The three-door Astra is heading to Australia

A recent attempt to establish Opel in Australia was a short-lived and unsuccessful experiment. Despite that setback, some the European brand’s cars are still going to be offered there, albeit wearing Holden badges instead.

The first such arrivals are the 2016 Holden Astra and Cascada, which have just been launched. Due to join them at a later date is the Insignia.

To avoid any overlap with the existing Chevrolet-sourced Cruze, only the sporty three-door Astra is being made available in Holden guise.

Buyers have a choice of three trim grades. The GTC and GTC Sport both come with a 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol engine that develops either 167 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS) when paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, or 197 bhp (147 kW / 200 PS) if a six-speed manual gearbox is ordered.

Holden Astra GTC Sport (2016) Front Side

Standard equipment is generous, as both models feature front sports seats, automatic lights and wipers, front and rear parking sensors, Bluetooth, satellite navigation and a DAB radio. Among the GTC Sport’s extra items are leather upholstery, heated front seats (with power adjustment for the driver’s), climate control, a body kit and larger 19” alloy wheels.

Holden Astra GTC Sport (2016) DashboardHolden Astra GTC Sport (2016) Rear Side

For the range-topping variant, the VXR nameplate has been borrowed from Vauxhall. And just like the Vauxhall version, the Holden Astra VXR is powered by a 2.0 litre turbocharged motor which produces 276 bhp (206 kW / 280 PS) with 400 Nm (295 lb/ft) of peak torque.

Holden Astra VXR (2016) Rear Side

Also part of the VXR’s specification are the FlexRide driving mode selector, a recalibrated suspension set-up, more responsive electro-hydraulic power steering and upgraded brakes with Brembo front calipers. Visually, it’s distinguished by a set of 20” forged alloy wheels plus a bigger tailgate spoiler.

Holden Astra VXR (2016) DashboardHolden Astra VXR (2016) Front Side

Related posts:
2016 Holden Cascada launched
Astra VXR / OPC revealed


Images © General Motors.

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