We’re just three weeks or so out from when the all-new Astra will join the other models in Holden showrooms nationwide on December 1st, and the automaker is providing us with a closer look at the sleek hatch to whet our appetites.
When it does arrive, it will bring a series of mechanical, design, and technological improvements over the previous generation Astra, competing with class leaders such as the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Hyundai i30 in an increasingly cutthroat corner of the market.
The Astra also adds features such as push button start and active safety tech such as blind spot monitoring, park assist, and the Holden Eye forward facing camera which enables such functions as automatic emergency braking (AEB), forward collision alert, and lane keep assist.
It will have a starting price of $21,990 for the entry-level Astra R with a manual transmission and topping out a with the Astra RS-V (automatic) for $33,190. Extras such as the Touring Pack adds an electric sunroof and adaptive cruise control while the Innovations Packs further adds the advanced IntelliLux adaptive Led matrix headlamps.
Developed with Opel in Europe, the seventh-generation car and recipient of the 2016 European Car of the Year award is built upon a new lightweight architecture that cuts 160kg compared to its predecessor.
Under the bonnet, buyers can choose between an all-aluminium 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 110kW/240Nm or a more powerful turbocharged 1.6-litre mill with 147kW and 300Nm.
Holden’s Director of Vehicle Performance, Ian Butler, said: “Key mass reductions in the body-in-white, drivetrain and the suspension system have been critical in helping deliver a nimble, responsive and efficient car”, said Mr. Butler.
“Importantly, Holden engineers have also had a significant contribution to the development of Astra, including the co-development of the automatic transmission calibration with colleagues in GM Europe and GM North America, and creating a Holden-specific steering tune in both standard and sports modes.
“Our engineers also employed their gravel-road chassis controls experience, working with GM Europe engineers in Idiada, Spain, and at Holden’s proving ground in Lang Lang, Victoria, to develop smooth and progressive Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control systems.”
Feature highlights of Astra R, starting at $21,990
- 1.4-litre turbo ECOTEC engine – all aluminum
- 6-speed automatic/manual transmission
- Stop/start fuel saving (AT only)
- 6 airbags
- Electronic Stability Control, ABS and Traction Control System
- Hill Start Assist
- Multi-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels (4)
- Sports styling: front and rear sports fascia,
- Electric Power Steering (EPS)
- Rear view camera
- Rear Park Assist
- ISOFIX child seat anchorage system (x2)
- Projector headlamps (halogen) with LED DRLs
- Cruise control and speed limiter
- Holden MyLink Infotainment System with 7-inch high-resolution colour touch-screen display
- Apple CarPlay® and Android® Auto phone projection
- DAB+
- Full iPod® integration including Siri Eyes Free
Additional features of Astra RS, starting at $26,490
- 1.6-litre turbo ECOTEC engine
- 6-speed automatic/manual transmission
- Stop/start fuel saving
- Sports 5-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels (4)
- Passive Entry and Push-button start
- Leather steering wheel
- Heated wing mirrors
- Advanced park assist (auto parallel and perpendicular reverse park)
- Front park assist
- Holden Eye forward facing camera
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Lane Keep Assist
- Forward Distance Indicator
- Forward Collision Alert with Head-Up Warning
- Blind Spot Alert
- Rain sensing wipers
Additional features of Astra RS-V, starting at $30,990
- Two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels
- LED tail lamps
- Remote start
- Adaptive Cruise control^ Optional
- Heated leather appointed sports seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Holden MyLink Infotainment System with 8-inch high-resolution colour touch-screen display
- Apple CarPlay® and Android® Auto phone projection
- DAB+
- Full iPod® integration including Siri Eyes Free
- Satellite Navigation with full colour mapping with live traffic updates, traffic management control and points of interest
- Colour digital instrument display
For more on Holden vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
