Holden Astra
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Nissan Pulsar (Australian adaptation) |
| Successor | Holden Nova |
Area served | Australia, New Zealand |
| Products | Compact cars |
The Holden Astra was a compact vehicle once sold by Holden. Its initial versions were Australian adaptations of the locally manufactured Nissan Pulsar. Following the introduction of the Button car plan, the Astra was succeeded by the Holden Nova, which was essentially a rebadged Toyota Corolla.
In 1995, Holden introduced the TR Astra in New Zealand, a rebadged version of the Opel Astra that had been marketed as an Opel since 1993. In Australia, Holden replaced the Nova with the Opel-based TR model. The TS variant, launched in 1998, experienced robust sales and nearly became Australia's top-selling small car. The AH generation, released in 2004, maintained this momentum until Holden ceased offering Opel-derived models and substituted the Astra with GM Daewoo's Cruze.
On 1 May 2014, Holden revealed plans to import the Opel Astra J GTC and OPC models, rebadged for the Australian and New Zealand markets. The next generation officially took over from the Cruze in 2017. Toward the end of 2016, Holden unveiled a new Astra lineup featuring rebadged European Vauxhall/Opel 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 Nissan Pulsar (N12) designed in Japan and sold alongside Nissan’s Pulsar in Australia. While Nissan assembled its Pulsar at Clayton, Victoria, Holden manufactured Astra body panels at its Elizabeth plant in South Australia. Unlike the Nissan counterpart, the Astra was offered exclusively as a five-door hatchback, omitting three-door hatchback and four-door sedan options to prevent overlap with Nissan’s Pulsar lineup. Holden continued to offer its Gemini sedan as an alternative.
The engine was a locally produced Nissan 1.5-litre unit delivering and torque, paired with either a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission.
Distinctive features of the LB Astra included a grille designed by Australian stylist Paul Beranger bearing the Holden lion emblem, along with unique tail lamps, badges, and decals that set it apart from the N12 Pulsar.
In April 1986, the LC update introduced a 1.6-litre engine producing and torque to comply with unleaded fuel regulations. This facelift also brought a new grille insert and added an SL trim below the existing SL/X and SL/E levels.
According to Monash University’s 2008 Used Car Safety Ratings, first generation Astras (LB/LC) were rated as offering "significantly worse than average" protection for occupants involved in crashes.
Trim levels
The LB Astra series initially came with two trims: SL/X and SL/E; with the LC update in 1986 introducing a basic SL model.
- SL: entry-level trim introduced during the LC revision.
- SL/X: equipped with cloth upholstery, a digital clock, and a combined radio-cassette player.
- SL/E: featured alloy wheels among other enhancements; however, after the LC update, SL/E models were fitted with steel wheels covered by plastic caps instead of alloys.
Second generation (LD; 1987–1989)
The second-generation LD Astra, introduced in July 1987, was developed through a collaboration with Nissan, utilizing the N13 Pulsar platform. In this partnership, Nissan was responsible for the body design while Holden contributed the powertrains. The Astra was available as both four-door sedans and five-door hatchbacks targeting the Australian market, whereas Nissan offered additional three-door hatchback and station wagon versions in other regions.
Engine choices comprised Holden’s Family II series, with 1.6L (55 kW; 135 Nm) and 1.8L (79 kW; 151 Nm) fuel-injected units, marketed under the 1.6 injection and 1.8 injection badges respectively.
By July 1989, Holden concluded its collaboration with Nissan and entered a new partnership with Toyota through the United Australian Automobile Industries (UAAI), continuing the Australian Government’s Button Plan initiative. Nissan continued to use Holden engines until 1991, after which it replaced the N13 Pulsar with the N14 model and formed a new sharing agreement with Ford.
According to the 2008 Used Car Safety Ratings, LD Astras were rated as offering occupant protection that was "worse than average" during collisions.
Trim levels
The LD Astra was available in three distinct trims, with SLX and SLE variants dropping the "/" symbol used in previous models. The trim structure closely resembled that of the LC Astra:
- SL: base model five-door hatchback equipped with a 1.6-litre engine paired exclusively with a five-speed manual transmission. Braking consisted of front discs and rear drums, differing from the four-wheel disc brakes found on Australian Pulsars.
- SLX: mid-range trim featuring a 1.8-litre engine, offered with either a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission. This trim included full plastic wheel covers instead of the steel hubcaps on the SL.
