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HSV VXR

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Holden Astra
Company typeAutomobile model
IndustryAutomotive
PredecessorNissan Pulsar (Australian adaptation)
Founded1984
Headquarters
Australia
ProductsCompact cars

The Holden Astra was a compact vehicle once sold by Holden. Its initial versions were Australian adaptations of the locally assembled Nissan Pulsar. Following the implementation of the Button car plan, the Astra was succeeded by the Holden Nova, which was essentially a rebadged Toyota Corolla.

Starting in 1995, Holden introduced the TR Astra to the New Zealand market. This model was a rebadged version of the Opel Astra, which had been available locally under the Opel brand since 1993. In Australia, Holden phased out the Nova and adopted Opel’s TR Astra, which quickly gained popularity. The TS generation (1998) nearly achieved the status of Australia's top-selling small car. This momentum continued with the AH model (2004) until Holden ceased selling Opel-based vehicles, substituting the Astra with GM Daewoo's Cruze.

On 1 May 2014, Holden revealed plans to bring in the Opel Astra J GTC and OPC variants, rebadged as Holdens, for both Australian and New Zealand markets. The subsequent generation officially replaced the Cruze in 2017. Toward the end of 2016, Holden launched a refreshed Astra lineup featuring rebadged European Vauxhall/Opel Astra hatchbacks (BK series), followed in 2017 by rebadged Chevrolet Cruze sedans (BL) and Vauxhall Astra wagons (BK).

First generation (LB, LC; 1984–1987)

The first Holden Astra appeared in August 1984 as the LB series, essentially a badge-engineered Japanese-designed Nissan Pulsar (N12), sold concurrently with Nissan’s own Pulsar in Australia. While Nissan assembled its Pulsar at Clayton, Victoria, Holden manufactured the Astra’s body panels at its facility in Elizabeth, South Australia. Unlike the Pulsar range, the Astra was exclusively available as a five-door hatchback, with no three-door or four-door sedan options offered to prevent internal competition with Nissan models. Meanwhile, Holden continued to market the Gemini sedan as an alternative choice.

The car was powered by a Nissan-designed 1.5-litre engine built locally, producing and torque. Buyers could select either a five-speed manual gearbox or a three-speed automatic transmission.

Key distinguishing elements from the N12 Pulsar included a grille uniquely crafted by Australian designer Paul Beranger featuring the Holden lion badge, along with exclusive tail lamp designs, badges, and decals.

In April 1986, the LC update increased engine capacity to 1.6 litres to comply with unleaded fuel regulations, boosting power output to and torque to . The facelift also introduced a redesigned grille insert and added an SL trim level positioned beneath the SL/X and SL/E variants.

A study conducted by Monash University in 2008 rated first-generation Astras (LB/LC) as having occupant safety performance that was "significantly worse than average" during collisions.

Trim levels

The LB Astra series initially offered two trims: SL/X and SL/E. With the LC update in 1986, a basic SL trim was introduced alongside existing variants.

  • SL: entry-level trim added with the LC refresh.
  • SL/X: came equipped with cloth upholstery, a digital clock, and a combined radio and cassette player.
  • SL/E: featured alloy wheels among other enhancements; however, following the LC update, SL/E models replaced alloy wheels with steel wheels fitted with plastic covers.

Second generation (LD; 1987–1989)

The second-generation LD Astra, derived from Nissan's N13 Pulsar, represented a genuine collaborative effort: Nissan was responsible for the body design, while Holden contributed the powertrains. Both vehicles debuted concurrently in July 1987 and were offered as four-door sedans and five-door hatchbacks. Globally, Nissan also made available three-door hatchback and station wagon versions.

These models were equipped with Holden's Family II engines, featuring fuel-injected 1.6L (55 kW; 135 Nm) and 1.8L (79 kW; 151 Nm) variants, labeled as 1.6 and 1.8 injection respectively.

In July 1989, Holden terminated its collaboration with Nissan and entered into a new partnership with Toyota through the United Australian Automobile Industries (UAAI), continuing the Australian Government's Button Plan initiatives. Nissan continued utilizing Holden engines until 1991 before replacing the N13 Pulsar with the N14 generation and forging a new sharing arrangement with Ford.

According to a 2008 Used Car Safety Ratings study, the LD Astra was classified as offering "worse than average" occupant protection during collisions.

