Next week's 2004 Australian International Motor Show will be the launch pad for an exclusive ‘Linea Rossa' edition of Australia's top-selling* convertible, the Holden Astra Convertible.

The soft top sportster, the name of which is Italian for ‘red line', offers plenty of individual appeal with its striking red-on-red colour combination and additional features for little extra cost.

Holden will release just 150 of the Astra Convertible Linea Rossa, which is set apart by a unique Magma Red exterior finish, teamed with red and black Nappa leather trim.

The limited edition offers larger, 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels and adds Rear Park Assist to the Convertible's specifications.

Buyers have a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed electronic control automatic transmission, matched to Astra Convertible's fuel-efficient 2.2 litre ECOTEC four-cylinder engine.

Special interior touches include signature ‘Linea Rossa' sill plates and floor mats, red and black leather wrapped steering wheel, unique instrument cluster with red pointers, aluminium-look gearshift lever and black soft-touch handbrake.

Alan Blazevic, Holden's Marketing Manager, Passenger Cars, said it was appropriate that the limited edition Astra Convertible should make its debut in Sydney, which was regarded as the open top capital of Australia.

"There's nothing like the approach of summer to bring out the open air driving enthusiast in all of us - and this is a particularly tempting proposition," Mr Blazevic said.

"The Linea Rossa offers stand-out style and extra features for $46,490 for the manual and $48,490 for the automatic, just $500 above our standard Convertibles which have always represented exceptional value for money."

The Australian International Motor Show opens in Sydney on 7th October and the limited edition Holden Astra Convertible Linea Rossa will hit Holden dealer showrooms from mid-October.

Feature Highlights
The Bertone-designed Holden Astra Convertible seats four people in comfort and its soft top opens and closes with the press of a button or remote control key.

Among further highlights are heated front sports seats, remote control central locking, electronic climate control air conditioning, four power windows, cruise control, sports tuned suspension, ABS, traction control and an electronic stability program (ESP) for improved driving control. The safety characteristics of its high-strength body construction are complemented by driver, passenger and front side airbags, active head restraints, rollover protection and a pedal release system that protects against lower limb injury.