Small sedans might not be as popular as hatchbacks or SUVs, but Holden has a new alternative for those downsizing from its Commodore.

The Lion brand wanted a rival for the likes of the Toyota Corolla, Mazda3 and Hyundai Elantra with a four-door version of its recently introduced new European-sourced Astra hatch.

There was only one problem - the Opel-developed Astra hatch doesn't come in a sedan.

So Holden instead turned to the South Korean-built Chevrolet Cruze, and after a quick bit of rebranding it has become the new Holden Astra sedan.

But Holden didn’t only just slap a new badge on it as the new car was put through a local ride and handling program to tailor its suspension and steering to Australian roads.

And despite the differences between the Opel and Chevrolet models in terms of styling, they share the same basic underpinnings and engine.

What do you get?

Holden has four models in the new Astra sedan range, which uses a different naming structure to the Astra hatch.

The line-up costs of the LS (from $20,490), LS+ (from $21,490), LT (from $25,790) and LTZ (from $29,790). However, to coincide with the launch of the new model Holden is doing drive-away deals, where the LS costs $21,990 for the manual and $23,990 for the auto, LS+ $24,990 and the LT is priced at $27,990.

We’re driving the LT, which comes standard with an automatic transmission, 17-inch alloy wheels, auto headlights with auto high beam, LED daytime running lights, cruise control, keyless entry and ignition, remote start, park assist, leather steering wheel, cloth trim, an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio, Bluetooth and navigation.

Safety items includes six airbags, rear view camera and rear parking sensors. You also get blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, forward distance indicator and forward collision alert, but autonomous emergency braking isn’t available on the Astra sedan, which is a major omission in a segment where it is becoming increasingly common.

Servicing is covered by a capped price scheme which will cost only $916 for the first three years/60,000km which is very reasonable and helps the car’s ownership credentials.

The Astra sedan is covered by Holden’s usual three-year/100,000km warranty. However, at the time of publication, the company was offering an extended five-year coverage plan on selected models in the Astra sedan range.

What’s inside?

This is one of the major areas of difference between Astra hatch and sedan. Instead of the European styling and quality of the hatch, the sedan feels more American and doesn’t present as well.

The design and switchgear of the sedan is what we’ve come to expect from Chevrolet-sourced Holden models, so the plastics are a bit hard and look a bit cheap.

Holden/Chevrolet has persisted with the fabric console trim that was found in the previous Cruze and has polarised opinions; some think it’s a nice change from more plastic but others questioned think it looks and feels cheap.

The infotainment system is also different between the four- and five-door models but will be familiar to those who have used the MyLink system in the Cruze or recent Commodore. It’s a fairly intuitive system, but again, the presentation is a step below the class-leaders in this department.

Where the Astra sedan’s cabin impresses is with its size. There’s good space for a small sedan, both in the front and the back. Room in the rear is more than adequate for adults which will appeal to buyers looking for a small but practical family sedan.

The boot will take a respectable 445-litres of luggage.

Under the bonnet

All Astra sedans are powered by a 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, the same one found in the Astra hatch range.

Tuned to produced 110kW of power and 240Nm of torque, the Astra feels good on the road. There’s decent pulling power from low down in the rev range so it feels strong off the mark and there’s adequate power in the mid range for swift overtakes at highway speeds. However, it does run out of puff when you push it harder.

The engine is backed up a six-speed automatic transmission (the six-speed manual is exclusive to the LS model) that does a fairly good job of changing gears intuitively and smoothly.

Holden’s claimed fuel use of 6.1-litres per 100km is a strong selling point for the Astra sedan and makes it one of the better performers in its segment.

On the road

This new model Astra/Cruze has been on a heavy diet, shedding more than 100kg of kerb weight over its predecessor.

You can notice that in the way the Astra sedan responds on the road, feeling more responsive and immediate than the car it replaces.

A large part of its handling can also be credited to Holden’s local engineering team that tested the car extensively at the company’s Lang Lang Proving Grounds, where so many Australian-made cars have been honed.

Despite this, the Astra sedan doesn’t feel like the most dynamic small sedan on the market. The steering is a tad too light and lacks feeling at times, specifically just off-centre, and the suspension feels quite soft. So while it soaks up bumps well enough it lacks precision when you throw it into a corner.

Verdict

Despite its under-the-skin similarities the Astra sedan and hatch are ultimately very different propositions.

The sedan looks and feels a bit cheap in places and the handling is a bit off the pace. But it’s punchy and efficient engine and sharp value (although AEB needs to be added as soon as possible) makes it a good option for those who want a spacious small car.

2017 Holden Astra LT sedan pricing and specifications

Price: From $25,790 plus on-road costs

Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol

Power: 110kW at 6500rpm

Torque: 240Nm at 2000-4000rpm

Transmission: Six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive

Fuel use: 6.1L/100km

The Competitors

Subaru Impreza 2.0i Premium sedan

Price: From $26,290 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol

Power: 110kW at 6000rpm

Torque: 196Nm at 4000pm

Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel drive

Fuel use: 7.2L/100km

Our score: 7.5/10

Hyundai Elantra Elite

Price: From $26,990 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol

Power: 112kW at 6200rpm

Torque: 192Nm at 4000rpm

Transmission: Six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive

Fuel use: 7.2L/100km

Our score: 6.5/10

Mazda3 SP25 sedan

Price: From $25,690 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol

Power: 138kW at 5700rpm

Torque: 250Nm at 3250rpm

Transmission: Six-speed manual or automatic, FWD

Fuel use: 6.0L/100km

Our score: 6.5/10

• For more information visit our Holden showroom.