Once-popular new Holden that could have been: 2026 Opel Astra debuts with pure-electric, hybrid and diesel options to take on Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla and VW Golf

On the cusp of five years since the Holden brand disappeared from the Australian new car landscape, a sixth-generation version of what would have been a key part of the Aussie icon’s 2026 line-up has been unveiled in Europe.

The Holden Astra, a localised version of its then Opel Astra corporate GM cousin, was in local showrooms when the Lion Brand was finally shuttered in 2021.

Now a sleek, all-new Opel Astra has gone on sale in Europe with pure-electric, hybrid and diesel options offered.

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Designed, developed and built at Opel's headquarters in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the newcomer is available as a five-door hatch and Sports Tourer wagon, claimed to boast upgraded tech, improved comfort and a more distinctive appearance, all with pricing unchanged.

Opel said the design of the new car’s nose has been influenced by its Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo concept shown at last year’s IAA Mobility show in Munich, as have new 17- and 18-inch alloy rim designs finished in ‘Kontur White’ and ‘Klover Green’.

A premium visual touch is an illuminated Opel Blitz (German for lightning) emblem as a centrepiece of the brand’s signature single-module front-end design while ‘Intelli-Lux HD’ headlights are claimed to comprise 50,000 LED elements.

Interior highlights include a sweeping media and driver information screen display and ‘Intelli-Seats’ featuring a centre recess to reduce pressure on the tailbone.

2026 Opel Astra

Powertrain options include the 115kW Astra Electric with a 58kWh battery delivering a claimed range of up to 454km (WLTP) and V2L functionality. A 107kW petrol-electric hybrid variant and a 96kW 1.5-litre diesel are also available.

Pricing for the Opel Astra Electric hatch starts at €37,990 (~$63,900) with the hybrid at €32,990 (~$55,500).

A shining star for current owner, Stellantis, Opel became profitable soon after its acquisition by the PSA Group (now Stellantis) in 2017, turning around close to two decades of losses under General Motors. Who knows what might have been if the Holden journey had continued?