!NEW! European Invasion: Holden Astra and Cascada Launch

• Holden launches European-sourced Astra GTC, Astra VXR and Cascada convertible
• Astra available in performance focused 1.6L turbo and 2.0L turbo engines
• Cascada convertible introduced with a Special Launch Edition 

2015 Holden Astra GTC Sport 

2015 Holden Astra VXR

Holden’s introduction of the stylish and sporty Astra alongside the elegant Cascada convertible marks the beginning of an exciting product onslaught by Holden, promising to deliver 24 major vehicle launches and 36 powertrain combinations in the next five years.

2015 Holden Cascada Convertible

The European manufactured Astra and Cascada are both designed and engineered in Germany, at Opel’s Russelsheim base, and exhibit the exceptional build quality and refinement synonymous with European cars.

Engineering integrity and the promise of outstanding road performance is ensured after long, demanding validation testing - 10,000kms of which for VXR was completed at the iconic mecca for all driving enthusiasts; the Nurburgring Nordschliefe track.

Holden’s Executive Director – Sales, Peter Keley, said Astra and Cascada would act as aspirational, halo vehicles to Holden, and Holden Dealers were excited to finally take delivery of the cars.

“Astra and Cascada exhibit all the hallmarks of premium European manufactured cars.  Both are visually stunning with great road presence and exceptional build quality.” Mr Keley said.

“We are confident these are the right cars for Australia, giving buyers a vehicle to aspire to own and this is something echoed by our Dealers.

“Dealers nationwide have expressed interest and excitement in Astra and Cascada and are looking forward to getting their hands on them.”

ASTRA

The Holden Astra nameplate became a firm favourite with Australian drivers and resonated with those looking for European performance when it was first launched in 1996.  The refreshed 2015 Holden Astra is introduced in GTC and GTC Sport trim levels in addition to the ultra-sporty VXR, exuding exceptional road presence and a stylish, unmistakably European design.

ASTRA GTC AND GTC SPORT

2015 Holden Astra GTC Sport 

Astra GTC and GTC Sport are stylish, progressive looking sports hatches that effortlessly blend drive comfort with a sports look and feel.  Both come equipped with a lively 1.6 litre turbocharged engine coupled with a responsive six-speed manual or automatic transmission. 

The automatic transmission is accompanied by active select and when combined with the 1.6 litre turbo engine provides 125 kW power and 260 Nm torque, ensuring an exciting and engaging driving experience.  In the even sportier, manual transmission, Astra offers an increased 147 kW power and 280 Nm torque, targeted at those wanting a more dynamic drive.

The European engineered Astra comes with a high-tech HiPerStrut front suspension to offer improved handling characteristics and direct steering response.  With a shortened spindle length and reduced kingpin inclination, Astra’s HiPerStrut helps prevent the torque steer so often seen in powerful front-wheel-drive cars.

Sportec bolster sports seat (leather appointed in GTC Sport)

Inside Astra GTC and GTC Sport the European design and engineering excels with Sportec bolster sports seat (leather appointed in GTC Sport) and the award winning Holden MyLink infotainment system taking centre stage.  The MyLink system comes with a seven-inch colour screen display, integrated Pandora®, Stitcher™ and TuneIn Radio apps as well as satellite navigation.

2015 Holden Astra GTC Sport - MyLink system comes with a seven-inch colour screen display, integrated Pandora®, Stitcher™ and TuneIn Radio apps as well as satellite navigation.

In addition to the impressive list of features already available on Astra GTC, GTC Sport adds 19-inch alloy wheels, alloy sports pedals, leather sports seats and a sports body kit to earn the ‘Sport’ name it proudly bares.

ASTRA VXR

2015 Holden Astra VXR

Sitting at the top of the Astra model range, Astra VXR is the ultimate ‘hot hatch’, boasting a 2.0 litre turbocharged engine which is able to unleash 206 kW of power and a staggering 400 Nm of torque.  Brembo front brakes provide a security net to accompany the Astra VXR’s unbridled power, in addition to electro-hydraulic steering for a direct, engaging steering feel, allowing drivers to put the car precisely where they want it.

