Holden Astra

Not to be confused with Opel Astra or Vauxhall Astra.

Holden Astra
Overview
ManufacturerNissan (1984–1989)
Opel (General Motors) (1996–2009, 2015–2017)[1]
Opel (Groupe PSA) (2017–2020)
GM Korea (2017–2019)
Production1984–1989
1995–2009
2015–2020[2]
Chronology
SuccessorHolden Nova (LD), Holden Cruze (AH), Peugeot 308 III (BK)

The Holden Astra is a small car formerly marketed by Holden. The first couple of generations of Astra were made only for Australia, and was a derivative of the locally produced Nissan Pulsar. With the Button car plan coming into effect, it was replaced by the Holden Nova, a rebadged Toyota Corolla.[3]

In 1995, Holden commenced selling the TR Astra in New Zealand. The TR was a rebadged version of the Opel Astra, which had been sold locally as an Opel since 1993. Holden discontinued the Nova line in Australia in favour of Opel's TR. Following its implementation as an Opel, it quickly became successful in its TS (1998) generation, where it came close to becoming Australia's best selling small car. The AH (2004) continued its success, before Holden discontinued Opel-sourced product range, replacing Astra with GM Daewoo's Cruze.

On 1 May 2014, Holden announced plans to import the Opel Astra J GTC and Opel Astra J OPC with Holden badges to Australia and New Zealand, and the following generation replaced the Cruze officially in 2017.[4][5] In late 2016 a new Holden Astra range was released comprising rebadged European Vauxhall/Opel Astra hatchbacks, (coded the BK series). This was followed in 2017 by rebadged Chevrolet Cruze sedans (coded BL), and rebadged Vauxhall Astra wagons (coded BK).

  1. ^ "Holden Adds Performance Opel Models To Vehicle Lineup". GM Authority.
  2. ^ "CONFIRMED: Holden Commodore axed! Iconic nameplate to disappear as brand focuses on SUVs and utes".
  3. ^ The Bulletin, Volumes 109-110, page 20
  4. ^ "Opel to Build Vehicles for Holden in Australia and New Zealand". media.gm.com.
  5. ^ Carscoop Carscoop (1 May 2014). "Holden to Bring Astra VXR, Cascada and Insignia VXR to Australia and New Zealand". Carscoops.