2016 European Car of the Year driven by Australian motoring experts

• High-tech features, refined driving dynamics and attractive design produce long list of award wins in Europe**
• Advanced technology includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, IntelliLux LED Matrix headlamps, Apple CarPlay^® and Android^® Auto and rear view camera
• Holden Astra available from  AU $21,990 (US $16,645.33) and on sale from December 2016

With just three weeks until the all-new high-tech Holden Astra goes on sale, Australia’s motoring experts have put the 2016 European Car of the Year to the test on the challenging roads skirting the scenic Brindabella National Park near the nation’s capital, Canberra.

Developed in Europe by Opel, in collaboration with Holden, Astra builds on the brands’ shared DNA of excellent driving dynamics, sophisticated design and cutting-edge technology.

Holden Astra comes with advanced lighting. (All photos courtesy of Holden)

Designed and engineered in Germany, Astra’s  all-new lightweight architecture means, Astra boasts a weight reduction of up to 160kg when compared to its predecessor. Combined with a choice of an all-aluminium 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine or a sporty 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine⁺, and complete with significant Holden engineering input, the all-new Astra promises some of the sharpest dynamics and most efficient performance in the small car class.

Holden’s Director of Vehicle Performance, Ian Butler, said the European-designed Astra took vehicle performance to new levels with the focus on mass reduction and the introduction of two advanced turbo-petrol engines.  But in-depth development work completed by Holden’s talented team of local engineers also played a key role in making the Astra perfectly suited for Australian roads.

“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 Butler.

Holden Astra houses smart LED headlights.

“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.”

Another key strand of Holden and Opel’s shared DNA is in high-tech features. With Astra, Holden continues its commitment to ensuring that the latest Holden infotainment* systems, complete with phone projection technology through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, are available in a wide selection of vehicles across the range.

Supporting a strong infotainment offering are a host of driver assistance and safety features including Advanced Park Assist and Automatic Emergency Braking on RS and RS-V models, while a rear-view camera is available as standard across the range.

A close up of the smart LED headlights using advanced technology similar to Mercedes Benz.

ALL-NEW EUROPEAN DESIGN

Developed from a clean-sheet design under the watchful eye of Opel/Vauxhall’s Vice President – Design, Mark Adams, Astra exhibits the same sleek, ‘Sculptural Artistry meets German Precision’ design philosophy first introduced on the stunning Monza concept in 2013.

Opel’s Chief Designer – Interior, Kurt Beyer, said the design objective with Astra was to communicate the lightweight and nimble characteristics of the vehicles.

“Astra is a light, efficient and dynamic vehicle, with cutting-edge technology, and when we set out to design the vehicle, this was always going to be front of mind,” said Mr. Beyer.

“We have given the car a unique road presence whilst ensuring it feels light and contemporary.

“With the interior, our focus has been on reducing complexity and focusing clean interior lines around the standout 7 and 8 inch colour touchscreen displays.

“Astra has won many awards in Europe and it’s exciting to be here to introduce it to Australian motoring experts.”

The all-new Astra goes on sale December 1 at Holden dealers nationwide.

Astra represents the half-way point in Holden’s ongoing commitment to deliver 24 new models by the end of 2020. This will see the Lion Brand replace or refresh every single model in its portfolio, delivering the best vehicle line-up in Holden’s history. 

LED taillights of Holden Astra.

All-new Holden Astra spec and features highlights

R highlights:

§ 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*

RS highlights over R:

§ 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

RS-V highlights over RS:

§ 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

Special Packs

Driver Assist Pack (optional on R, available April ‘17) - $1,000

§ Leather steering wheel

§ Electrochromatic rear view mirror

§ Rain-sensing wipers

§ Holden Eye forward facing camera

§ Automatic Emergency Braking

§ Lane Keep Assist

§ Forward Distance Indicator

§ Forward Collision Alert with Head-Up Warning

Touring Pack (optional on RS-V) - $1,990

§ Electric sunroof

§ Adaptive Cruise Control

Innovations Pack (optional on RS-V) - $3,990

§ Electric sunroof

§ Adaptive Cruise Control

§ IntelliLux adaptive LED matrix headlamps