Astra VXR is a ‘no holds barred’ sports hatch that is as at home on track as in the city.  Key to its versatility is the acclaimed FlexRide tuning system which allows drivers to choose from three pre-configured ride settings according to their environment: 

• Standard – all-round performance with comfort
• Sport – stiffer chassis, improved agility and more direct steering
• VXR – more direct steering, more responsive throttle, and tuned for maximum performance

Supporting Astra VXR’s impressive dynamic setup is its unmistakable appearance and superior road presence.  VXR wears 20-inch alloy wheels, coupled with VXR sports body kit, alloy sports pedals and VXR steering wheel.

2015 Holden Astra VXR - Eight-way adjustable VXR leather appointed sports seats with power bolsters and lumbar support for both driver and passenger.

Like its calmer siblings, VXR is well equipped inside too.  As well as offering the same MyLink infotainment system as GTC and GTC Sport, it also shows off eight-way adjustable VXR leather appointed sports seats with power bolsters and lumbar support for both driver and passenger. 

CASCADA

2015 Holden Cascada Convertible

Setting a new benchmark in attainable luxury, Cascada is an elegant, yet responsive, full size four-seat convertible designed for beachside cruising and the open road.

Formally known as Astra Convertible, Cascada has established a name in its own right with its ability to appeal to a completely different type of buyer.

Cascada will be available in two guises from launch; Cascada and a special Cascada Launch Edition, of which only 50 units will be available.

CASCADA

Cascada comes with a versatile 1.6 litre turbo engine, which when coupled with its smooth six-speed automatic transmission, delivers an easy and enjoyable driving experience, on urban and regional roads.

Dynamically, Cascada has been engineered with strength and rigidity in mind, ensuring drivers get the perfect balance between solid cornering performance and the freedom associated with driving a convertible.

Stunning exterior design is complimented with 18-inch alloy wheels and a secure, triple-layered acoustic power hood able to be retracted in just 17 seconds whilst on the move at speeds of up to 50kph.

Cascada’s perforated leather appointed seats and intuitive MyLink infotainment system provide a luxurious touch on a flexible, four seat interior design.

2015 Holden Cascada Convertible - Perforated leather appointed seats and intuitive MyLink infotainment system

CASCADA LAUNCH EDITION

A limited number of just 50 special, Cascada Launch Edition vehicles will be available to celebrate the return of the convertible body style to the Holden range.

Cascada Launch Edition dials up the luxury even more by adding premium Nappa leather appointed and ventilated front seats and a leather sports steering wheel.  There is also significant differentiation on the car’s exterior with 20-inch alloy wheels, Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) and Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED DRL’s (Daylight Running Lamps).

SERVICE

Holden’s commitment to delivering excellent customer value extends beyond the purchase of Astra and Cascada, with the recently launched and ground-breaking Holden Lifetime Capped Price Servicing (CPS) program.

And with Holden’s extensive dealer network offering Australia’s largest CPS program Astra and Cascada buyers get peace of mind with transparent service pricing for life.

Astra and Cascada will go on sale 4 May 2015 and are available in a wide range of exterior colour choices to suit a range of personalities.

PRODUCT DETAILS

ASTRA

Astra GTC and GTC Sport colours Summit White Power Red Carbon Flash Black* Sunny Melon Yellow Buzz Blue* Silver Lake*

Astra VXR colours Summit White Power Red Carbon Flash Black* Sunny Melon Yellow Arden Blue*

