Preview: 2009 Opel Vectra (aka Saturn Aura)

Opel gave us a preview of the styling direction for the new Vectra sedan when it unveiled the GTC Concept car back at March’s Geneva Motor Show. There’s a lot of significance riding on this model because this is the car that will be sold in the US as the next-gen Saturn Aura and it may even make it to other markets where GM cars are sold such as Australasia and South America.

The new model features a wider and taller body than the current generation Vectra/Aura and will be built on GM’s new Epsilon II platform. This means the car will retain its FWD configuration and will be available in sedan, five-door hatch, and wagon bodystyles. The larger body will position it better against its main rivals in the US such as the Toyota Camry and new Honda Accord, both of which have grown considerably in size recently.

Powering the new car will be a range of four-cylinder and V6 engines including both petrol and turbodiesel units. The US-spec Aura may also be available with a new V8 engine as well as a new hybrid option similar to that used in the new Chevrolet Malibu.

Europe should see the new Vectra debut early in 2009 but Saturn fans won’t get to see the car until 2011 at the earliest. The US models will also likely get some minor styling revisions to suit North American tastes. You can view actual spy shots of the car by clicking here.

Images after the jump.