Official: Opels back as Holdens

GM Holden has today announced it will introduce flagship versions of Opel’s Astra and Insignia – and the new Opel Cascada convertible – to its showrooms within 12 months.

The four Holden-badged Opel models it confirmed for release in the first half of 2015 are the small Astra GTC and VXR three-door hatchbacks, the mid-size Insignia VXR performance sedan and the Cascada drop-top.

The move will see Holden rebadge much of the European-sourced Opel range that was discontinued last August -- just a year after the German GM brand’s local launch as a stand-alone marque.

While the Cascada – a replacement for the previous-generation Astra convertible  -- will be available here for the first time, the Insignia and Astra VXRs were previously sold here as OPC-badged Opel models, and the Astra GTC returns with Holden badge.

Previously priced from $34,990, the front-wheel drive Astra GTC three-door is powered by a 125kW/280Nm 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine and will be available in six-speed manual and automatic form, while the Astra VXR (previously $42,990 for the Astra OPC) adds a more powerful 206kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine matched only with a six-speed manual.

Meantime, the four-seat Cascada is essentially an open-top version of the GTC with the same powertrain, while the mid-size Insignia VXR sedan – which should be positioned above mainstream Malibu models -- replaces the $59,990 Opel Insignia OPC and comes with a Melbourne-made 2.8-litre turbo V6 engine, six-speed auto and all-wheel drive.

However, there is no sign of the smallest Opel previously sold here – the Corsa, which is due for replacement – or mainstream versions of the Astra, a model that is also due to be replaced soon. When that happens, GM may choose to reintroduce the Corsa and Astra as Holden models, positioned above the Barina and Cruze respectively.

The latter could provide Holden with important sales volume in Australia’s largest single vehicle segment – small cars – as sales of its locally-made continue to decline over the next three years.

GM made no mention of Holden’s locally manufactured Cruze or Commodore models in this morning’s presentation by Stefan Jacoby, the president of GM International Operations (GMIO), and Holden Chairman and Managing Director Gerry Dorizas at Holden’s Port Melbourne HQ.

Holden has said it is committed to producing both models in Adelaide until the end of 2017 and has just released special-edition Storm versions of the Commodore.

However, it made no announcement about the facelifted Cruze revealed in US-spec last month and expected to replace the existing Cruze next year – despite the fact GM revealed an all-new Cruze for China last week.

While Holden’s product announcement is designed to remind consumers it is here to stay post-manufacturing (just as Ford did last August), it leaves significant question marks over the future of HSV, given the Astra VXR was previously sold as an HSV.

Also surprising is the fact Holden has not confirmed the Zafira people-mover for release as a Holden – despite the fact it was due to be launched as an Opel just days before the German brand was axed here.

Motoring.com.au understands that beyond the Corsa, Astra, Insignia (which previously formed Opel’s core model range), Cascada and Zafira, GM has Australian Design Rule certification for at least one more Opel-sourced model.

That could be the Holden/Chevrolet Trax-based Mokka small SUV or Opel’s latest Combo, which would give Holden a belated replacement for its discontinued small commercial van.

“Holden is one of the strongest brands in Australia and the introduction of the Astra, Cascada and Insignia to the portfolio in 2015 will be a great addition,” said Jacoby.

“We are determined to offer Australian and New Zealand customers the best possible products that we can source from our global operations, as we build a strong future for Holden.

“GM is dedicated to building strong brands that connect with our customers. Holden and GM are undergoing a transformation that is committed to driving our markets toward success.

“We are focussed on the long-term fundamentals, such as ensuring Holden retains its proud Australian identity and provides customers with the best possible cars.

“It’s critical we focus on consumer and market-driven product strategies that enable global scale while engaging customers at a local-market level. The Astra, Cascada and Insignia are proof
positive of our strategy.”

Dorizas said the three Europe-sourced models aligned with Holden’s heritage and brand, but would bring only “niche” sales volumes.

“Astra, Cascada and Insigina will be niche vehicles in terms of volume for our company, and their performance credentials and premium execution are a perfect match for Holden and will provide
yet more fantastic choice for our customers,” he said.

“We are building a strong future for Holden by focusing on our customers, our dealers, our employees and our products.”

>> Holden dealers to deliver confidence to Opel

>> Holden to keep Lang Lang

>> Lang Lang not a PR move