Opel Astra: 2010 Model

Motoring Channel Staff - 13/May/2009

Rüsselsheim, Germany – The new Opel Astra, which is badged a Holden in Australia and a Vauxhall in the UK, has broken cover.

The new 2010 model promises to take the small car into a new niche, one that could rival BMW and Audi models more than traditional rivals such as the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf.

While Holden currently sells the Opel-made Astra here in Australia, there is a cloud over its future in this country.

The new model wouldn't arrive in Australia until in 2011 (if it was green-lit for the region), but as General Motors continues to restructure its global businesses, the sale of the Adam Opel brand is looking more likely and the Astra could be owned by Italian company Fiat.

Based on General Motors flexible Delta platform, the new Astra model is expected to make its debut at the '09 Frankfurt Motor Show in September, and will include a range of high-tech luxury features first seen on the mid-sized Opel Insignia (the Vectras replacement).

Things like adaptive forward lighting (AFL) that light up the road around corners are expected to be offered only with the possibility of the AWD.

The new Astra is completely new, as Vauxhall's marketing director Andy Gilson explained: "The only part of the Astra which isn't new is its name. And that name currently accounts for around 30 per cent of all Vauxhall's [UK] car sales, with the five-door hatch taking 60 per cent of those sales alone – so it's important to lead with this body style."

Along with updated interiors and more advanced input and control systems, an updated Adaptive Stability Technology will allow high-end Astras to adapt to varying conditions but changing the shock absorber damping rates, throttle response and steering precision.

Much of the new design has been inspired by the Opel Insignia as well.

Looking like a cross between a Peugeot 308, a Mazda3 and an Opel Insignia, one of the most impressive design features of the new model are the rear brake light designs, which supply the car with a modern and dynamic image.

The front end design is modern European with sporty-look headlights, foglights and grille work, all of which bring the Astra closer in line to its bigger sibling, the Insignia.

The side profile of the car is very sporty, with a high and curvaceous window line that culminates in an angled rear windscreen.

Mark Adams, the vice president of GM Europe Design, talked about the Astra's new appearance: "We're continuing with the same premium design cues as the Insignia, inside and out of the car.

"However, the main design themes, like the wing-shaped light signatures and the blade, needed an individual execution to avoid 'cloning' the model ranges," said Adams.

"This is why, for instance, you see twin wings in the rear lights and a reversed blade on its flanks," added Mr Adams.

A range of body styles will be offered, starting with the model in the photos, the 5-door hatch. Three-door coupes and 5-door wagons will also follow after the car in initially launch in Europe from the third quarter of this year.

Opel is also working on a high performance GTC model, which will based on the 3-door coupe model. There is a small chance it could be AWD and compete with the Audi S3, but more likely is a cost effective front-wheel drive system.

While the Opel Astra GTC sports model will be powered by a high-end 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the range will encompass various petrol and diesel models.

Entry level Astra's in Europe are expected to be fitted with 1.4-litre petrol or 1.3-litre diesel 4-cylinder engines, while a range of other sizes will be offered.

One of the more exciting models will be the 1.6-litre turbo petrol engines, borrowed from the Insignia, which outputs 132kW (180hp). 

Several diesel engines including a torque-laden 2.0-litre will also be offered with the new Astra.

Related Links:
- Opel Astra Leaked (2010)
- 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)