General Motors released today a new image and teaser video of the 2009 Opel Astra. The design is inspired by the upcoming Insignia and official debut will be made at the Frankfurt Auto Show. If exchange rates can sustain the importing, the new Astra may eventually come to the U.S. as a Saturn.
The video traces Opel’s small car history with a quick glimpse at the future.
As you know, the Opel Astra GTC is a beautiful car, still many tuning companies are offering a way to improve it. One of these companies is JMS Racelook, who unveiled today its latest body kit for the stylish coupe. The new kit consists in a new H&R coil over kit which lowers the car with up to 40 mm on the front and 30 mm on the rear, a front lip spoiler with an additional speed lip, new side sills and a rear apron featuring a rear air diffuser with integrated exhaust system.
Also a new rear trunk spoiler is available as well as a new set of 18 inch black polished alloy wheels with 225/40R18 tyres. Price of the kit: 4250 euros or $6,000.
Opel revealed today two new models to its line-up: the ecoFlex version for the Corsa and Astra. With a CO2 emissions of just 109 (Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX) and 119 g/km (Astra 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX), the two models require just 4.1 and 4.5 liters of diesel, respectively, per 100 km (that is about 58 mpg for the Corsa and 52 mpg for the Astra).
While these figures are impressive, they still do not beat Volkswagen’s Bluemotion diesel technology. But for Opel this is a step in the right direction for the European car buyer. Also if high millage diesels gain traction in the U.S., Opel may end up sharing the technology with some of its other General Motors cousins.
Opel will unveil the fourth generation Astra next year in March, most probably at the Geneva Motor Show. The car was already caught at testing, and is set to be sold all over the globe - it will be sold under the Opel, Vauxhall, Holden and Saturn logos.
With design inspired by the GTC Concept, the future Astra will feature a more "fresh" and aggressive look that will help it to easily compete with models like Volkswagen Golf VI and the new Ford Focus (European version).
Same front grille as in the newly-launched Insignia will also be used in the future Astra, but it will feature different headlights, easily inspired by the concept, in order to ensure the car’s individuality.
As rumors say, the 2010 Astra will be built on GM’s Delta global small-car platform, same that will be used for the future Saab 9-1. Under the hood the company will keep the same engine line-up: different headlights, but a hybrid version is also expected.
Opel will also work on a VXR version of the 2010 Astra. The vehicle is going to be powered by a new 1.8 liter engine capable to develop 240 hp. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph will be made in less than 6 seconds while the top speed will be somewhere around 155 mph.
The 2010 Astra will be offered as a three and five door hatchback, an estate version (Caravan), a convertible version (Twin Top) and also a three-doors GTC. All this will be available after the five-doors version will make its official debut.
The production of the 2010 Astra will be moved from the Antwerp plant, Belgium, to Swedish Saab unit, Trollhattan. Reason: better productivity and 25% less production costs.
Opel (or Vauxhall in UK) will unveil the high-performance version of Astra in 2010. The future Astra VXR will compete with models like Ford Focus ST and Volkswagen Golf GTI.
On the exterior, Astra VXR will feature a a ground-hugging bodykit and massive air intakes at the front, as well as a diffuser-style rear bumper, complete with a central exhaust. The sporty look will be accentuated by 19-inch alloys, a roof spoiler and a range of bright body colors.
GM will replace the current 237bhp 2.0-liter turbocharged unit with a new 1.8-litre motor. It will still be turbocharged and boast around 240bhp, allowing a 0-60mph time of six seconds and a top speed of 150 mph.
