All-New, High-Tech Holden Astra Hits the Road
The all-new Astra is a light, efficient and dynamic vehicle.
The all-new, high-tech Holden Astra is on sale and available for a test-drive now at Barry Bourke Warragul.
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 cuttingedge technology.
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 allnew 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 indepth 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 Mr. Butler.
“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 gravelroad 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 The interior of the all-new Holden Astra. 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. 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 is on sale now. 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.
For more information contact Barry Bourke Warragul, 167 Queen St, Warragul, phone 5622 0000.