2010 Opel Astra: Leaked

Motoring Channel Staff - 27/March/2009

Rüsselsheim, Germany – Images of what appears to be the next generation Opel/Holden Astra have been leaked.

The new model, which is badged as an Opel Astra in Europe, a Vauxhall Astra in the UK and a Holden Astra in Australia, is expected to be launched to the public at this years Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Based on General Motor's new Delta II small car platform, the same platform being used on the upcoming Holden Cruze small car, the Astra is expected to push further upmarket in terms of luxury and technology.

Car maker Opel says the all-new Astra will be a 'mix of technical innovation and groundbreaking design' that will raise the bar in the small car segment.

Showing off a cultured new design, the new generation 2010 Astra takes some inspiration from the Opel Insignia mid-sized car.

It features a new look grille that is more inline with the Opel Corsa and Opel Insignia, and the same can said of the headlight design.

The exterior design isn't with angles but has a more curvaceous look overall and the high window line along the cars sides gives it a subtle sportiness.

A leaked image of the interior indicates that Opel wants to compete with BMW and Mercedes-Benz rather than its traditional European rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus.

The instrument cluster is very sporty and appears to draw inspiration from the Chevrolet/Holden Cruze, which also features extending speedometer and tachometer dials.

Two tone interior leather trim is a nice touch and though slightly blurry, the leaked interior image shows that a lot of work has gone into the cabin.

Like the new VW Golf, the next Astra is expected to be offered with small capacity turbocharged engines, around the 1.4-litre size.

Such engines offer good levels of power for easy drivability thanks to the turbo boost, but because they're small engines they can also be very fuel efficient and with low carbon footprints.

Ford and Volkswagen are both switching over to these types of smaller 4-cylinder turbo engines and now it appears that General Motors via Opel will follow suit.

Other features of the new Astra, which is expected to arrive in Australia in the second half of 2010, will include a new adjustable chassis system like the Golf GTI.

At the press of a button it will allow top of the range Astra models to adjust the suspension levels between comfortable and sporty modes. 

Opel is also believed to finishing implementing an FCS or front camera system on the Astra.

First seen on the Opel Insignia, the FCS fulfils multiple roles. It works as a lane departure warning system to alert drivers when they veer out of their lane and can even read road signs and display the current speed limit in the instrument cluster.

Showing off a bold new design and delivering a host of high tech features, the next generation Astra is shaping up to be a class-leading small car.

Related Links:
- Opel Ampera Concept (2011)
- Opel Insignia (2009)
- Holden Astra Diesel (Road Test)
- Holden Astra SRi Turbo (Road Test)
- Opel Corsa OPC (2007)
- Opel GT (2007)
- Opel Vectra OPC (2006)