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Motor Authority - blog Category: Astra

  • First details on Opel's new Astra sports hatch

    First details on Opel's new Astra sports hatch July 8th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, July 8th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 0 Comments

    First details on Opel's new Astra sports hatch With Opel’s new Astra now out in the open, attention can turn to variants other than the regular five-door Hatchback that’s been plastered all over the web in recent months. While a new Wagon and stylish Cabrio have already been speculated on, new reports indicate the sporty three-door hatch will also make a return but time around it will be much more agressively styled than the regular five-door.

    Speaking with Autocar at the launch of the new Insigna OPC, the Astra's chief designer, Malcolm Ward, revealed that the sports hatch would feature a far more rakish and lower profile than the current model and would arrive on the... With Opel’s new Astra now out in the open, attention can turn to variants other than the regular five-door Hatchback that’s been plastered all over the web in recent months. While a new Wagon and stylish Cabrio have already been speculated on, new reports indicate the sporty three-door hatch will also make a return but time around it will be much more agressively styled than the regular five-door. Speaking with Autocar at the launch of the new Insigna OPC, the Astra's chief designer, Malcolm Ward, revealed that the sports hatch would feature a far more rakish and lower profile than the current model and would arrive on the market in 2011. The car will also spawn a high-performance OPC (VXR) variant, though details on this model are yet to be confirmed. OPC, which stands for ‘Opel Performance Center,’ is the name given to models developed by Opel’s official in-house tuner and typically feature minor engine and handling mods as well as styling and performance upgrades such as bigger wheels and sporty bodykits. Opel's designers will be building upon more than 600 hours of wind tunnel testing that went into the regular five-door model to ensure the new sports hatch is much more aerodynamic. Opel is taking the economy gains that can be had from better aerodynamics very seriously and utilized a number of new design touches to improve efficiency. The front bumper, for example, will be angled to direct air past the wheel and on to the side of the car. There will also be sculpted areas around the rear lights to reduce the pool of air that gathers behind hatchbacks, cutting drag. 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, and with a number of new and exciting variants in the works it may just accomplish this goal.2010 Opel Astra Read More

  • New Opel Astra Cabrio in the works

    New Opel Astra Cabrio in the works June 23rd, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, June 23rd, 2009 Kenneth Hall 0 Comments

    New Opel Astra Cabrio in the works With Opel’s new Astra now out in the open, attention can turn to variants other than the regular five-door Hatchback that’s been plastered all over the web in recent months. While a new Wagon and sporty Coupe are almost certain, latest reports indicate that a stylish Cabrio model will also resurface for the sixth-generation Astra.

    Sitting as the flagship model in the Astra range, the new Cabrio will replace the current Astra TwinTop but will be touted as a much sportier model. The new Astra Cabrio will feature just two seats and go up against premium roadsters expected from Mini and Volkswagen, according to AutoExpress.

    In... With Opel’s new Astra now out in the open, attention can turn to variants other than the regular five-door Hatchback that’s been plastered all over the web in recent months. While a new Wagon and sporty Coupe are almost certain, latest reports indicate that a stylish Cabrio model will also resurface for the sixth-generation Astra. Sitting as the flagship model in the Astra range, the new Cabrio will replace the current Astra TwinTop but will be touted as a much sportier model. The new Astra Cabrio will feature just two seats and go up against premium roadsters expected from Mini and Volkswagen, according to AutoExpress. In keeping with this premium positioning, the car will also sport a folding metal hard-top, as well as xenon headlights, a full bodykit and chrome exhaust tips. Its interior will be derived from the standard Hatchback but supportive bucket seats and leather trim will continue the luxury/performance theme. Powertrain options will reportedly include a 270hp (201kW) 2.0L turbocharged petrol unit, which should be able to accelerate the car from 0-60mph in less than six seconds and see it reach a top speed of more than 150mph. In addition, there will be new 150hp (112kW) 1.4L turbo as well as a 170hp (127kW) 2.0L CDTI for diesel fans. Opel’s new Astra is yet to make its world debut and after that there are still the respective launches for the Wagon and Coupe, expected for sometime in 2010. Only then will Opel launch the new Astra Cabrio.2010 Opel Astra2010 Opel Astra wagon preview Read More

  • Opel shows off interior for new Astra

    Opel shows off interior for new Astra June 18th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, June 18th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 4 Comments

    Opel shows off interior for new Astra After months of previews, teasers and small official photos, the 2010 Opel (Vauxhall) Astra has finally been let out of the bag. The hatch has been revealed in high-res photos and for the first time we get a look at the upcoming car’s stylish new interior.