^*Prestige paint at $550 premium

GTC

• 1.6 litre SIDI turbo engine
• Six-speed manual / six-speed automatic transmission
• Dual front, side and curtain airbags
• ESC and ABS
• Hill start assist
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• 17-inch steel space saver spare wheel
• Cloth Morrocana sports seats with Sportec bolsters
• Satellite Navigation
• Air conditioning with particle filter
• Electric Power Steering (EPS)
• Front and Rear Park Assist
• ISOFIX child seat anchorage system (two positions)
• Auto headlamps
• Projector headlamps (halogen)
• Rain sensing wipers
• Start/stop (MT only)
• Leather steering wheel
• Enhanced multi-function display (one colour) with:
  • Vehicle information menu
  • Trip information menu
  • Fuel economy menu
  • Warning/messages
• Holden MyLink Infotainment System with seven-inch colour screen display
• Integrated apps
  • Pandora
  • Stitcher
  • Tune In Radio
• DAB digital radio
• Single CD player with MP3 capability
• Universal hands free with Bluetooth phone
• Bluetooth® audio streaming, USB and auxiliary input jack

GTC Sport (above GTC)

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• LED tail lamps
• Perforated leather appointed Mondial trim
• Eight-way adjustable driver seat with power lumbar control
• Heated front seats
• Alloy sports pedals
• Dual zone climate control
• Leather sports steering wheel
• Sports body kit (front bumper lower spoiler edge, rear bumper lower spoiler edge, rocker moulding)
• Electric park brake

Astra VXR

• 2.0 litre turbo engine
• Six-speed manual transmission
• Dual front, side and curtain airbags
• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Performance brakes – Brembo front calipers, front and rear cross drilled rotors
• Alloy sports pedals
• FlexRide with continuous damping control
• Electro-hydraulic power steering
• Start/stop
• Rear park assist
• ISOFIX child seat anchorage system (two positions)
• Sports performance chassis
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• ESC and ABS
• Auto headlamps
• LED tail lamps
• VXR roof spoiler
• VXR sports seats
• Perforated leather appointed Nappa trim
• Eight-way adjustable heated driver and front passenger seat
• Power bolsters and power lumbar – driver and passenger seats
• Satellite navigation
• VXR Leather steering wheel
• VXR floor mats
• Dual zone climate control
• Enhanced multi-function display with:
  • Vehicle information menu
  • Trip information menu
  • Fuel economy menu
  • Warning/messages
• Holden MyLink Infotainment System with 7” colour screen display
• Integrated apps
  • Pandora
  • Stitcher
  • Tune In Radio
• DAB digital radio
• Single CD player with MP3 capability
• Universal hands free with Bluetooth phone
• Bluetooth® audio streaming, USB and auxiliary input jack

CASCADA

Cascada colours

• Summit White
• Carbon Flash Black*
• Phantom Grey*
• Deep Sky Blue*
• Nitrate Silver*

^*Prestige paint at $550 premium

Cascada

• 1.6 litre SIDI turbo engine
• Six-speed automatic transmission
• Dual front and side airbags
• ESC and ABS
• Hill start assist
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• 17-inch steel space saver spare wheel
• Electric folding acoustically insulated roof
• Sports suspension
• Electric park brake
• Heated power outside mirrors
• Heated front sports seats
• Leather appointed trim perforated Siena seats
• Alloy sports pedals
• Satellite navigation
• Cruise control
• Rear view camera
• Dual zone air conditioning
• Electric Power Steering (EPS)
• Front and Rear Park Assist
• ISOFIX child seat anchorage system (two positions)
• Auto projector headlamps (halogen), DRL’s and front fog lamps
• Rain sensing wipers
• Heated leather steering wheel
• Enhanced multi-function display (one colour) with:
  • Vehicle information menu
  • Trip information menu
  • Fuel economy menu
  • Warning/messages
• Holden MyLink Infotainment System with 7” colour screen display
• Integrated apps
  • Pandora
  • Stitcher
  • Tune In Radio
• DAB digital radio
• Single CD player with MP3 capability
• Universal hands free with Bluetooth
• Bluetooth® audio streaming, USB and auxiliary input jack

Cascada Launch Edition (50 units)

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Premium nappa leather appointed sports seats
• Ventilated front seats
• Leather sports steering wheel
• Adaptive Forward Lighting and Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED DRL’s