Trim Levels

The LD Astra was available in three distinct trims, with the SLX and SLE designations dropping the previously used "/" character (e.g., SL/X). The lineup closely followed that of the LC Astra:

  • SL: base model offered exclusively as a five-door hatchback, powered by a 1.6-litre engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Braking consisted of a disc/drum configuration, differing from the Australian Pulsar’s four-wheel disc brakes.
  • SLX: mid-range trim featuring a 1.8-litre engine, available with either a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission. This trim included full plastic wheel covers instead of the steel hubcaps found on the SL.
  • SLE: top-tier specification equipped solely with an automatic transmission and the 1.8-litre engine, comparable to the Pulsar GXE model.

HSV Astra SV1800

In September 1988, Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) introduced the HSV Astra SV1800, a performance-enhanced version of the LD Astra. A total of 65 units were produced—30 hatchbacks and 35 sedans. The modifications primarily targeted suspension improvements and aesthetic upgrades, offered in two configurations known as "Stage 1" and "Stage 2."

HSV Astra Aero

HSV also manufactured roughly 150 examples of the LD Astra Aero, which presented a more restrained performance upgrade compared to the SV1800.

Third Generation (TR; 1995)

In 1995, Holden revived the Astra nameplate in New Zealand with the TR series, based on the Opel Astra F platform imported from Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port facility in the United Kingdom. This generation was available as a four-door sedan, five-door hatchback, and five-door wagon, marking a transition to rebadged European GM models.

Holden Australia launched the TR Astra in September 1996 following the conclusion of the Australian Government’s Button Plan and dissolution of the UAAI alliance between Holden and Toyota. From 1989 to 1996, Holden filled the Astra segment with the Holden Nova—a rebadged Toyota Corolla—which did not include a wagon variant. Unlike Australia’s restrictions on badge engineering during that period, New Zealand did not face such limitations; therefore, earlier LD and LC Astras were not sold there.

The TR Astra received an "average" rating for occupant safety in the 2008 Used Car Safety Ratings assessment.

Trim Levels

Fourth Generation (TS; 1998)

In September 1998, the Astra underwent a refresh, adopting the TS model developed by Opel in Germany and manufactured in Belgium. This version was available with either a 1.8-litre or a 2.2-litre petrol engine and offered in City, CD, CDX, SXi, and SRi trim levels. The SRi trim was exclusive to the three-door hatchback configuration, while the base Astra came equipped solely with the 1.8-litre 16-valve engine. Models featuring a five-stud wheel pattern had the option of factory-fitted ABS brakes. Around 1999, the CD trim upgraded from steel wheels with hubcaps to standard 15-inch alloy wheels.

The TS range corresponded with the Opel Astra G series, which included sedan, hatchback, and convertible body styles; however, Bertone’s coupé was not sold under the Holden badge. Powertrain options were consistent across Astra variants, emphasizing practicality rather than sporty performance. Similar to its predecessor, the Astra G wagon was offered in New Zealand but was not available in Australia. In 2003, a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine became an option. Meanwhile, the original Astra remained on sale as the Holden Astra Classic with the 1.8-litre unit until 2005, bridging market demand until the more affordable Viva was introduced.

Monash University’s 2008 Used Car Safety Ratings update rated TS Astra models as providing "better than average" occupant protection in crashes.

Trim Levels

  • City: entry-level TS variant available in three- and five-door styles, featuring six-speaker audio system, dual front airbags, disc brakes, adjustable headlamps, and a triple information display. Initially powered by the 1.8-litre X18XE1 engine delivering (1998–2000), later replaced by the Z18XE engine producing (2001–2004).
  • CD: built upon City equipment with additions such as 15-inch alloy wheels, CD player, ABS brakes, traction control system, air conditioning, electronically adjustable mirrors, and power windows. Optional extras included front fog lights, larger 16-inch alloys, cruise control, and rear spoiler.
  • CDX: introduced in December 2002 for model year 2003; this trim enhanced the CD specification by adding cruise control, front fog lamps, climate control system, chrome accents on dials, side airbags (with optional curtain airbags for MY04), heated leather seats, full leather upholstery, and an expanded multi-information display showing radio details, trip statistics, fuel usage data, warnings, and stopwatch functions.
  • SXi: replaced the City three-door variant for MY03 (December 2002–2004), incorporating front fog lamps and sportier styling elements. Optional features included CD player, ABS brakes, alloy wheels, air conditioning, and rear spoiler.
  • SRi: launched October 2001 featuring all CD equipment plus the more powerful 2.2-litre Z22SE engine; otherwise comparable to SXi.
  • SRi Turbo: from May 2003 MY03 update onwards this trim added the turbocharged 2.0-litre Z20LET engine to the SRi base specification along with upgraded standard features.
  • Convertible: debuted December 2001 equipped with the 2.2-litre Z22SE engine; Convertible Turbo variants were introduced in May 2003 featuring the turbocharged 2.0-litre Z20LET powerplant.
Limited Editions
  • Olympic Edition: launched July 2000 on City and CD trims with special "Sydney 2000" Olympic branding.
  • Equipe: based on City trim but enhanced with 15-inch alloys plus options including cruise control, power windows and mirrors, fog lamps, ABS brakes, and rear spoiler; released in April of 2001, 2002, and 2003 as well as September 2003; available through MY05.
  • Limited Edition: March 2004 special edition of the convertible featuring 17-inch five-spoke alloys, pale beige leather interior trim, rear parking sensors, and 'China Blue' metallic paint finish.
  • Linea Rossa: a limited edition convertible from 2004 showcasing 17-inch five-spoke alloys, red and black Nappa leather upholstery, rear parking sensors, unique instrument cluster design, Magma Red paintwork along with 'Linea Rossa' branded sill plates and floor mats.

