Astra 2017

The Holden Astra is due to hit NZ shores next year.

The range includes three variants - the R, RS and RS-V. A 5-star ANCAP rating has been awarded to the vehicle's RS and RS-V hatch variants and while it scored well across the board, the pedestrian protection feature stands out above the rest.

All three variants have downsized turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines – the R with a 1.4-litre, the RS and RS-V with a 1.6-litre. On all versions, there’s the choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearboxes. AA Motoring Services General Manager Stella Stocks says she’s increasing seeing technologies in cars that factor in the safety of all road users and not just those inside a vehicle. “For a long time the concept of vehicle safety has been extending beyond the inside of a car and is now about creating safer driving environments in the wider sense,” says Stocks. “This is important and good news for all the different kinds of road users we have now given the growth in transport options". The Astra comes equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) which helps the driver stay in control of the vehicle in the event of a slide or swerve, and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) which helps to prevent nose to tail crashes. The vehicle will include alloy wheels, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lamps, and 7 or 8-inch touch screens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Holden New Zealand managing director Kristian Aquilina told Trademe motors, “It'll be priced for the value that it offers,” “It's a premium product definitely, in the segment, but it doesn't necessarily mean it's premium priced.”