Kiwis to get Astra sedan, all-new Equinox SUV in 2017
Holden New Zealand is increasing its line up with two new vehicles that were revealed today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Joining the Astra hatchback, that will be launched in February this year, will be the Astra sedan, that was badged Chevrolet Cruze at the motor show.
Replacing the Korean built Captiva SUV will be the compact crossover Equinox, based on another all-new platform from General Motors, post-GFC.
The 2017 Holden Equinox. Photo / Liz Dobson
The Holden Spark was the first vehicle built on an all-new platform post-GFC.
They will also join the all-new Trax small SUV, that will be launched in February, with the Astra sedan expected in New Zealand shortly after the Australia launch in May.
By late 2017, the Acadia seven-seater large SUV will go on sale in New Zealand, followed by the Equinox five-seater.
The new vehicles are part of the Holden’s global strategy as manufacturing finishes in Australia this year.
Instead GM Holden Australia and Holden NZ will gain vehicles from the global family, with 24 all-new models by 2020.
Holden NZ’s corporate affairs general manager, Ed Finn, told Driven exclusively at Detroit that the company was very excited to have the Equinox join its lineup.
“The opportunity to introduce new technology, assistance packages, connectivity and revitalised drive trains is exciting,” said Finn.
GM’s Detroit headquarters is working with Holden in calibrating the Equinox for the local market, a factor that Finn said was significant.
“It’s a massive vote of confidence as recognition of the importance of the Australian and New Zealand market as so much attention is being paid to the market and the future is important for Holden.”
Astra sedan, badged as a Chevorlet Cruze at the North American International Auto Show. Photo / Liz Dobson
Details of power trains and prices will be announced closer to the launch date of the Equinox, but in North America, the compact SUV comes with a 1.5-litre turbo petrol paired with a six-speed auto transmission; a 2-litre turbo petrol with a 9 speed auto; and for the first time, a 1.6-litre diesel alongside the 6-speed auto.
While the Astra hatch is being marketed as “sports performance and sports premium” vehicle, said Finn, the sedan will be more “comfort orientated”.
“It will fulfill a particular customer demand in our market while the Astra hatch is the greater volume vehicle,” said Finn.
