Holden Astra Coupe, Insignia VXR retired
The Holden Astra Coupe and Insignia VXR have been quietly dropped from the company’s website, meaning the Commodore SS models are the only performance offerings left in the line-up.
Both models have begun to show their age recently, considering they have been on sale in Europe and the UK as Opels and Vauxhalls since 2009 – though introduced to Australia originally as Opels in 2013 and then re-launched as Holdens in 2015.
Of course, with new-generation platforms now in production (albeit, with no three-door Astra) and a new Insignia VXR spied, it is no surprise both cars have been sent to pasture.
So far we know the current mid-size Insignia will be replaced by the larger new-generation Insignia in Australia, which will be known here as the next Commodore, filling both the medium and large gaps in Holden’s range.
Above: Holden Astra VXR, Top: Holden Insignia VXR
However, the company is yet to reveal its plans for a three-door hatch – if there are any – with the new-generation Astra only being offered in five-door form.
Globally, the new-generation Astra is offered in either five-door hatch or wagon body styles, meaning a new ‘coupe’ version, if one is to come, is still to be revealed.
The axing of the Astra Coupe range spells the end for both the GTC Sport and hi-po VXR variants, leaving Holden without a hot hatch to rival the Ford Focus ST and Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Above: Holden Astra GTC Sport
A spokesperson for Holden Australia has indicated both models are being phased out of production, with the new Insignia already on sale in Europe, though details of remaining stocks or whether order books are closed are still to be confirmed.
Thanks to Jordan for the news tip!
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