We Aussies can be a patriotic lot. We’re proud of our oldest car brand – Holden – and despite expecting production to move from our shores next year, many Australians will hold the local company close to their hearts.
The iconic Aussie manufacturer will turn 150 years old this year, commemorating a time when a 21-year-old James Alexander Holden began the company as a saddlery manufacturer. As an automaker, Holden is more than 100 years old, and has consistently produced cars of a very high quality.
All is not dead and gone with Holden, and the Victorian-based brand make will launch a number of new models this year that could be ideal for a novated lease. Here’s what you can expect from this Aussie favourite in 2016.
Holden Colorado (August 2016)
The Holden Colorado ute is due a facelift this year, with the new model expected to hit dealerships by August. As a five-seater the Colorado looks ready for the Outback, and 500 Newton-metres of torque makes it one of the toughest. Whether it’s cruising, carrying or pulling a load, the Colorado is a fine addition to the iconic Holden brand.
However, for its 2017 iteration, Holden said it will “fix” some of the issues people had with the 2015 model, including its internal quality not quite living up to its price tag. At $46,810 to $55,660 for the latest model, it’s one of the best-value utes on the market, and Holden will be looking to capitalise on that this year.
Holden Colorado 7 (August 2016)
If five seats just aren’t enough, the Colorado 7 offers two more – and a whole lot of grunt. The Colorado 7 is, in essence, everything’s that’s right with it’s five-seater cousin, though has still lagged behind the Isuzu MU-X, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Ford Everest and Toyota Fortuner in terms of sales, according to Car Advice.
The latest upgrades to the Colorado models will focus on improving the handling to be more competitive with its rivals. To this aim, the suspension and steering systems have been “thoroughly overhauled”, at Holden’s Lang Lang Proving Ground in Victoria.
Meanwhile, its “class leading” 2.8-litre VM Motori turbo-diesel engine and fantastic six-speed gearbox will be left completely intact for 2017.
Holden Astra (late 2016)
As local Holden Cruze production ends, the Astra begins. By the end of the year, we should see the compact hatchback Holden says “has the go to match the show” on our roads. A choice of 1.5-litre and 2-litre options will give buyers choice, while a range of technology provide safety and luxury.
Equipped with electronic stability control, dual front, side and curtain airbags, and front and rear park assist, the Astra appears to have earned its five-star ANCAP safety rating.
Do any of these take your fancy? A novated lease is a fantastic way of cutting 10 per cent off the car’s cost, and bundle all the additional expenses in one payment. Give us a call and we’ll help you go through your options.
