The all new fourth generation Opel (and Vauxhall, Saturn, Holden - forgive us if we forgot to mention any other GM brand...) Astra will make its world debut as a five-door hatchback at next year’s Frankfurt Show but the German automaker has already begun teasing us initially with a pair of sketches and now, with a set of real life photos showing the 2010 Astra covered in a white veil.
Based on GM’s latest Delta platform, the new compact hatch will be insired from the recently launched Insignia as Opel wants to take the 2010 Astra more upmarket setting new standards in its class. “The Opel Insignia has newly interpreted the mid-size segment. Now, with its dynamic design and innovative technology – much of which has been the preserve of higher-class vehicles before now – the new Astra generation will continue the pioneering role of its large model brother,” said Alain Visser, Chief Marketing Officer at GM Europe “To put it in a nutshell, the next Astra will carry the spirit of the Insignia into the compact class.”
Opel says that the Astra’s all-new chassis will be mated with equally new engines designed following the right-sizing concept that combines high low-end torque with moderate fuel consumption. Technical gizmos such as the ‘Opel Eye’ camera system that recognizes traffic signs warning the driver and the adaptive headlamp system will come straight from the Insignia.
After the European launch of the 5-door Astra in late 2009 – early 2010, Opel will take the wraps off the sportier 3door GTC at the Geneva Show in March 2010 which will be followed shortly after by the sedan, station-wagon and coupe-cabriolet variants. Expect to see the Saturn badged and this time, U.S. built Astra replacing the current hatchback on this side of the Atlantic in mid 2010.
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