Holden’s transformation to an import-only brand has taken a positive step with confirmation the Astra Sportwagon is headed for Australian showrooms.
Around the same time Holden shutters its Adelaide production for good on October 20, the Lion brand has confirmed the European-produced small car will appear, joining the Astra hatch and newly arrived Astra sedan.
Like those siblings, the Astra Sportwagon will be powered by a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder mated with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Generous rear proportions comprising more than 1600 litres of boot space are punctuated by a powered electric tailgate and clever design solutions, according to Holden.
Design and engineered alongside the hatch at Opel’s Russelsheim headquarters, the Sportwagon is built in the UK at Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port manufacturing facility. Similarly, the Sportwagon’s ride and handling was co-developed alongside the hatch, including significant input from Holden engineers during European testing.
The Sportwagon will be fitted with a reversing camera, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist and forward collision alert. Inside, standard features will include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry and start.
The Astra Sportwagon is the 13th of 24 new models to be launched by Holden by 2020, arriving before the already-confirmed Equinox, Arcadia and imported Commodore.
The Sportwagon will arrive in “late 2017”, according to Holden. Price and specifications will be released closer to its arrival.