Fifth generation (AH; 2004)

Introduced in November 2004, the fifth-generation AH Astra was developed on GM’s T platform Opel Astra H and launched as a five-door hatchback produced in Belgium. This model was sold alongside the Astra TS sedan and hatchback, which were manufactured in Poland and marketed under the "Astra Classic" name. The Astra Classic lineup was discontinued by late 2005 and succeeded by the Daewoo Lacetti-derived Holden Viva. Initially, the Viva was sold as a Daewoo Lacetti until Holden withdrew the Daewoo brand from Australia due to disappointing sales performance and quality concerns.

The AH series came equipped with standard front and side-impact airbags, achieving a three-star rating from ANCAP crash tests. However, the 2008 Used Car Safety Ratings classified its safety performance as "average."

Holden halted imports of the AH Astra in April 2009, attributing this decision to currency volatility, poor resale values, and issues related to build quality. This pause coincided with the debut of the Chevrolet Cruze, which effectively took over as Holden’s small car offering. By August 2009, Holden officially confirmed that Astra imports would cease permanently, focusing exclusively on the Cruze for their compact vehicle segment.

Model year updates

  • MY05: To address slow sales, August 2005 saw the introduction of Astra coupe and station wagon variants to the AH lineup.
  • MY06: Launched in October 2005, Astra CD and CDX trims received a chrome-finished grille replacing the previous body-coloured design.
  • MY06.5: Starting June 2006, enhancements in quality control led to standard inclusion of head-protecting side curtain airbags on CDX models. The new turbodiesel hatchback, designated CDTi, debuted with two engine options: a 1.9-litre six-speed manual (Z19DTH) and an 88 kW six-speed automatic (Z19DT). This marked Astra’s first diesel engine offering in Australia, delivering improved fuel efficiency. Additionally, CD and CDX trims gained front fog lamps previously exclusive to CDXi.
  • MY07: January 2007 introduced the Astra SRi and Twin Top convertible, both powered by a more robust 2.2-litre Z22YH petrol engine producing , available with either a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
  • MY07.5: A facelift in April 2007 brought a V-shaped chrome grille shared with UK Vauxhall models, illuminated lights across all variants, new 16-inch alloy wheels for CDX and CDTi trims, and black-tinted headlamps on sportier versions. The 1.8-litre engine was upgraded to Z18XER, increasing output from to . The 2.2-litre engines in SRi and Twin Top models, along with the 2.0-litre turbocharged unit in SRi Turbo, remained unchanged.
  • MY08: In October 2007, the five-door SRi was discontinued, leaving only the SRi coupé and Twin Top equipped with the 2.2-litre engine.
  • MY08.5: From May 2008 onward, electronic stability control (ESC) became standard across all variants; previously it had been limited to SRi and CDTi models. The five-door SRi returned featuring a standard 1.8-litre engine replacing the earlier 2.2-litre unit; this update also applied to the coupé SRi but excluded the Twin Top. The wagon lineup expanded to include a diesel engine paired with an automatic transmission, marking Astra wagon’s reintroduction into New Zealand following its discontinuation after the TS series. Base models were upgraded to standard 16" wheels.
  • MY09: Hatchback and wagon versions of CD and CDX trims reverted to black bezel projector-style headlamps; base Astras received black B-pillars as part of their update.

Trim levels

  • CD: entry-level variant equipped with a smaller Z18XE engine, later replaced by the Z18XER.
  • CDX: added 16-inch alloy wheels for enhanced styling.
  • CDXi: included adjustable front seats, air conditioning, and curtain airbags; production ceased after MY06.
  • CDTi: diesel-powered version of the CDX trim.
  • SRi: sport-oriented model featuring leather upholstery, climate control, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
  • SRi Turbo: came with an upgraded 2.0-litre Z20LER engine.

