Opel Astra.. Why? - what happened to Holden Astra?

**Sorted** · 03-09-2012, 02:04 PM

I saw alot of adds for these Astra's over the weekend and thought why?
Where will these be sold? In Holden Dealerships?
Is this all about marketing strategy to use Opel as the Make instead of Holden?

http://www.themotorreport.com.au/547...e-in-australia

Opel will launch itself into Australia's hugely competitive small-car market in
September with the Astra five-door Hatch and Tourer wagon, along with the three-door Astra GTC. The new sedan will not be offered in Australia.

Local pricing for all three cars has been revealed today, with the practical Astra kicking off at $23,990 in hatch form and $27,990 for the wagon. The sporting Astra GTC will enter at $28,990.

In Australia, Opel will put the Astra against the market-leading Mazda3 and Hyundai i30 cars, along with platform mate the Holden Cruze and German compatriot the Volkswagen Golf.

While it will share the honour with the Cruze and the Golf, the Astra will have one advantage over the strong-selling Mazda3 and i30 cars: the option of a wagon body.

Five-door Hatch
•Opel Astra - 1.4 Petrol MT - $23,990
•Opel Astra - 1.4 Petrol AT - $25,990
•Opel Astra - 2.0 Diesel MT S /S - $27,990
•Opel Astra - 2.0 Diesel AT - $29,990
•Opel Astra Select - 1.6 Petrol MT - $28,990
•Opel Astra Select - 1.6 Petrol AT - $30,990
•Opel Astra Select - 2.0 Diesel MT S /S - $31,990
•Opel Astra Select - 2.0 Diesel AT - $33,990
•Opel Astra Sports - 1.6 Petrol MT - $33,490
•Opel Astra Sports - 1.6 Petrol AT - $35,490

Sports Tourer wagon
•Opel Astra - 1.4 Petrol AT - $27,990
•Opel Astra - 2.0 Diesel AT - $31,990
•Opel Astra Select - 1.6 Petrol AT - $32,990
•Opel Astra Select - 2.0 Diesel AT - $35,990

Astra GTC three-door
•Opel Astra GTC - 1.4 Petrol MT S/S - $28,990
•Opel Astra GTC - 1.4 Petrol AT - $30,990
•Opel Astra GTC Sport - 1.6 Petrol MT - $34,990

Yellow_Festiva · 03-09-2012, 02:12 PM

15% too pricy IMO. There have been a few other brands in the past that were introduced at a premium and they failed... Hope Opel don't do the same.

castellan · 03-09-2012, 02:31 PM

Holden is mainly just a rubbish daywoo now, so Opel has to try to give it a go.

I can see the day coming i think that we will not have GMH but it will be called GM australia.

Maybe Opel will take over GM in aus.

**Silver Ghia** · 03-09-2012, 02:21 PM

I noticed the advertising over the weekend and today on TV and newspapers.

I wonder how the cam drive belt situation is in the current models? The Holden Astras were a shocker. They seem to have the looks which a normal buyer would be attracted to. And they are German with a German name, so they must be good.

Mr Hardware · 03-09-2012, 02:28 PM

and remember underneath they are essentially a Cruze.

But yes good question about the timing belt situation Silver Ghia - i don't mind a timing belt, I do mind one on an interference motor though, like the Astras are.
Especially in an era when other manufacturers (hyundai, toyota etc) have gone back to timing chains.

**Polyal** · 03-09-2012, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Hardware

and remember underneath they are essentially a Cruze.

But yes good question about the timing belt situation Silver Ghia - i don't mind a timing belt, I do mind one on an interference motor though, like the Astras are.
Especially in an era when other manufacturers (hyundai, toyota etc) have gone back to timing chains.

What?

Are you saying the Opel is like a Daewoo? If so it could not be further from the truth. Opel make good solid cars, GM/Daewoo do not.

cobramania · 03-09-2012, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polyal

What?

Are you saying the Opel is like a Daewoo? If so it could not be further from the truth. Opel make good solid cars, GM/Daewoo do not.

Opel is a GM company & has been since about the 1930's. The base of both the Opel Astra & Cruze are the same platform, GM's Delta 2 Platform, just like the territory's based on the Falcon platform. Essentially the same car underneath with different panels on top. Pretty sure both cars come out of some of the same GM factories around the world, so same quality. The old Holden Astra's were made at Holdens Elizabeth plant, the Cruzes are also made there, I don't think the new Opel Astras will be made there at the start, but may be sometime in the future, so that makes them all GMHolden quality.

