Holden Astra SRi Turbo
The fifth generation AH Astra, based on the T-platform Opel Astra H came in November 2004 as a five-door hatchback only, manufactured in Belgium, selling alongside a now Polish-built Astra TS sedan and hatchback. The sedan and hatchback TS Astra models carried "Astra Classic" badges, but were finally dropped in late 2005, replaced by the Holden Viva, a rebadged Daewoo Lacetti. Between 2003 and 2004, the Lacetti was marketed in Australia as a Daewoo before Holden withdrew the brand from Australia due to unsustainable sales.
Like the previous generation, the AH series was found to provides a "better than average" level of safety according to the 2008 Used Car Safety Ratings. At launch, AH Astras came with front- and side-impact airbags as standard inclusions, allowing the Astra to receive a four-star ANCAP crash safety rating. Higher-specified models were able to achieve the full five-stars due to the addition of standard safety equipment.
Holden suspended importation of the Astra on 20 April 2009, citing currency fluctuations and commodity price issues. Holden's import cessation, which resulted in no Astras arriving during June and July 2009, coincided with the introduction of the Holden Cruze, reported to be the direct replacement for the Holden Viva. On 31 August 2009, Holden confirmed that the cessation of Astra imports will remain of a permanent basis, with no intention of further imports of either the then current AH series or the next generation car. Holden stated their small car efforts would be focused on the Cruze.
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