Little tweaks for small Holdens
Holden New Zealand is introducing minor upgrades to its small-car range, including the entry-level Holden Spark city car.
There is a new grille, revised alloy wheels and new lighting packages fitted to the Spark, that is available in manual form from $17,490.
The five-door Spark is powered by a 1.4-litre engine that puts out 73kW and 128Nm of torque, and will continue to be available here despite being dropped from Holden Australia’s line-up.
Holden New Zealand production marketing manager, Ina Economopoulos, said the Spark had not only won motoring awards during the past year, it had proved popular with younger buyers and had attracted new customers to the brand.
“Spark now features new projector headlights on both models, plus the inclusion of LED daytime running lights on the LT model, all of which help to bring a new level of style and sophistication to Spark,” she said.
Connectivity is also improved with the latest version of Holden’s MyLink infotainment system.
There are three models in the range, starting with the manual and automatic LS versions, with the automatic selling for $18,990. The top-of-the-range LT Spark automatic sells for $20,990.
A drive through twisty sealed back roads in the Waikato this week revealed the Spark as a lively and willing small hatchback.
It handled wet and windy weather conditions without any drama, and provided quick takeoff performance even on gravel.
A similar drive in the Holden Astra RS-V hatchback, which is about to feature in the inaugural Project Runway New Zealand reality television series, confirmed it as the best-handling small Holden model.
“The Holden Astra is the ultimate fashion accessory and has been lauded for its elegant styling, sleek flowing lines, all-round safety and exhilarating driveability,” said Economopoulos.
The Astra hatch range starts at $30,990 for the Astra R manual model, and $32,490 for the automatic version. There is a midrange of RS models and the topend RS-V manual sells for $36,990 and $38,490 for the automatic version.
This is powered by a 1.6-litre turbo-charged motor that puts out 147kW and 300Nm of torque.
Driven also spent some time behind the wheel of Holden’s smallest SUV, the Trax, which had an upgrade last year.
Economopoulos said the Trax provided an attractive small option to Holden’s developing range of SUV models, including Captiva, Equinox, Trailblazer, and the soon-to-launch Acadia, which meant Holden would offer an SUV in small, medium and large sizes.
All-new models here will have three-year scheduled servicing, roadside assistance and warranty.