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The last generation Astra was axed in 2009 in favor of the Thai-built Cruze. (2008 Holden Astra SRi Turbo pictured)
Holden's Astra is gone but not forgotten.
Three years after Holden axed the Astra, the nameplate still rates higher among car buyers than even the market-leading Mazda3.
More than 80 per cent of the 2.16m Australian planning to buy a new car in the next four years are still aware of the Astra badge, according to the latest Roy Morgan Automotive Currency Report.
Top of the polls is the VW Golf with 82 per cent, followed by Toyota Corolla with 81.9 and then Astra on 80.3, down from a market-leading high in 2007 of 84.6 per cent.
Mazda3 was the top-selling car last year, beating Holden Commodore by 817, but it rated only fourth in the survey with 75.9 per cent.
The last generation Astra was imported by Holden from GM's European subsidiary, Opel, but was axed in 2009 in favor of the Thai-built Cruze.
Roy Morgan spokesman Norman Morris says the high awareness of the Astra augers well for the launch of Opel in Australia this year and the return of the popular small car.
With awareness being one of the key factors for purchase consideration, this is great news for Opel who will be able to focus their media spend (advertising) on unknown models such as Insignia, Corsa and Meriva," Morgan says.
The Cruze, which is now made in Australia, has increased awareness from 28.4 per cent in 2009 to fifth place today with 68.8 per cent.
It is followed by another rising star, the Hyundai i30, with 45.2 per cent, up from 14.7 per cent at its launch in January 2008.
