Launched as niche products, the Astra GTC and Cascada will be available with a single 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, alongside the Insignia VXR and Astra VXR, and all will be sold with a Holden badge.

General Motors executive vice president and president, GM international operations, Stefan Jacoby said: 'We are determined to offer Australian and New Zealand customers the best possible products that we can source from our global operations, as we build a strong future for Holden.

‘We are focussed on the long-term fundamentals, such as ensuring Holden retains its proud Australian identity and provides customers with the best possible cars.’

Much of Holden’s existing range is made up of re-badged Chevrolet products, including the Trax, Aveo and Cruze familiar in Europe, as well as the North American Malibu saloon and Trailblazer SUV and Isuzu D-Max pickup.

From 2017, the company will end production of the Commodore, Caprice and Ute at its only Australian plant in Elizabeth, South Australia and continue as a sales company for imported vehicles, but with in-house design and parts sales departments.

Holden chairman and managing director Gerry Dorizas added: ‘Astra, Cascada and Insigina will be niche vehicles in terms of volume for our company, and their performance credentials and premium execution are a perfect match for Holden and will provide yet more fantastic choice for our customers.

‘We are building a strong future for Holden by focusing on our customers, our dealers, our employees and our products.’