With development of the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze now largely finalized, one of the next vehicles to be spun off General Motors Company’s [NYSE:GM] revised D2XX compact car platform will be the next generation of the Opel Astra. A prototype for the new car has now been spotted once again, revealing new details like the production head- and tail-lights.

The prototype is for the five-door hatchback bodystyle, and although it’s heavily camouflaged we can see its proportions will be similar to that of the current Astra. At the rear, we’re expecting a more chiseled look influenced by the styling of Opel’s forward-looking Monza concept from 2013, while at the front the styling should be similar to that previewed in a teaser for the Chinese-market 2015 Buick Excelle, a close relative of the next Astra and the next Buick Verano headed our way.

Like the current Astra, the new one is expected to spawn several other variants including an Astra Sedan, Sports Tourer wagon and GTC coupe. Power will come from GM’s next-generation Ecotec family, which consists of three- and four-cylinder units, and comes in gasoline and diesel flavors. Following the market launch, expect to see hybrid and high-performance OPC variants.

The current Astra was first launched in 2009 and received a mid-cycle update in 2012. This means we can expect the new Astra to be introduced to the market later this year or in early 2016. A debut at September's Frankfurt Auto Show is a strong possibility. The launch is part of Opel's DRIVE!2022 strategy, which will see the brand introduce 17 new engines and 27 new models between now and 2018. Other new models include the new Opel Karl and Corsa subcompacts as well as the next Insignia mid-sizer.

While GM has made Europe the only focus for Opel, a version of the new Astra will be sold in Australia under the Holden brand and in the U.K. under the Vauxhall brand. The car's D2XX platform will also feature in the next Verano due in the second half of 2016. For more on the new Astra, hit this link to watch a spy video of a prototype testing in Spain.

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