The all-new Opel (Holden) Astra has been revealed overnight at the Frankfurt Motor Show with Holden confirming the new Astra would arrive here in late 2016.

AS HOLDEN GRAPPLES with the image hangover of no longer building cars in Australia and killing off one of the longest running nameplates in all of motoringdom, the brand is determined to distract the public with a raft of new releases. Indeed, as Holden keeps crowing about, it plans to release 24 new models here over the next five years.

One of those 24 new vehicles is this one, the all-new Opel Astra, although when it gets here in late 2016 it’ll be badged a Holden. This new Astra, despite not looking radically different from the vehicle it replaces, is apparently a “clean-sheet design” borrowing from the design philosophy of the Monza concept from 2013.

According to Holden, the new vehicle architecture underpinning the new Astra has allowed for a weight reduction of up to 130kg for some Australian models. A new 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine makes its debut in the Astra, pumping out 114kW and 240Nm of torque. A 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine makes 147kW and 300Nm of torque. Holden has said its engineers have been involved in ride and handling development of the car.

Ian Butler, Holden Director of Vehicle Performance, said the design and performance of Astra promised an exceptional small car that, with involvement of Holden’s engineering team during its development, would be perfectly suited to Australians.

“This car has been designed and engineered in Europe to the highest standards and with our chassis tuning input it will excel on Australian roads,” Mr. Butler said.

“The new engine line-up and new, lightweight architecture combine to deliver a refined yet engaging driving experience, maintaining the characteristics the Astra nameplate is famous for.”

Mark Bernhard, Holden Chairman and Managing Director, who has just unveiled the last-ever Commodore and is the first Asustralian boss of Holden in 25 years, said the all-new Astra promised Australian customers European style and sophistication, coupled with outstanding efficiency, state-of-the-art technology and connectivity features that signal the future for the Holden brand and its vehicles.

“The all-new Astra is a stunning car and clearly signposts Holden’s future product strategy – bringing in the best cars from around the GM world for our customers.  The Astra offers leading design, performance and technology, and is the latest vehicle to be confirmed as part of Holden’s new product onslaught that promises 24 new models by 2020,” Mr Bernhard said. 

“Astra has made a giant leap forward with a new engine line-up, lightweight design and an advanced infotainment system complete with Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility.

“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.”