!NEW! Opel with OnStar Connectivity: All-Round Vehicle Services Solution

Opel and OnStar: The next level of vehicle connectivity

• Automaker preparing launch of OnStar in Europe in 2015
• Powerful 4G LTE wi-fi connection
• State-of-the-art connectivity possibilities increase safety and comfort

Opel and OnStar: Today Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann announced the introduction of OnStar at the Geneva Auto Show 

Opel launches the next level of vehicle connectivity at the Geneva Motor Show. At today’s press conference, Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann announced the introduction of OnStar. “OnStar and Opel will make driving in Europe safer and more relaxed from 2015,” said Neumann. “With OnStar 4G/LTE, Opel drivers will enjoy high-speed mobile connectivity, and with this we take a major step towards realizing our vision of connectivity – the Opel Monza Concept that we presented last fall.” OnStar is the leading brand of connected safety and security solutions, value-added mobility services and advanced information technology.

Opel also presents three hot new models at its booth in Hall 2. Karl-Thomas Neumann unveiled the cool and charismatic ADAM Rocks, the racy ADAM S and the super sporty Astra OPC EXTREME. ADAM ROCKS also showcases another debut in Geneva: the 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo engine. ADAM is the first car to feature the small powerhouse, which will gradually become available in other models. Opel’s major powertrain offensive is also making strides on the diesel front: visitors in Geneva can for the first time take a close look at the Astra with the 81 kW/110 hp version of the new generation 1.6 CDTI Turbo diesel.

More than 6.5 million customers in the U.S., Canada, China, and Mexico already use OnStar connected services. Opel is planning to introduce OnStar across its passenger car range in selected European markets beginning in 2015. Karl-Thomas Neumann explained which services will make driving easier and more carefree:

1. 4G LTE connection: With OnStar 4G LTE, the car becomes a powerful, mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, giving easier access to apps and services that require a high-speed cellular or data connection, for up to seven mobile devices.

2. Emergency services: No matter what kind of trouble a driver encounters out on the road, OnStar is there to help. If the airbag deploys, OnStar can be alerted automatically. Even if it's a medical emergency, or you witness a crash, just press your emergency button and OnStar can request help.

3. Remote link: Drivers can remotely connect to their vehicle with the OnStar RemoteLink mobile app. They can view oil life and tire pressure info on their smartphone, and lock or unlock their vehicle via smartphone. Destination addresses can be sent immediately to the on-board navigation system.

4. Stolen vehicle assistance: If a vehicle is ever stolen, OnStar can work with the police to recover it quickly and safely.

5. Roadside assistance: If drivers find themselves stranded, they are never alone. Whether it is an empty gas tank or a flat tire, a push of the emergency button is all it takes for OnStar to request that help be sent.

6. Vehicle diagnostics: OnStar sends a monthly Vehicle Diagnostics email with the most important vehicle data and information. A diagnostic check can be requested at any time at the push of a button.

7. Remote services: Drivers never have to worry about locking their keys in the car again. They just have to call OnStar, where an advisor will verify their account and send a signal to their vehicle to unlock the doors. Destination addresses can be sent immediately to the on-board navigation system by pressing the OnStar button, or via the RemoteLink app.

Additional information about availability of vehicles sold in Europe with OnStar and pricing will be announced closer to the launch.

Top connectivity today: IntelliLink in ADAM, Insignia, Meriva and Co.

Opel already offers ultra-modern connectivity possibilities today – with the innovative infotainment system IntelliLink. The IntelliLink version in the urban lifestyle car Opel ADAM is especially sophisticated. The advanced and yet affordable system makes the small individualization champion the best connected small car on the market. The German trade magazines Auto Bild and Computer Bild recognized the IntelliLink infotainment system in the Opel ADAM with the “Connected Car Award“. A major benefit is that IntelliLink is compatible with both Apple iOS and Android software-operated smartphones. The full scope of options IntelliLink offers with its seven-inch color touchscreen in the ADAM also includes TuneIn, a global radio access app, BringGo, a full function navigation app, and Stitcher, a global podcast internet radio app. The onboard infotainment system’s various functions can be tailored to individual needs and preferences, bringing the smartphone owner’s personal environment into the Opel ADAM.