- SLE: top-tier specification powered by a 1.8-litre engine available only with an automatic transmission, comparable to the Pulsar’s GXE trim.
HSV Astra SV1800
In September 1988, Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) released the HSV Astra SV1800, a performance-enhanced version of the LD Astra. Production was limited to 65 units (30 hatchbacks and 35 sedans), featuring upgraded suspension and cosmetic enhancements available in "Stage 1" and "Stage 2" packages.
HSV Astra Aero
HSV also manufactured around 150 LD Astra Aero units, which represented a milder variant of the SV1800 model.
Third generation (TR; 1995)
The Holden Astra nameplate was revived in New Zealand in 1995 with the introduction of the TR model based on the Opel Astra F platform. This version was imported from Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port factory in the UK and came as a four-door sedan, five-door hatchback, and five-door wagon.
Following the conclusion of the Australian Government's Button car plan and subsequent dissolution of the Holden-Toyota UAAI alliance, Holden Australia launched the TR Astra in September 1996. This marked a shift from rebadged Toyotas like the Nova to rebadged General Motors products such as this Opel-derived Astra. Unlike New Zealand’s lineup, no wagon variant was made available in Australia.
During this era, General Motors New Zealand sold Opel vehicles alongside Holden and Isuzu brands. Since there was no Button Plan equivalent in New Zealand, earlier Holden Astras (LB/LC and LD) were not sold there.
The TR Astra earned an "average" occupant safety rating according to the 2008 Used Car Safety Ratings assessment.
Trim levels
- City: the base variant equipped with a driver's airbag, central locking, and power steering. It comes powered by a 1.6-litre C16SE engine (; ) paired with a five-speed manual gearbox.
- GL: builds upon the City by adding front fog lamps, electrically adjustable side mirrors, and a tachometer. It features a 1.8-litre C18SEL engine (; ), available with either manual or automatic transmission options.
- GSi: a sportier hatchback-only edition that includes dual airbags, alloy wheels, sports-themed interior finishes, upgraded suspension, and is powered by a 2.0-litre X20XEV engine (; ) coupled with a five-speed manual transmission.
Fourth generation (TS; 1998)
In September 1998, the Astra was succeeded by the TS generation, engineered by Opel in Germany and assembled in Belgium. This version offered either 1.8- or 2.2-litre petrol engines across various trims: City, CD, CDX, SXi, and SRi. The SRi was exclusively available as a three-door hatchback, while standard trims came with the 1.8-litre 16-valve engine only. Vehicles featuring a five-stud wheel layout were factory-fitted with ABS. Around 1999, the CD trim upgraded from steel wheels with hubcaps to standard 15-inch alloy wheels.
The TS model mirrored the Opel Astra G lineup, which included sedan, hatchback, and convertible body styles; however, the Bertone-designed coupé was not marketed under the Holden brand. Its drivetrain was consistent with other Astra variants, meaning it was not positioned as a dedicated sports car. Similar to the Astra F generation, the Astra G wagon was sold in New Zealand but not in Australia. A 2.0-litre turbocharged engine was introduced in 2003. Meanwhile, the original Astra continued to be sold as the Holden Astra Classic until 2005 alongside the TS to remain competitive until the introduction of the more affordable Daewoo Lacetti-based Viva.
Monash University's 2008 Used Car Safety Ratings update classified TS Astra models as offering "better than average" crash protection.
Trim levels
- City: entry-level TS variant available in three- and five-door configurations featuring six-speaker audio system, dual airbags, disc brakes, adjustable headlamps, and a triple information display. Initially powered by the 1.8-litre X18XE1 engine producing (1998–2000), later replaced by the Z18XE generating (2001–2004).
- CD: adds 15-inch alloy wheels, CD player, ABS brakes, traction control system, air conditioning, electronically adjustable mirrors, and power windows. Optional features included front fog lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, and rear spoiler.
- CDX: introduced in December 2002 for MY03; an upgraded CD trim with cruise control, front fog lamps, climate control system, chrome exterior accents, side airbags (curtain airbags optional from MY04), heated leather seats with full leather upholstery, and an enlarged multi-information display presenting radio details, trip computer data, and vehicle warnings.
- SXi: replaced the City three-door model for MY03 (December 2002–2004), adding front fog lamps and sporty trim elements; optional equipment included CD player, ABS brakes, alloy wheels, air conditioning, and rear spoiler.
