HOLDEN would like you to believe that the new AH Astra wagon is the successor to two cars – the previous-generation (1998-2000) JR/JS Vectra wagon and the outgoing TT Zafira. And while the latter is a tall order since it’s a tall-roofed seven-seater version of the old TS Astra, there’s plenty of evidence to suggest that the new Astra wagon is a viable load-lugging alternative to the old Vectra, even if it’s only stuck with a 1.8 instead of a 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine.

Holden Zafira
Released: June 2001
Family Tree: AstraTHE last small Holden wagon sold here may have been the TG Gemini in 1984, but the one closest in size to the new AH version is the seven-seater people-mover version of the last (TS) Astra wagon that wasn’t available in Australia, the TT Zafira. In some ways the Zafira was vastly underrated, with its clever third-row seating that folded into the boot floor in seconds, gutsy yet refined 108kW/203Nm 2.2-litre twin-cam four-cylinder engine tied to a (notchy) five-speed manual or (smooth) four-speed automatic, and high specification levels. The single model included dual airbags, anti-lock brakes, power windows and mirrors, keyless entry, cruise control and traction control. Sales were never high so Holden chose to bring in the more traditional AH Astra wagon instead.
Facebook Twitter Instagram