Holden Astra TwinTop 2007 Review

Road Test

Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 4.0/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 4.5/5.0
Safety: 4.0/5.0
Behind the wheel: 4.5/5.0
X-factor: 4.5/5.0

The worthy and versatile Opel/Holden Astra platform has generated a huge small car model range for GM, including a five-door hatch, three-door 'sporties', a wagon and now the TwinTop coupe-convertible.

The four-place, folding hard-top convertible is a nice follow-up to its Bertone-styled predecessor, the cloth-top TS Astra, which topped local segment sales despite its steep sticker price. The AH Astra convertible is a bargain by comparison, boasting a neat, three-piece roof, extra security, safety and space.

The TwinTop's folding roof is one of the cleverest among the burgeoning crop of coupe-convertibles on the market. While the VW Eos' five-piece version features a sunroof, TwinTop's simpler 'top hat' can be operated via remote control and while driving, up to 30km/h.

But don't be fooled by the piece-count: using a system with several, slim roof parts that fold affords a neater rear-end with more boot space. Indeed, TwinTop's three-piece version allows the same cargo capacity as Eos with the roof down (205lt), and betters the VW in 'coupe' form with 440-litres.

Along with the AH Astra SRi models, TwinTop is equipped with a 2.2-litre direct injection four-cylinder engine rated at 110kW/210Nm using PULP. The TwinTop is offered with a six-speed manual (as tested) or four-speed auto. A diesel TwinTop using the 1.9-litre CDTi engine is available in the UK, but there's no word yet on a local option.

A 'sports' function allows for higher revs before gear shift, adding an edge to the otherwise orderly but responsive 2.2 ECOTEC engine. Fuel consumption figures belie the engine's 'eco' tag: aside from the 2.0-litre Astra SRi turbo model, the TwinTop is the thirstiest of the range, wanting 9.1lt/100km in manual form.

TwinTop's steering feels lively and responds well when pushed and in tight cornering. It comes standard with sports chassis pack  which includes the abovementioned sports mode throttle control feature and offers more responsive steering by dropping the pump pressure. TwinTop also comes with 17-inch five-spoke alloys with four-wheel discs.

Around town the TwinTop is plenty nimble with a ride that is firm but comfortable.

The 2.2 four is a good match for TwinTop's handling with enough spirit to push the CC's abilities. The six-speed manual has a smooth action and isn't fuddled by quick shifts at speed.

The TwinTop's roof didn't creak or shift over driveways, speed bumps and the like. In coupe form, the TwinTop is as quiet and refined as any small hatch or sedan; every bit as solid as its donor hatch model.

As an open car, the TwinTop is equally composed with minimal shimmy and shake even over the worst surfaces.

A wind deflector comes standard but like the Eos it takes up rear seating space. Thus we 'endured' the elements with protection from the windows alone which was fine up front, and tolerable for our rear passengers.

TwinTop offers decent accommodation for rear occupants and while legroom is tight for adults and the rear backrest is upright, like many CCs, space and comfort levels are comparable to many small hatches. Vision rearward is difficult, however. Fortunately TwinTop comes standard with rear parking sensors.

Astra TwinTop comes with dual front and side airbags, pedal release system and pop-up rollover protection, which uses sensors to detect instability and activate high-strength bars located behind the seats for added head protection. TwinTop's safety cell has also been reinforced to counteract the absence of a roof structure, including reinforced A-pillars, side sills and floor assembly.

The TwinTop's solid, if sombre, cabin is spacious and features heated front seats, semi-automatic climate control, and leather-trimmed steering wheel and seats. It's a nice place to be, but we're waiting for the Bertone version's gorgeous red leather interior, at least as an option. The roof lining could be tidier, too.

If you were thinking about a solid hatch like the Astra, Ford Focus, Renault Megane et al, remember too that they come as snazzy coupe-convertibles. These days CCs offer comparable seating and cargo room to a hatch, and few of the common compromises of the convertibles of old. This one's recommended.

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