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Kenneth Hall

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13,849 views May 25, 2009

2010 opel (vauxhall) astra 009

The upcoming Astra wagon should join the standard hatchback in showrooms early next year

Enlarge Photo

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 Astra

2010 Opel Astra wagon preview

HI-RES GALLERY: 2010 opel (vauxhall) astra 009