SumoDog68 · 04-09-2012, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cobramania

Opel is a GM company & has been since about the 1930's. The base of both the Opel Astra & Cruze are the same platform, GM's Delta 2 Platform, just like the territory's based on the Falcon platform. Essentially the same car underneath with different panels on top. Pretty sure both cars come out of some of the same GM factories around the world, so same quality. The old Holden Astra's were made at Holdens Elizabeth plant, the Cruzes are also made there, I don't think the new Opel Astras will be made there at the start, but may be sometime in the future, so that makes them all GMHolden quality.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikked

Well, better not let those undercover cops and/or paid off crims deal drugs in a sting...

Thats entrapment and its not allowed, the police are forcing you to buy drugs dammit!

Astra was never made at Holdens Elizabeth plant - first Holden Astra was joint venture with Nissan and was assembled at Clayton , second gen was Vauxhall imported from UK , third TS Astra was imported from Belgium and AH was also belgium built with TS moved to Poland.
Opel is looking to sell some cars as they were bankrupt in Germany and as
Holden has taken Korean product Opel has decided to enter Aussie market indenpendently. They are both GM subsidaries but now in competition in Australia.

Terror_Tree · 04-09-2012, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SumoDog68

They are both GM subsidaries but now in competition in Australia.

Maybe I am missing something, but this doesen't make sense to me at all.

Vesper Martini · 04-09-2012, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SumoDog68

Opel is looking to sell some cars as they were bankrupt in Germany and as
Holden has taken Korean product Opel has decided to enter Aussie market indenpendently. They are both GM subsidaries but now in competition in Australia.

I wonder why GM(USA) would entertain this, or do they have a say

malazn mafia · 06-09-2012, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SumoDog68

Astra was never made at Holdens Elizabeth plant - first Holden Astra was joint venture with Nissan and was assembled at Clayton , second gen was Vauxhall imported from UK , third TS Astra was imported from Belgium and AH was also belgium built with TS moved to Poland.
Opel is looking to sell some cars as they were bankrupt in Germany and as
Holden has taken Korean product Opel has decided to enter Aussie market indenpendently. They are both GM subsidaries but now in competition in Australia.

GM, the only divided kingdom that continues to exist

stevz · 03-09-2012, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polyal

What?

Are you saying the Opel is like a Daewoo? If so it could not be further from the truth. Opel make good solid cars, GM/Daewoo do not.

WTF are you smoking?

Cruze is a global vehicle in which Opel did a large amount of engineering and development work. So yes, the Cruze and Opel Astra are basically the same cars underneath the skin. Saying that Cruze is pure Daewoo is sheer ignorance, besides Daewoo hasn't even existed for a number of years now.

brett7777 · 06-09-2012, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polyal

What?

Are you saying the Opel is like a Daewoo? If so it could not be further from the truth. Opel make good solid cars, GM/Daewoo do not.

Have you ever googled the words 'opel astra problem' or 'vauxhall astra problem' or 'holden astra problem' - I had to once, because a relative's astra had a problem & I was being asked for help. I was amazed at the nightmare stories & bad reviews. I got the impression that they are a very bad car. That is coupled with the people that we know, that have late model ones & have had problems. Just saying.

**Polyal** · 06-09-2012, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brett7777

Have you ever googled the words 'opel astra problem' or 'vauxhall astra problem' or 'holden astra problem' - I had to once, because a relative's astra had a problem & I was being asked for help. I was amazed at the nightmare stories & bad reviews. I got the impression that they are a very bad car. That is coupled with the people that we know, that have late model ones & have had problems. Just saying.

Well ours was brought in 2000 and had stock everything, suspension, clutch the lot and was still going strong at 140,000k's..sold it to a loady a few months back who sms'd me saying its a brilliant car and she is happy. So while not all the stories are like that my experience was very good.

In saying that, like every make, you have to be smart about what model you buy. The first of that series ~1994 were troublesome...but by the end it was great. Same can be said for most Falcons really. BA not so good..BF2 nice etc

**DJM83** · 06-09-2012, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brett7777

Have you ever googled the words 'opel astra problem' or 'vauxhall astra problem' or 'holden astra problem' - I had to once, because a relative's astra had a problem & I was being asked for help. I was amazed at the nightmare stories & bad reviews. I got the impression that they are a very bad car. That is coupled with the people that we know, that have late model ones & have had problems. Just saying.

