Holden Astra II (LD) photos

The second-generation Holden Astra, designated as the LD series, debuted in July 1987 as the continuation of the Nissan-Holden badge-engineering agreement before the formation of the United Australian Automobile Industries venture. Built upon Nissan's front-wheel-drive N13 platform, the LD series differed significantly from its Japanese sibling by utilizing locally manufactured Holden Family II engines produced at the Fishermanmans Bend engine plant. The powertrain lineup featured a 1.6-litre multipoint fuel-injected four-cylinder engine delivering 58 kW, while higher specifications and the performance-focused SV1800 derivative received a larger 1.8-litre engine generating 79 kW. Body configurations comprised a three-door hatchback, a five-door hatchback, and a four-door sedan. Buyers could select between a five-speed manual transmission and a four-speed electronically controlled automatic. Distinctive styling cues included unique grille inserts and revised taillights to align with Holden's design language. In 1989, shifting federal policies under the Australian Button Car Plan brought an end to the Nissan partnership, leading Holden to retire the LD Astra and replace it with the Toyota Corolla-based Holden Nova.