- SRi: launched in October 2001; similar to SXi but built on CD trim featuring the 2.2-litre Z22SE engine.
- SRi Turbo: introduced in May 2003 during MY03 update; based on SRi but fitted with a turbocharged 2.0-litre Z20LET engine along with enhanced standard features.
- Convertible: debuted in December 2001 powered by the 2.2-litre Z22SE engine; Turbo variants arrived in May 2003 equipped with the 2.0-litre Z20LET powerplant.
- Limited editions
- Olympic Edition: special City and CD versions launched in July 2000 featuring "Sydney 2000" Olympic branding.
- Equipe: based on City trim adding 15-inch alloy wheels plus options such as cruise control, power windows, electric side mirrors, fog lamps, ABS brakes, and rear spoiler; released in April 2001, April 2002, April and September 2003; remained available until MY05.
- Limited Edition: convertible special released March 2004 equipped with 17-inch five-spoke alloys, pale beige leather interior trim, rear parking sensors, and 'China Blue' metallic paint finish.
- Linea Rossa: convertible special edition from 2004 featuring 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, red/black Nappa leather upholstery, rear parking sensors, distinctive instrument cluster design, Magma Red exterior 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 built on GM's T platform and closely related to the Opel Astra H. This iteration debuted as a five-door hatchback produced in Belgium. It was sold alongside the Polish-manufactured Astra TS sedan and hatchback models, marketed under the "Astra Classic" nameplate. These Classic variants were phased out by late 2005 and succeeded by the Holden Viva, essentially a rebadged Daewoo Lacetti. Prior to Holden’s withdrawal of the Daewoo brand from Australia—prompted by disappointing sales and quality concerns—the Viva had been sold under the Daewoo name.
Standard safety equipment on the AH series included front and side airbags, which contributed to its three-star rating from the ANCAP. However, in the 2008 Used Car Safety Ratings, it received an "average" classification for occupant protection.
Holden ceased imports of the AH Astra on 20 April 2009, attributing this decision to currency volatility, weak resale values, and issues with build quality. This move coincided with the launch of the Holden Cruze, which became Astra’s official successor. By 31 August 2009, Holden confirmed that imports would not resume, redirecting their focus solely to the Cruze due to Astra’s underwhelming market performance.
Model Year Updates
- MY05: To address sluggish sales, August 2005 saw the introduction of a coupe and station wagon variants to the AH lineup.
- MY06: Released in October 2005, the CD and CDX trims received an updated chrome grille, replacing the previous body-coloured design.
- MY06.5: From June 2006 onward, enhanced quality control measures led to standard inclusion of head-protecting side curtain airbags on CDX models. The new turbodiesel hatchback, designated CDTi, was offered with two powertrain options: a 1.9-litre six-speed manual (Z19DTH) and a six-speed automatic transmission (Z19DT). While this diesel variant was new to Australia, it had been available in New Zealand previously. Fuel efficiency improved compared to earlier versions. Additionally, front fog lamps—previously exclusive to CDXi—were added to both CD and CDX trims.
- MY07: January 2007 marked the launch of the Astra SRi and Twin Top convertible, each powered by a 2.2-litre Z22YH petrol engine delivering , with transmission choices including a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic.
- MY07.5: The April 2007 facelift introduced a V-shaped chrome grille aligned with UK Vauxhall styling cues, illuminated daytime running lights across all trims, new 16-inch alloy wheels for CDX and CDTi models, and black-tinted headlamps on sportier variants. The 1.8-litre petrol engine was upgraded to Z18XER, increasing output from to . The existing 2.2-litre engines in SRi and Twin Top models, alongside the SRi Turbo’s 2.0-litre turbocharged unit, remained unchanged.
- MY08: As of October 2007, production of the five-door SRi ceased, leaving only the SRi coupé and Twin Top convertible equipped with the 2.2-litre engine.
- MY08.5: In May 2008, electronic stability control (ESC) became standard across all variants; previously it was limited to SRi and CDTi trims. The five-door SRi returned featuring the smaller 1.8-litre engine instead of the former 2.2-litre petrol unit; this engine swap also applied to the coupé SRi but not to the Twin Top convertible. The wagon lineup expanded to include a diesel option paired with an automatic transmission, marking Astra wagon’s re-entry into New Zealand after discontinuation of the TS series there. Base models were upgraded with standard 16-inch wheels.
