Sydney Motor Show: Holden Launches New Astra Twintop & SRI Models

[JoeT]

New Astra Twintop & SRI Models Debut At Australian International Motor Show

GM Media
26 October 2006
www.media.gm.com

Holden today revealed two exciting new Astra models at the 2006 Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.

The Astra TwinTop retractable hard top convertible and sporty SRi five-door hatch made their Australian debuts on the Holden show stand. Both vehicles, and a new SRi three-door coupe, will be on sale in December.

All three models are driven by a 2.2-litre direct injection four-cylinder ECOTEC engine which produces 110kW of peak power and 215Nm of peak torque.

The engine is the first Astra engine to offer variable high-pressure direct fuel injection, enhancing its efficiency compared with multi-point fuel injection systems.

The new releases confirm the AH Astra line-up as one of Australia’s most comprehensive small car ranges. Astra is Holden’s second biggest selling carline behind Commodore.

Holden's Small Car Marketing Manager, Teresa Basile, said there was now an Astra to suit almost everybody.

“Astra has been a very successful nameplate for Holden and we’re confident that the addition of these three new performance models will enhance its popularity,” Ms Basile said.

“The releases are a direct response to the growth in the premium small car market and target an emerging segment of small cars buyers with specific needs.

"The new models deliver European styling, more performance and the balanced handling for which Astra is renowned. Combined with a high level of specification and competitive pricing, we believe they will be a hit in the small car segment.”

Astra TwinTop

The TwinTop brings retractable hard top technology to the small convertible market at an accessible price.

Available in either a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, this cutting-edge European import is two cars in one - changing from a sporty coupe to a stylish convertible in just 30 seconds.

The stunning TwinTop has a three-piece retractable hard top allowing the roof to fold tightly, ensuring the rear of the car remains space efficient and in perfect proportion.

A functional and stylish vehicle, it has the ability to seat up to four people and boasts 205 litres of storage space when the roof is open and 440 litres when the roof is closed.

As a secure coupe, the Astra TwinTop offers passengers a quiet interior with suppressed wind noise – a disadvantage often associated with soft top convertibles.

Feature highlights:

Power retractable hard top roof with remote control
Sports Chassis Pack
Electronic Stability Program (ESP®)
17-inch alloy wheels (16-inch steel spare)
Driver, front passenger and side airbags
Leather faced seats
Six disc in dash CD changer
Rear park assist
Colour Selection:

Power Red (solid)
Black Sapphire (metallic)
Star Silver (metallic)
Pannacotta Gold (metallic)
Metro Blue (metallic)
Recommended Retail Price:
(plus dealer delivery and government charges)

Astra TwinTop (manual) $45,490
Astra TwinTop (automatic) $47,490
Metallic paint: $360 extra.

On sale:

December, 2006.

Astra SRi coupe and hatch

The sporty Astra SRi three-door coupe and dynamic SRi five-door hatch models add the excitement and performance from the more powerful direct injection 110 kW 2.2-litre engine.

Both models come equipped with a standard six-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch alloy wheels, sports chassis pack, semi automatic climate control, leather heated seats and a lower sports body kit.

These features are complemented by advanced safety features such as driver, front passenger, front side impact and curtain airbags. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control and the acclaimed crash avoidance system Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) are also standard.

Feature Highlights:

17-inch alloy wheels (16-inch steel spare)
Sports chassis pack
Electronic Stability Program (ESP®)
Semi automatic climate control
Driver, front passenger, front side and curtain airbags
Charcoal leather trim heated seats
Lower sports body kit
Rear roof spoiler
Colour Selection:

Magma Red (solid)
Casablanca White (solid)
Black Sapphire (metallic)
Moonland Grey (metallic)
Ultra Blue (metallic)
Peacock Blue (metallic)
Star Silver (metallic)
Recommended Retail Price:
(plus dealer delivery and government charges)

Astra SRi 3-Door Coupe (manual) $30,490
Astra SRi 3-Door Coupe (automatic) $32,490
Astra SRi 5-Door Hatch (manual) $29,990
Astra SRi 5-Door Hatch (automatic) $31,990
Metallic paint: $360 extra.

On sale:

December, 2006

ESP® is a registered trademark of Daimler Chrysler AG
Power and torque figures as per ECE regulations

Holden Astra TwinTop

[Aych Es Vee]

I wish we didnt get the Vauxhall grill.....

The last Astra convertible was about the same price, and sold incredibly well, so this should do the same.

[Butz]

Lucky Aussies, I'm envious.

[01cavalier]

Originally Posted by Butz

Lucky Aussies, I'm envious.

Same here, these should be sold in the US too.

[stevecmh]

im pretty sure they can fit a Saturn badge in the grill.


BTW i like the new spelling check feature on the quick reply box

[tgagneguam]

Originally Posted by stevecmh

im pretty sure they can fit a Saturn badge in the grill.


BTW i like the new spelling check feature on the quick reply box

Is "im" [sic] a word?

(Relax, I'm teasing you, stevecmh.)

[jwvrod]

Great looking convertable.

[cemaxc]

The same basic vehicle is sold here already. Ever heard of the Pontiac G6 convertable?

[ctaylorzl1]

Originally Posted by Butz

Lucky Aussies, I'm envious.

no joke, the closest thing we ever got to a small compact convertable was the Cavalier convt.

[mikmak]

That thing is goign to sell like crazy! Wish it had a turbo version like the last model though. I will be interested to see the local review on the DI engine.

I'll bet Sydney has alreay ordered most of the first allotment.