Also supported by Opel ADAM’s IntelliLink is the Stitcher App, a free global podcast internet radio app which enables users to listen to programs live or after they have been broadcast.

Opel ADAM also offers comprehensive Siri Eyes Free support over the iPhone. To activate Siri in Eyes Free mode, drivers connect their iPhone with IntelliLink via Bluetooth and then press the voice activation button on the steering wheel. Siri Eyes Free can be called up while other apps, such as BringGo Navigation, are running in the background. Music and navigation information is automatically muted during this time. The following functions are available with voice command over Siri Eyes Free.

Opel ADAM IntelliLink - Siri Eyes Free Modus

The high-tech IntelliLink system is not a privilege limited to ADAM. In various infotainment variants, it upgrades the new Insignia and Meriva as well as many other Opel models including the Astra, Mokka, Cascada and Zafira Tourer. The system impresses with direct, pleasant and user-friendly operation. While keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road, drivers enjoy a broad spectrum of information and entertainment. Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming are available, as is the display of images via USB connection, whereby the latter requires the vehicle to be parked. Fast and precise navigation is standard with the Navi 950 Europa IntelliLink system. Destinations can either be entered over the familiar control button or by voice command. The typical IntelliLink monitor surface guarantees excellent readability. In addition, the driver can also have the Navi 950 IntelliLink system read out incoming text messages.

Opel Insignia with completely new infotainment generation incl. 8-inch color-touchscreen, touchpad, steering wheel controls and voice operation.

!NEW! Opel ADAM Shows Even More Individualization Options at IAA 2013

New colors, wheel designs and décor strengthen position as individualization champion

Opel ADAM in three new colors: Arden Blue, Limelight Green and Mahagony Brown

The chic Opel ADAM will strengthen its leadership role as the real individualization champion in the coming months with additional interior and exterior options. Opel will show a preview of what customers can look forward to at the IAA in Frankfurt from September 12 – 22. The ADAM will be at the Opel stand in Hall 8 in two new body colors with a new roof color, new wheel designs and new graphic elements. In the interior, the stylish city car features new décor for the instrument panel, center console and doors, new seat upholstery and additional roofliner designs. All this greatly increases personalization possibilities – to date the ADAM offered no less than 61,000 combination possibilities for the exterior and over 82,000 for the interior – and makes the small Opel the individualization champion par excellence on the market. This enables ADAM buyers to put together the car of their dreams.

Opel expands the ADAM portfolio with new attractive body colors in sophisticated dark Mahogany Brown and dazzling Arden Blue. The new roof color, a vivid, green-beige shimmery Limelight Green, is a real eyecatcher. As will be shown on a white ADAM at the Opel stand at the IAA, the roof color is also of course available for the grille bar and side mirror housings. ADAM customers can also bring the new exterior colors into the car with décor elements and printed instrument panel trim. This wide variety of new options for the unconventional individualization artist is available from January 2014.

The vehicles exhibited at the IAA also show that the ADAM is not only extremely colorful, but that it is the best connected small car as well. Opel’s ultra-modern customizable and very affordable (300 euros) IntelliLink Infotainment system makes new media formats like the increasingly popular smartphones and apps available in-car. A huge advantage is that IntelliLink is compatible with both Apple iOS and Android smartphones. IntelliLink in the ADAM offers access to the Tune-in app for global radio reception, the navigation app BringGo and Stitcher, a global podcast internet radio app. The ADAM also offers comprehensive Siri Eyes-Free support over the iPhone. ADAM drivers only have to tell Siri what they want and the intelligent assistant helps to them to get things done while they keep their hands safely on the steering wheel and their eyes on the road.