- MY09: Hatchback and wagon versions of CD and CDX reverted to black bezel projector-style headlights; additionally, base models featured blacked-out B pillars for a refreshed appearance.
Trim levels
- CD: entry-level variant powered by the smaller Z18XE engine, later updated to Z18XER.
- CDX: added 16-inch alloy wheels to the CD specification.
- CDXi: included features such as adjustable front seats, air conditioning, and curtain airbags; this trim was discontinued after the 2006 model year.
- CDTi: diesel-powered version equivalent to the CDX trim.
- SRi: sport-oriented model equipped with leather upholstery, climate control, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
- SRi Turbo: fitted with the larger 2.0-litre Z20LER engine.
Limited editions
- 60th Anniversary: celebrated Holden’s 60 years with 15-inch alloy wheels and steering wheel-mounted radio controls.
- CD Equipe: offered 15-inch alloys and rear power windows at no additional cost during 2006–2007.
HSV VXR Turbo
The Opel Astra OPC, marketed in Australia as the HSV VXR Turbo by Holden Special Vehicles from 2006 until 2009, featured a 177 kW (236 hp) Z20LEH engine. In July 2008, HSV released a special "Nürburgring" edition.
An HSV VXR Turbo driven by Ivo Breukers, Morgan Haber, and Damian Ward secured victory in Class E for "Production (Performance)" vehicles at the 2013 Liqui Moly Bathurst 12 Hour endurance race, finishing 18th overall after completing 229 laps (1,422.77 km) at Mount Panorama Circuit.
Sixth generation (PJ; 2015)
Introduced in 2015, the sixth-generation Astra was constructed on GM’s GM Delta II platform. It formed part of Opel’s unsuccessful attempt to penetrate the Australian market between 2012 and 2013.
The range comprised the Astra GTC, GTC Sport, and VXR three-door hatchbacks, all priced significantly lower than previous Opel offerings. The VXR was powered by a turbocharged 2.0 L direct injection engine delivering substantial power and torque.
Seventh generation (BK, BL; 2016)
Early in 2015, Holden confirmed plans to introduce the fifth-generation Opel Astra to Australia in 2016 amid uncertainty surrounding the Chevrolet Cruze. Later that year, both Astra and second-generation Cruze models were sold concurrently. By January 2017, Holden rebranded the hatchback as the "new Astra hatch," sourced from Opel, while marketing the Cruze sedan as the "new Astra sedan," leading to discontinuation of the Opel Astra sedan.
The BK Astra hatch was launched in December 2016 featuring R, RS, and RS-V trims; an R+ variant with autonomous safety technologies was introduced subsequently. Initially, only a six-speed manual transmission was available on the 1.6-litre turbocharged models; an automatic option followed in March 2017. The wagon debuted in October 2017 offered in LS+ and LT trims powered by a unique 1.4-litre turbo engine paired exclusively 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 based on the Cruze platform arrived in June 2017 with LS, LS+, LT, and LTZ trims. It was exclusively equipped with a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine; only the base LS trim featured a six-speed manual gearbox while higher trims came standard with six-speed automatics.
Despite announcing its withdrawal from the Australian market by 2020, Holden introduced a MY20 facelift for the Astra in late 2019. Updates included redesigned front bumper and grille elements, new alloy wheel designs, an upgraded infotainment system incorporating wireless charging capabilities, a digital instrument cluster, improved interior materials quality, and a new Nautic Blue paint option. The R, RS, and RS-V trims replaced LED matrix headlights with standard static LED units.
On December 10, 2019, Holden declared it would discontinue both Astra and Commodore nameplates due to declining sales within their segments as part of a strategic shift towards SUVs and utes.
- Sales
Sales of the BK Astra commenced in November 2016 but experienced slow uptake initially due to limited availability of only manual-transmission hatchbacks. Sales momentum increased following introduction of automatic transmissions along with sedan and wagon variants throughout 2017. By June 2018, Holden ceased selling the popular Astra Sedan due to supply limitations from GM Korea’s Gunsan plant; wagon sales were also discontinued owing to weak demand. Both body styles remained available until existing stock was exhausted.
| 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 with two Holden Astras that had been rebadged, piloted by Chelsea Angelo and Alex Rullo.
Sales
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