Australian delivery of the next-generation Holden Astra was confirmed as the covers came off the new model in Frankfurt.
The Opel-badged Astra was revealed at the year’s largest motorshow, and is part of the company’s five-year plan to introduce 24 new models.
The Astra will hit Aussie shores at the end of next year, confirmed Holden managing director Mark Bernhard.
It’s a ground-up new car that Bernhard says “clearly signposts Holden’s future product strategy,” with lightweight materials, new engines and more tech tricks.
“The 5-door Astra is a perfect small car for Australians and I am excited to say that, following local engineering input to ensure its performance is optimised for our unique road conditions, Holden will be offering this car in late 2016 alongside the recently launched Astra GTC and VXR sports hatches.”
New architecture sees a weight reduction of around 130kg for Australian models.
The Euro-bred Astra will also be the first Holden fitted with a new aluminium 1.4-litre direct injection turbo engine claiming 114kW and 240Nm with just 5.6L/100km consumption. A 147kW/300Nm diesel 1.6-litre engine will also be offered.
Bernhard said an advanced infotainment system will be compatible out of the box with Apple’s CarPlay and Android Auto features.
Holden engineers had input into chassis and suspension development to ensure a set-up that would cope with Australian roads.
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