They are global cars so if there was a problem I'd say it would involve cars around the world. Imagine if territorys were global with poor ball joints. And because the astra was global it looked worse.

**DJM83** · 03-09-2012, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Hardware

and remember underneath they are essentially a Cruze.

Means nothing they are world's apart .
I went to the opening at the Brisbane dealer with some Opel Aus guys on Saturday for a look. They have some decent cars the Insignia sedan is awesome. I'm just hoping they bring the OPC /VXR astra because it might well be my next car.

tweeked · 03-09-2012, 02:36 PM

Not a bad thing. Just trying to distance themselves from the Holden name - people want European for the perceived quality.

If Ford could they probably would.

sgt_doofey · 03-09-2012, 03:42 PM

That wagon is really, really ugly. And that is coming from someone who owns a Peugeot.

Fiesta_Man69 · 03-09-2012, 04:30 PM

Wait for Opel to launch the Insignia in Aus. It's an awesome car... There will be ques for it... If Opel get the price right....

**DJM83** · 03-09-2012, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fiesta_Man69

Wait for Opel to launch the Insignia in Aus. It's an awesome car... There will be ques for it... If Opel get the price right....

Its already here.

Fiesta_Man69 · 03-09-2012, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJM83

Its already here.

Just saw an ad for the forthcoming Opel range during Top Gear on Channel Go... They look awesome.

**DJM83** · 03-09-2012, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fiesta_Man69

Just saw an ad for the forthcoming Opel range during Top Gear on Channel Go... They look awesome.

Agreed. As i posted though, this is what im waiting for. My luck it wont be in my price range.

Poetic Justice · 05-09-2012, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fiesta_Man69

Wait for Opel to launch the Insignia in Aus. It's an awesome car... There will be ques for it... If Opel get the price right....

I've just spent 5 weeks in Europe and these Insignia's are everywhere. Nice looking car too, will do well in Aus if priced right.

I wonder if they'll be allowed to sell the Ampera here? Their version of the Volt.

Bossxr8 · 05-09-2012, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCUD

I've just spent 5 weeks in Europe and these Insignia's are everywhere. Nice looking car too, will do well in Aus if priced right.

I wonder if they'll be allowed to sell the Ampera here? Their version of the Volt.

I was reading yesterday that they don't plan to sell the current Ampera, but may look at it in the next generation.

Mr Hardware · 03-09-2012, 04:35 PM

OOh some upset people ITT.

The Astra/Cruze is based on the GM Delta II platform, and shares the same ethos and market segment as the J-platform (Camria etc) of the 80s.

Kayos · 03-09-2012, 05:09 PM

Here come the euro taxis, and the begining of the end of GMH... Bet this will take off as the next fresh thing, and the "sports tourer wagons" fit right in with the fleets that use mondeo.. smart move, more sales walk for FoA

**Polyal** · 03-09-2012, 05:49 PM

I dont care whats on what platform...unless something has drastically changed over the last few years having owned an Opel GMH I know they are good cars and are far better than the rubbish GMH is selling now.

**DJM83** · 03-09-2012, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polyal

I dont care whats on what platform...unless something has drastically changed over the last few years having owned an Opel GMH I know they are good cars and are far better than the rubbish GMH is selling now.

Exactly, these cars are light years apart from the other rubbish they share platforms with.

JG66ME · 03-09-2012, 05:56 PM

And a turbo diesel with a manual transmission. That excites me.

I would rather buy a Focus Titanium Diesel if I could get it with a manual. Seeing as Ford sees fit only to sell automatics I won't be.

Bossxr8 · 03-09-2012, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JG66ME

And a turbo diesel with a manual transmission. That excites me.

I would rather buy a Focus Titanium Diesel if I could get it with a manual. Seeing as Ford sees fit only to sell automatics I won't be.

A diesel manual excites you

Do you happen to wear cardigans?

Looks like Opel figured out their cars were too good to be wearing Holden badges, and its good to see Holden realised Opel were too good to be Holdens and Daewoos were more worthy of the Holden badge.

The Astra is a Focus rival in Europe, I wonder home many suckers will pay thousands more than a Focus for a car that should be a similar price.

From what i've read Opel are dropping the premium price tag in Europe they have tried over the past few years and back to pricing where they were a few years ago, competing with Ford etc and not VW.