Review: Holden TS Astra Convertible (2001-06)

Overview

Released in December 2001, the Holden TS Astra Convertible had four seats and a power-operated soft-top roof. Designed by Bertone, the front-wheel drive Astra Convertible was initially available with a 2.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. In May 2003, however, the range was expanded with a Turbo variant, powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine.

Z22SE and Z20LET Engines

Of the engines,

• The 2.2-litre Z22SE (or L61) four-cylinder petrol engine had an aluminium block and cylinder, double overhead camshafts (chain-driven), four valves per cylinder, dual counter-rotating balance shafts and a compression ratio of 10.0:1; and,
• The 2.0-litre Z20LET four-cylinder petrol engine had a cast iron block, an alloy cylinder head, a single turbocharger which provided constant peak pressure of 0.85 bar (12.3 psi) from 1950 rpm to 5600 rpm, double overhead camshafts (belt-driven), four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 8.8:1.

While the 2.2-litre engine was available with five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions, the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine was solely available with a manual transmission.

Dimensions and body

Compared to the TS Astra sedan on which it was based, the Astra Convertible was 14 mm longer (at 4266 mm), the same width (1709 mm), 35 mm lower (1390 mm) and had the same wheelbase length (2606 mm). The convertible body and floor pan, however, were reinforced to provide comparable rigidity to the sedan.

The TS Astra Convertible’s power-operated roof could be opened or closed within thirty seconds via a button on the centre console control key. The Astra Convertible also featured a windbreak – of synthetic mesh in an aluminium frame – which could be fitted when the rear seats were unoccupied. The Astra Convertible had a drag coefficient of 0.30 Cd with its soft-top roof in position – this increased to 0.32 Cd when the roof was stowed.

Suspension

The Astra Convertible had MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Astra Convertible included dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Features: Astra Convertible and Turbo

Standard features for the Astra Convertible included 16-inch six-spoke alloy-wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, Ebony leather seats, heated front seats, cruise control, front and rear fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, tinted glass, a trip computer and an immobiliser. From January 2003, the Astra Convertible was fitted with climate control air conditioning as standard.

The Astra Convertible Turbo was differentiated by its 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel and stainless steel door sill plates.

2004 Astra Convertible Limited Edition

In March 2004, a Limited Edition Astra Convertible was released. Compared to the standard Astra Convertible, the Limited Edition was distinguished by 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, pale beige leather interior trim, rear parking sensors and ‘China Blue’ metallic paint finish.

2004 Astra Convertible Linea Rossa

In October 2004, a limited-run Linea Rossa edition of the Astra Convertible was released; the Linea Rossa was distinguished by its 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, red and black Nappa leather trim, rear parking sensors, unique instrument cluster, Magma Red paint finish and ‘Linea Rossa’ sill plates and floor mats.

Downloads

• Features: Holden TS Astra Convertible (December 2004)

Related links

• Holden Media Archive: Holden’s Sophisticated Astra Convertible (October 2001)
• Holden Media Archive: Limited Edition Astra Convertible (February 2004)
• Holden Media Archive: Astra Convertible ‘Linea Rossa’ Is a Stand-Out (September 2004)
• Wikipedia.org: Holden TS Astra