The Germans are coming. Coming to a Holden dealer near you, that is. Holden has officially announced the 2015 Holden Astra has launched. Production has been ramping for a few months now, and an on-sale date has been pegged for May 4th.
The Astra nameplate can be traced back to 1996, and has resonated well with Aussie consumers since. The reintroduction of the Astra hopes to reinvigorate the love affair for those seeking refined, European performance. The 2016 Astra will launch with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder reserved for the range-topping Astra VXR.
Speaking of the 2015 Astra VXR, that 2.0-liter turbo-four will net you 276 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Respectable numbers for the hatch, only to be heightened by the inclusion of electro-hydraulic steering for a direct, engaging steering feel, allowing drivers to put the car precisely where they want it. Brembo brakes ensure quick braking feel with little fade.
When you’re not busy clipping corners in the 2015 Astra VXR, drivers may take advantage of the “FlexRide” tuning system. FlexRide offers drivers the choice of Standard, Sport or VXR ride types, with VXR bringing out the most direct steering and throttle feel.
The 2015 Holden Astra VXR may be had with a few bits of boy-racer charm including 20-inch alloy wheels, a VXR sports body kit, alloy sports pedals and VXR steering wheel.
For those seeking a more pedestrian approach, the 2015 Astra GTC and GTC Sport offer plenty of amenities to fulfill buyers’ comfort, and livability needs. The 1.6-liter turbo-four comes standard here as the only engine and produces 167 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque to propel the spritely Astra around Aussie roads. Â Though, if buyers opt for the manual transmission, power is bumped up to 197 hp 206 lb-ft of torque.
The 2015 Holden Astra touts its European-derived HiPerStrut front suspension as a key factor to the Astra’s engaging driving experience, though each incoming Holden has been proven and tested at the brand’s famed Lang Lang proving ground.
Inside, amenities are abound with the inclusion of Sportec bolstered seats and a suite of connectivity with Holden MyLink. If the GTC Sport trim is had, leather seats are swapped in, and 19-inch alloy wheels, alloy sports pedals and a sports body kit complete the look.
The 2015 Holden Astra arrives at a crucial point for Holden. As local manufacturing winds down, strong product is needed to ensure a smooth transition to a national sales brand. The Astra may be just the fix to begin a new era of Holden automobiles.
Comments
” The Astra may be just the fix to begin a new era of Holden automobiles.” What with a car that’s just about to be phased out? They could have at least waited until the new Astra K launch, someone very high up in GM just doesn’t like Holden for some reason, every move GM has made regarding Holden in the last 10 years has been the wrong one. Also the Astras going to Oz will not just be German, they will be English & Polish as well.
This is the one car I wish America had gotten,
I think some of the Performance models will do well down under. But there will still be some who will accept nothing but a Zeta no matter what.
In time I expect them to get a Alpha and Omega at some point.
Hope the next Sonic hatch is more like this good looking Astra and less like an AMC Gremlin.
Good move Holden, don’t they realise young drivers on a probationary licence (first 4 years in Victoria) are not allowed to drive forced induction cars,
Without a n/a option no one under 22yo can buy one.
Not an issue as few in this age group will be able to afford the turbo anyway. These are not cheap inexpensive cars.
Big issue Scott. In Australia cars like the Astra are bought as the number 2 car and sit alongside the Commodore or Caprice.
As such they are a safe and legal option for the kids to drive ( drive, not own or pay for….)
Forced induction engines are a big no no in most States for younger drivers so the Astra will fall off the shopping list of many families.
Marketing 101, know the rules of the game. Dumb move by GM whereas Mazda and Toyota both offer n/a motors of larger capacity that kids can drive.
A new era alright, stuffed up the family car and now working on stuffing up the other family car.
What market are these guys trying to target as they are running away from their traditional customer base…..
Well it looks the part now lets see if it sells.
Hot hatches are still a bit niche in Aus. Sports models would sell but not the performance ones. SRi-V Cruze for example.
And, praytell, why are these models not available to the US market (chevy version)????? GM’s domestic offers are lacking (really SUCK is a better term)!