Astra Sedan Graduates From Lang Lang
• Holden Media: Competitive Pricing, Local Engineering Magic, User-Friendly Tech – Astra Sedan Is Ready To Launch
• Chevrolet Media: 2017 Chevrolet Cruze