Holden Astra GTC, Astra VXR and Cascada Arrive in Australia [50 Photos]

They started life as Opels and Vauxhalls, but now they have been rebadged as Holdens for their journey to Australia. We’re talking about the Astra GTC, Astra VXR and Cascada convertible, which will soon launch Down Under.

The new models are part of the 24 major vehicle launches and 36 powertrain combinations Holden announced for the next five years. Designed and engineered in Germany, both the Holden Astra and Cascada will act as aspirational, halo vehicles to Holden, as Holden’s Executive Director – Sales, Peter Keley, said.

The Holden Astra will be offered as the GTC, GTC Sport and VXR in Australia, with the GTC models being equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. In combination with the manual, the 1.6-liter unit produces 197hp (200PS) and 280Nm (206lb-ft) of torque, but it is detuned to 168hp (170PS) and 260Nm (192lb-ft) in the automatic model.

Standard features for the Astra GTC include Sportec bolster sports seat and the Holden MyLink infotainment system, while the Astra GTC Sport adds 19-inch alloy wheels, alloy sports pedals, leather sports seats and a sports body kit.

The range-topping Holden Astra VXR is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline unit which produces 276hp (280PS) and 400Nm (295lb-ft) of torque. The model features Brembo front brakes, electro-hydraulic steering as well as the FlexRide tuning system which allows drivers to choose from three pre-configured ride settings.

The VXR rides on 20-inch alloy wheels and features a VXR body kit, alloy sports pedals and VXR steering wheel. Inside, eight-way adjustable VXR leather appointed sports seats with power bolsters and lumbar support for both driver and passenger are offered.

Finally, the Holden Cascada will be available in two guises from launch: Cascada and Cascada Launch Edition. The latter will be built in a limited run of 50 units, all fitted with premium Nappa leather, ventilated front seats and a leather sports steering wheel. Exterior upgrades include 20-inch alloy wheels, Adaptive Forward Lighting and Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED DRL’s (Daylight Running Lamps).

The Holden Astra and Cascada will go on sale on May 4 in Australia.