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Holden Astra and Cascada join 2015 line-up

Alvin Lee

The Opel Astra and Cascada have returned Down Under, this time as Holden-badged models. After Opel left Australia in late 2013, Holden has been in talks with parent company General Motors to get the Astra and Cascada (formerly Astra convertible) nameplates back in its line up.

The introduction of the stylish Astra alongside the elegant Cascada convertible marks the beginning of an exciting product onslaught by Holden, promising to deliver 24 major vehicle launches and 36 powertrain combinations in the next five years.

The Holden Astra nameplate became a firm favourite with Australian drivers when it was first launched in 1996. The refreshed 2015 Holden Astra is introduced in GTC and GTC Sport trim levels in addition to the scotching VXR hot hatch.

Both GTC and GTC Sport come equipped with a 1.6 litre turbocharged engine that produces 125kW and 260Nm when matched with a six-speed automatic transmission, or 147kW and 280Nm when paired with a six-speed manual.

For those looking for something a little sporty, the GTC Sport gains 19-inch alloy wheels, alloy sports pedals, leather sports seats and a sports body kit.

Real enthusiasts will take note of the range-topping Astra VXR (formerly Opel Astra OPC), packing a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 206kW of power and 400Nm of torque on tap. VXR wears 20-inch alloy wheels, coupled with VXR sports body kit, alloy sports pedals and VXR steering wheel.

The new Cascada replaces the Astra convertible as Holden’s new stylish open-top cruiser. Two variants are available at launch; Cascada and a special Cascada Launch Edition, of which only 50 units will be available.

Both versions are powered by the same 1.6 turbo four found in the Astra GTC, coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Introduced to celebrate the return of the convertible body style to the Holden range, the Cascada Launch Edition dials up the luxury by adding premium Nappa leather appointed and ventilated front seats and a leather sports steering wheel. The limited edition model gains 20-inch alloy wheels, Adaptive Forward Lighting and Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED Daytime Running Lights.

The Holden Astra and Cascada will go on sale 4 May 2015.

Holden Astra and Cascada pricing (excluding on-roads)

Astra GTC, manual – $26,990
Astra GTC, automatic – $29,190
Astra GTC Sport, manual – $29,990
Astra GTC Sport, automatic – $32,190
Astra VXR, manual – $39,990
Cascada, automatic – $41,990
Cascada Launch Edition, automatic – $44,990

2015 Holden Astra GTC

2015 Holden Astra GTC Sport (above GTC)

2015 Holden Astra VXR

2015 Holden Cascada

2015 Holden Cascada Launch Edition (50 units)