The larger and more versatile body style of the all-new Holden Astra, among the very first models to be cherry-picked from then GM-owned Opel’s portfolio, has now arrived in Australia as the Sportwagon, promising SUV-like practicality in a more compact package.
Of course, there’s also the added advantage of having a sharper handling vehicle. The Astra overall quality of design and dynamics are held in high regard even against cars like the Volkswagen Golf, and the Sportwagon means that 1,630-litres of boot space can be had with the rear seats folded.
It will be available at dealerships nationwide starting from October and spread over two variants, the LS+ and LT. Due to their higher starting variant tier, the Astra Sportwagon does come rather well equipped from the get-go, offering automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane keep assist, forward collision alert. Naturally, it keeps its full 5-star ANCAP safety rating as well.
Only one engine option is available here, a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder that outputs 110kW and 240Nm, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Highlights of the ‘base’ LS+ include 16-inch wheels, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rain sensing wipers, a leather steering wheel, stop/start, and a reversing camera.
Now, the LT, then, is essentially the same as the LS+ but with more extras thrown in. That addition $4,000 mean that its alloys are now larger at 17-inches and the cloth interior upholstery and trim is replaced by leather, but it also receives a powered liftgate, a larger 8-inch infotainment system, embedded satellite navigation, keyless entry and push-button start, and actual climate control.
In addition, the LT does receive some safety and convenience plusses over the LS+, but these are limited to side blind spot alerts and the Advanced Park Assist function in case you’re particularly lousy at something that routine.
- Astra LS+ Sportwagon - $25,740
- Astra LT Sportwagon - $29,940
For more on Holden cars, check out our Showroom.