    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... After months of previews, teasers and small official photos, the 2010 Opel (Vauxhall) Astra has finally been let out of the bag. The hatch has been revealed in high-res photos and for the first time we get a look at the upcoming car’s stylish new interior. 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 car will make its official world debut at this September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, before arriving in European showrooms by the end of the year. This is the sixth generation of the Astra, which comes almost 30 years after the launch of the original, and its styling was led by Mark Adams, the British designer responsible for Opel’s award-winning Insignia. Also like the Insignia, the new Astra has spent over 600 hours in the wind tunnel, benefiting performance, economy and overall refinement. Echoing the flowing forms of its bodywork, the new Astra’s interior marks a major shift towards premium design and quality in the compact sector. The Astra’s interior employs the recurring wing and blade motifs that were first introduced in the Insignia, and also includes a wraparound instrument panel, which embraces both front seat occupants. Ambient lighting enhances the quality feel of the cabin, with lighting points framing the gearbox surround, and providing illumination from above the center console and within the door handle recesses, depending on trim level. Beneath the car’s pretty sheet metal is a 4.4 metre-length body and an updated GM Delta platform with a 71 millimetre-longer wheelbase. Wider tracks front and rear feature, as does a new rear axle design, which not only improves stability and agility but improves ride and comfort as well. Enhancing ride quality further is the addition of Opel’s FlexRide adjustable damper settings, which allows drivers to select between standard, sport and tour suspension modes. Another special feature is adaptive bi-xenon headlights. The highlight of the new Astra’s powertrain line-up is the introduction of an all-new, 138hp (103kW) turbocharged 1.4L petrol unit, which builds on Opel’s commitment to engine downsizing and reduced emissions and fuel consumption. This engine joins three further petrol engines, which range from 98hp (74kW) to 178hp (132kW), and four diesel engines ranging from 94hp (70kW) to 158hp (118kW). All engines are Euro 5 compliant. For more details on the new 2010 Opel Astra, check out our previous story by clicking here.2010 Opel Astra2010 Opel Astra interior Read More

  • Preview: Opel’s sixth generation Astra wagon

    Preview: Opel’s sixth generation Astra wagon May 25th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, May 25th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 0 Comments

    Preview: Opel’s sixth generation Astra wagon After months of previews, teasers and leaked official photos, the 2010 Opel (Vauxhall) Astra has finally been let out of the bag but so far only the regular five door hatch has been revealed. Still in the works are the sporty Coupe, stylish TwinTop convertible, performance OPC (VXR), and long wheelbase wagon, the latter of which has been previewed in this latest computer generated rendering.

    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. However, the hatch, as well as the upcoming wagon variant, is unlikely... After months of previews, teasers and leaked official photos, the 2010 Opel (Vauxhall) Astra has finally been let out of the bag but so far only the regular five door hatch has been revealed. Still in the works are the sporty Coupe, stylish TwinTop convertible, performance OPC (VXR), and long wheelbase wagon, the latter of which has been previewed in this latest computer generated rendering. 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. However, the hatch, as well as the upcoming wagon variant, is unlikely to see a U.S. launch given Saturn’s eventual withdrawal from the GM portfolio. The wagon will essentially be a stretched version of the five-door hatch so expect to see a body stretching more than 4.4m. A longer wheelbase and a more upright rear door will also boost interior space. Enhancing ride quality will be the addition of Opel’s FlexRide adjustable damper settings, which allows drivers to select between standard, sport and tour suspension modes. Another special feature is adaptive bi-xenon headlights. The highlight of the new Astra lineup, however, is the introduction of a 138hp (103kW) turbocharged 1.4L petrol engine, which builds on Opel’s commitment to engine downsizing and reduced emissions and fuel consumption. This engine joins three further petrol engines, which range from 98hp (74kW) to 178hp (132kW) in output, and four diesel engines ranging from 94hp (70kW) to 158hp (118kW). While the new Astra hatchback is scheduled to make its world debut at this September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the wagon isn’t likely to bow in until early next year.2010 Opel Astra2010 Opel Astra wagon preview Read More

  • Opel releases full details for all-new Astra

    Opel releases full details for all-new Astra May 12th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, May 12th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 3 Comments

    Opel releases full details for all-new Astra After months of previews, teasers and small official photos, the 2010 Opel (Vauxhall) Astra has finally been let out of the bag. The hatch has been revealed in high-res photos and a few key details, though full official information is still waiting in the wings.

    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... After months of previews, teasers and small official photos, the 2010 Opel (Vauxhall) Astra has finally been let out of the bag. The hatch has been revealed in high-res photos and a few key details, though full official information is still waiting in the wings. 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 car will make its official world debut at this September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, before arriving in European showrooms by the end of the year. This is the sixth generation of the Astra, which comes almost 30 years after the launch of the original, and its styling was led by Mark Adams, the British designer responsible for Opel’s award-winning Insignia. Also like the Insignia, the new Astra has spent over 600 hours in the wind tunnel, benefiting performance, economy and overall refinement. Beneath the car’s pretty sheet metal is a 4.4 metre-length body and an updated GM Delta platform with a 71 millimetre-longer wheelbase. Wider tracks front and rear feature, as does a new rear axle design, which not only improves stability and agility but improves ride and comfort as well. Enhancing ride quality further is the addition of Opel’s FlexRide adjustable damper settings, which allows drivers to select between standard, sport and tour suspension modes. Another special feature is adaptive bi-xenon headlights. The highlight of the new Astra’s powertrain line-up is the introduction of an all-new, 138hp (103kW) turbocharged 1.4L petrol unit, which builds on Opel’s commitment to engine downsizing and reduced emissions and fuel consumption. This engine joins three further petrol engines, which range from 98hp (74kW) to 178hp (132kW), and four diesel engines ranging from 94hp (70kW) to 158hp (118kW). All engines are Euro 5 compliant. Opel is also expected to 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. As previously mentioned, the Astra is based around the latest version of 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 an Astra under one of GM's other brand banners, such as Buick - could also be manufactured in North America to keep costs low. There’s yet to be any official confirmation, however.2010 Opel Astra Read More

  • Opel drops new teaser for next-gen Astra

    Opel drops new teaser for next-gen Astra May 11th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, May 11th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 7 Comments

    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... 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 Read More

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