Holden aims high with all-new 2017 Astra Sedan

Holden has announced the next step in its rejuvenated small-car strategy, with confirmation the all-new Astra sedan will launch in May 2017. The sedan offering joins the Astra hatch and Astra convertible siblings to expand Holden’s small-car line-up in one of the tightest segments in the passenger car market.

Utilising the same Delta 2 architecture as the Astra hatch, the sedan promises polished driving manners, advanced technology and unique Australian design and engineering treatment from GM’s Australian subsidiary in Port Melbourne.

Holden’s Director – Planning and Program Management, Marinos Panayiotou, said Holden is leveraging GM’s global product portfolio and, with Astra sedan, customers have a vehicle that effortlessly blends functionality and comfort, with more than a touch of luxury.

“Last year, Holden committed to launching 24 new products by 2020, and Astra sedan represents the thirteenth of those, joining Astra hatch and Astra coupe to continue building a world-class small car range,” said Mr. Panayiotou.

Based on the US-designed Chevrolet Cruze, the new Astra sedan was lead by GM’s development team in Europe, manufactured in Korea and finished with design elements and significant engineering input from Holden, including suspension tuning at the company’s Lang Lang proving ground.

“Sharing the same architecture as the Astra hatch, the new Astra Sedan assumes a rational, sophisticated persona to expand on the appeal of the sports styled hatch,” said Mr. Ferlazzo.

“Our Australian designers have styled a unique Holden face with exclusive new front fascia and grille, closely aligning with the next generation Commodore to give a more cohesive look to not Astra, but to the wider Holden product range.”

While no technical details have been announced, the sedan’s drivetrain is expected to mimic that of the hatch. This means the booted version will be offered with two turbocharged petrol engine options – a 1.4-litre producing 110kW and 240Nm that sips a frugal 5.8L/100km, and a more powerful 1.6-litre boasting 147kW and 300Nm. Both powertrains are paired with either a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.

Inside, the 2017 Astra sedan boasts European design with an upmarket ambience. A large colour touchscreen is linked to a new-generation IntelliLink infotainment system that supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

On the safety front, the new Astra sedan is likely to introduce Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert and Active Lane Keep Assist. Expect rear view camera and rear park assist to be standard fitment across the range.

Full pricing and specification of the 2017 Holden Astra sedan will be announced closer to local launch.