Opel drops new teaser for next-gen Astra

Opel has unveiled the new 2010 Astra, which you can see in full by clicking here. A heavily camouflaged prototype of Opel’s next-generation Astra hatch was spotted racking up some laps at Germany’s Nurburgring circuit last fall, then we showed you a set of renderings that gave a good indication of what the final version could look like. Now, a series of official images of the next-gen Astra have surfaced on Internet forums, including this latest shot with the car’s head designer Marc van der Haegen and chief engineer Laszlo Kreth. The new Astra is crucial for Opel as it will need to recover market share lost by the current model to Ford’s strong-selling Focus hatch as well as fend off the Fiesta compact. It may or may not see U.S. sale as a Saturn given that brand's uncertain future, but with Europe's love for hatches and the increasingly tight fuel and emissions standards - not to mention the taxes that go with them - the hatch will be key for Opel's sales at home. The new Astra is expected to go on sale in Europe following its debut at this September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Opel will also launch a new two-mode hybrid version although it won’t arrive until the end of 2010. Opel's own brand difficulties, including a partial sell-off of GM's interest, could slow development down, however. Apart from the hybrid, expect to see a similar powertrain lineup to the current model, which means a range of petrol engines developing between 75 and 240hp as well as a number of diesels with between 90 and 150hp. The 2010 Astra will be based around GM’s Delta FWD compact platform and will once again be available in coupe, three and five-door hatchbacks and wagon, as well as a sedan in select markets. Since the Delta platform is shared with the Chevrolet Cruze, which will be built at GM’s Lordstown Ohio plant, there’s the possibility that the new Saturn Astra - or perhaps an Astra under one of GM's other brand banners - could also be manufactured in North America to keep costs low. There’s yet to be any official confirmation, however.2010 Opel Astra official teasers2010 Opel Astra interior revealed2010 Opel Astra rendering

By cj #1, Posted: 4/10/2008

shit this car is so old! this is like the first time we get somethign BEFORE America. Like the new Jag it's made here but American's get them first at a heavily discounted price
By chris #2, Posted: 4/10/2008

cj, what... the... heck... are.. you.. smoking. "the first time we get something BEFORE america"... so I take it you're in europe? have you not heard anything about what any of us in the new world have been saying? our ford line up here is 10 years old. all of it. GM is hardly better. EUROPE GETS EVERYTHING first. EVEN FROM AMERICAN COMPANIES.

This car is supposed to be a SECOND GEN astra. so what the heck is so old about it?

cj, if it wasnt for the low MSRP of american cars, USA would still be driving le barons and chevelles. Even cars that are made in canada sell for thousands of dollars cheaper in the states than they do in canada. deal with it. EVERY company discounts the USA, cause its the only way they can sell here. even merc and BMW do it.
By 94 taurus owner #3, Posted: 4/10/2008

Very true. Sad isn't it.
by gazzed #4, Posted: 3/26/2009

Good job by Opel, very nice evolution from previous car.
by Aiman #5, Posted: 3/29/2009

Looks like Seat Ibiza clone.
by NaBUru38 #6, Posted: 4/18/2009

I'm surprised that Opel decided to go for a conservative Astra after releasing such a radical, aggressive, unpractical car as the Insignia.
by 54chevyman #7, Posted: 5/18/2009

After spending 100's of billions to bail out AIG why can't the US Government invest in a solid German car company built from the ground up with very little money from GM. They are the future! I realize GM is seeking only a finantial partner with no access to technology but the potential investors think otherwise.