HOLDEN BARINA 2011 – 2018

Holden Barina is a small car that has been around in Australia in one form or another since 1985. Interestingly its name is a local Aussie one, being aboriginal for Summit. A virtually all-new Barina was introduced in October 2011. We are covering it in this week’s Used Car Checkout because it’s much more sophisticated than the previous ones. It has electronically stability program, as well as infotainment technology that included GM’s MyLink system. A mild update in November 2016 saw changes to the exterior and interior. Interestingly, the exterior… Read more

HOLDEN CAPTIVA 2006 – 2018

Holden Captiva is a medium sized SUV, buyers tell us they chose it because of its good interior space after comparison with competitors such as Ford Territory and Toyota Kluger. Sales were high from the time it went on sale in 2006 so there are plenty of Captivas to choose from in the used-car scene. Take advantage of this to find one in that suits your needs and budget. Though the Captiva is imported from the General Motors Daewoo factory in South Korea it has extensive Australian input in its… Read more

HOLDEN / OPEL ASTRA 2004 – 2019

The Astra was built by Opel in Europe but rebadged as a Holden. It was sold as the Astra AH from November 2004 until 2009. Interestingly Holden chose to sell the low-cost models of the superseded TS series when the AH series was introduced. These had the title of Astra Classic. In March 2007 it got a facelift and improved engine performance. The Astra AH models discontinued in 2010 to be replaced by cheaper Korean cars. Many Australian drivers didn’t like the dynamics of the Korean models so the Astra… Read more

HOLDEN CRUZE 2009 – 2016

Though it’s officially called a small car the Holden Cruze is quite large and has good leg and shoulder room for four adults. Three children in the back and parents in the front all have room to move. Cruze in sedan format arrived in Australia in June 2009. The five-door hatchback went on sale in November 2011. The revised rear end to create the hatchback was virtually all done in Australia and is sold in many countries globally. A station wagon further added to body options when it arrived in… Read more

HOLDEN CASCADA 2015 – 2017

Holden Cascada is the convertible version of the Holden Astra. It’s sold in most other markets with Opel badges but carried the Holden tag here. Cascada was introduced to Australia in April 2015, but didn’t prove to be a big seller and was quietly slipped off the new-car price list midway through 2017. At almost 4.7 metres long the Cascada is significantly bigger than its European convertible competitors so can provide reasonable comfort for four full-sized travellers. Note the word ‘reasonable’ because taller occupants in the back may have to… Read more

HOLDEN COMMODORE 2006-2020

Holden Commodore is a large family vehicle that’s extremely well suited to all Australian roads – be they smooth motorways, dirt roads that have seen better days – or everything in between. In this Used Car Checkout, we are going to look at the Commodore from the VE series which was introduced in August 2006. This was the first model that didn’t use an extensively modified German Opel platform. Instead, it sits on the global General Motors Zeta underpinnings. It has extensive local changes to suit Aussie driving conditions as… Read more

HOLDEN TRAX 2013 – 2019

When SUVs began to gain in popularity the larger ones were often seen as being 4WDs with rugged build and tough off-road ability. Thankfully, the little Trax doesn’t even pretend it has a go-anywhere image rather it’s a little city slicker that’s easy to punt around the city and burbs. Holden Trax has styling cues that break up the boxy design, with neat mudguards, bonnet and rear quarter panels. The swept down profile works nicely. Based on the underpinnings of the Holden Barina hatch the Trax has a taller body… Read more

AUSTRALIA POST CELEBRATES ICONIC HOLDEN ERA

Australia Post is releasing a new set of stamps that take a nostalgic look back at five of the iconic car models that made the Holden brand an Australian household name. The new stamps will feature “Australia’s Own Car” the 1948 Holden 48-215 sedan; the luxurious 1963 Holden EH Premier; the fast and flashy 1968 Holden HK Monaro GTS 327; the 1971 Holden HQ Kingswood Ute, a favourite of farmers and tradies; and the 2006 Holden VE Commodore SS V, from the highest-selling Holden car model series. Australia Post Executive… Read more

HOLDEN ADVENTRA AND CREWMAN 2003 – 2009

Holden Adventra was an early entrant in what is now called the crossover SUV market. That is a vehicle based on a station wagon, but with jacked up suspension and protection added to the body and underbody. Its added ride height gives the Adventra a tougher look than the standard Commodore wagon. A restyle of the body, particularly at the front where the squared-off bumper gives it plenty a “tuff” look. At the rear, the tailgate has a back window that can be opened separately. The Holden Crewman double-cab ute…. Read more

WHERE TO SEE HOLDEN’S HERITAGE COLLECTION

The Managing Director for GM Australia and New Zealand, Marc Ebolo, has announced that Holden’s heritage collection of production and concept vehicles is going on display in Australia.   The entire collection of more than 80 vehicles and 30 engines will be made available to car museums around the country for public display.   There has been considerable speculation with regards to what was going to happen to these iconic pieces of automotive heritage, and I?m pleased to reveal we are displaying our vehicle collection in Australia.  We have never thought about… Read more