Limited editions

  • 60th Anniversary: marked Holden's 60 years in operation; equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels and steering wheel-mounted radio controls.
  • CD Equipe: provided 15-inch alloy wheels and rear power windows at no additional cost during 2006–2007.

HSV VXR Turbo

The HSV VXR Turbo, a rebadged version of the Opel Astra OPC produced by Holden Special Vehicles in Australia from 2006 to 2009, was powered by a 177 kW (236 hp) Z20LEH engine. In July 2008, HSV introduced a special "Nürburgring" edition.

At the 2013 Liqui Moly Bathurst 12 Hour race, the HSV VXR Turbo secured victory in Class E for "Production (Performance)" vehicles, completing 229 laps (1,422.77 km) at Mount Panorama Circuit and finishing 18th overall.

Sixth generation (PJ; 2015)

Unveiled in 2015, the sixth-generation Astra is built upon GM's Delta II architecture. This iteration was part of Opel's unsuccessful venture into the Australian market between 2012 and 2013.

The range comprised the Astra GTC, GTC Sport, and VXR three-door hatchbacks, all priced considerably lower than earlier Opel offerings. The VXR was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0 L direct injection engine delivering notable power and torque figures.

Seventh generation (BK, BL; 2016)

Holden announced in early 2015 that the fifth-generation Opel Astra would arrive in Australia in 2016 amidst uncertainty regarding the Chevrolet Cruze. By late 2015, it was confirmed that both Astra and second-generation Cruze models would be sold simultaneously. In January 2017, Holden consolidated these under the Astra badge: branding the Opel Astra hatchback as the "new Astra hatch" and the Chevrolet Cruze sedan as the "new Astra sedan," while discontinuing the Opel Astra sedan variant.

The BK Astra hatchback launched in December 2016 with R, RS, and RS-V trims; an R+ variant featuring an autonomous safety package was added later. Initially offered exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission on the 1.6-litre turbocharged engines, an automatic option became available from March 2017. The wagon debuted in October 2017 in LS+ and LT configurations, powered by a unique 1.4-litre turbo engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the hatchback and sedan—assembled in Poland and South Korea respectively—the wagon was produced at Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port facility in the United Kingdom.

The BL Astra sedan entered the market in June 2017 with four trim levels: LS, LS+, LT, and LTZ. While both 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre turbo engines were offered for the hatchback, the sedan was restricted to the 1.4-litre turbocharged unit. Manual transmission was available only on the base LS model; all other trims came standard with a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Despite Holden’s announcement to exit the Australian market by 2020, a MY20 facelift for the Astra was revealed in late 2019. Updates included redesigned front bumper and grille elements, new alloy wheel designs, enhanced infotainment featuring wireless charging capability, a digital instrument cluster, refreshed interior finishes, and introduction of a new Nautic Blue exterior color. The R, RS, and RS-V trims replaced previous LED matrix headlights with standard static LED units.

On December 10, 2019, Holden confirmed that both Astra and Commodore nameplates would be discontinued due to declining sales figures as the company shifted focus toward SUVs and utes.

Sales

Sales of the BK Astra commenced in November 2016 but initially experienced sluggish demand attributed to limited availability of only manual-transmission hatchbacks. Demand increased following introduction of automatic transmissions along with sedan and wagon variants throughout 2017. By June 2018, Holden halted sales of its top-selling Astra Sedan because of supply constraints from GM Korea's Gunsan manufacturing plant; wagon sales were also discontinued due to weak market interest. Both models remained listed until existing stock was depleted.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Total
2016 — 294 154 448 29,497
2017 398 |719 |792 |828 |1,580 |1,125 |831 |801 |1,031 |1,480 |3,532 |13,535
2018 1,008 |906 |497 |423 |851 |588 |571 |1,049 |1,103 |1,000 |1,067 |9,876
2019 774 |440 |212 |379 |219 |157 |378 |141 |105 |171 |141 |4,188
2020 63 |596 |112 |140 |112 |61 |21 |12 |4 |12 | 1,254

Motorsport

In the 2019 TCR Australia Touring Car Series, Kelly Racing entered two Holden Astra vehicles, which were rebranded for competition and piloted by Chelsea Angelo alongside Alex Rullo.

Sales

Units Sold Model Generation
1998 3,981 TS
1999 8,090
2000 18,439
2001 28,450
2002 27,388
2003 26,139
2004 24,699 AH
2005 33,070
2006 19,681
2007 17,975
2008 15,784
2009 6,618
2010 23
2011 Not Available
2012
2013
2014

References

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