In a rather timely move, Holden has finally secured a diesel option for its small family wagon.
The Astra CDTi diesel runs a 1.9-litre turbocharged four developing 88 kilowatts at 3500rpm and 280Nm at 2000rpm, and claims a combined fuel consumption of 7.1L/100km.
The same diesel in the manual sedan makes a greater 110kW and 320Nm, so it may seem a little disappointing that the lesser powered sportshift auto is the only wagon option.
At $32,490, it has a rather hefty $4K premium over the similarly-specced petrol variant (and a full $6700 more than the entry-level auto). But those spec levels are high, and the competition in this realm of mini cargo haulers is sparse.
Standard features include 16-inch alloys, fog lamps, cruise control and climate control, while safety is high with ESP, ABS, EBD, BA, and six airbags.
It goes on sale next Sunday, June 2.