Holden Astra VII (BK/BL) photos

The seventh-generation Holden Astra BK series launched in November 2016, serving as the final iteration of the storied nameplate before the Holden marque was retired in 2020. Built upon General Motors' lightweight D2XX architecture, the five-door hatchback (BK) and subsequent Sportwagon estate were sourced from Opel assembly plants in Poland and the United Kingdom, shedding up to 130 kg compared to earlier generations. In mid-2017, the range expanded with the BL series four-door sedan, which was manufactured by GM Korea using the second-generation Chevrolet Cruze architecture tailored with unique Astra front-end styling. Powertrains included a 1.4-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine outputting 110 kW in base R grades and the sedan, alongside a performance-oriented 1.6-litre turbo producing 147 kW in the sporty RS and RS-V trims. Gearbox choices included a six-speed manual and a smooth six-speed torque-converter automatic. Standard equipment featured modern driver aids, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and available IntelliLux LED matrix headlights. General Motors ceased production and imports of the Astra in 2020 as part of the total retirement of the Holden brand.