The 2010 Opel Astra is scheduled to make its world premiere in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, but we've got the full scoop on the new Insignia-inspired, compact, 5-door hatchback. Riding on the same Global Delta platform as the Chevy Cruze and Volt, the Astra will be propelled by either an entry level 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine with various power options, 120-horsepower to 140-horsepower, or an Insignia-derived 1.6-liter turbocharged gas engine with 180 horsepower. According to GM, the smaller 1.4-liter turbo engine is capable of an 8 percent gain in fuel economy over the replaced 1.6- and 1.8-liter engines from the current Astra. Also available at launch is a range of diesel engines delivering added fuel efficiency through an optional 1.3-, 1.7 or 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Expect to also see an ecoFlex low CO2 model in 2010 with even more of an increase in fuel economy.

The 2010 Opel (and Vauxhall) Astra 5-door will go on sale in Europe shortly after its Frankfurt debut this fall with a sportier 3-door and a wagon version following in early 2011. With Saturn having been scraped off GM's collective brand plate, is there a chance for us on this side of the pond to ever get the new Astra? We'll be keeping our eyes and ears open for even the slightest possibility with our fingers and toes fully crossed. [via GM]

We don't get to see much detail of the new Astra which will likely debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.

Opel will be offering several body-style versions for the upcoming Astra, including a coupe-inspired 3-door hatch named the GTC, a 4-door sedan, a wagon, a coupe/convertible and, of course, the standard 5-door hatch.

The new Astra is based on the GM's Delta II architecture, the same as the Chevy Volt. But don't expect the Astra to come as a plug-in or standard hybrid, at least, not at first. Do expect to see a new 1.4-liter, turbocharged gasoline/petrol engine with various power outputs.

Opel will likely be reserving its 2.0-liter engine for an OPC version (or the Astra VRX for Vauxhall) to rival the Golf GTI and other hot hatches, with that engine currently available in a 240 HP turbo configuration.
[Opel via carscoop via WCF]

The revised Astra is scheduled to go on sale at the end of this year and although a styling prototype, the vehicle caught in the camera viewfinder clearly shows off the Astra's new lines on the outside. But, it's on the inside where the real magic is made. Underneath that new skin, the new Astra rides on GM's Delta II platform, the same frame found under the skin of the 2011 Chevy Cruze and a host of other compact cars from the General. [World Car Fans]

ALL-NEW ASTRA SET TO TAKE COMPACT CLASS BY STORM IN 2009

* 5-door hatch to debut at 2009 Frankfurt Show
* All-new, highly sophisticated chassis
* New high-efficiency engines
* Leading technology evolved from Insignia

Luton. The next generation Vauxhall Astra will receive its premiere at next year’s Frankfurt Show, delivering a compelling mix of technical innovation and groundbreaking design that promises to raise the bar in the compact sector.

With its flowing lines and signature sculpted blade, the new Astra will carry the spirit of the Insignia into the compact class, offering customers a premium feel, while maintaining Vauxhall’s value for money promise.

Inside, the premium theme will continue, with a warm, wrap-around interior and a wing-line sweep that links the instrument panel to the door.

An all-new chassis promises to maintain the Astra’s reputation for class-leading dynamics, while new engines will maximise low-end torque to achieve miserly fuel consumption.

Also expect to see clever and practical features on the new Astra, taking inspiration from systems like the Corsa’s FlexFix integrated carrier.

The new Astra will major on technical innovation, such as the Front Camera System used in the upcoming Insignia, which combines traffic sign recognition with a lane departure system, improving occupant safety and potentially helping drivers avoid fines.

Next generation Adaptive Front Lighting (AFL) will also be shared with the Insignia. The system adapts to different road and driving conditions by providing nine unique light beams, improving visibility and safety during night-time driving.

This will be the fourth generation of the hugely successful Astra, which has sold over 2.5 million cars in the UK during the last 27 years.

The current model kick-started Vauxhall’s design renaissance when it was launched in 2004, and according to Mark Adams, GM Europe’s Vice President of Design, it presented his team with serious challenges: "The present Astra already combines a high level of technical substance and emotional styling, but with the new car we are taking a big step forward in both respects, while emphasising its sporting credentials."

[Source: GM]

Opel continues to test its next-generation Astra—the same car that will eventually replace the Saturn Astra on our shores. This prototype was shot in Austria, as a large fleet of Astra prototypes—and several competing vehicles—descended on the Alps for some altitude and brake testing. In all the commotion of trying to get the entire large test team under way, we caught one Astra prototype with its door open and its interior completely uncovered. The new Astra's interior follows the direction blazed by Opel's Insignia, and looks more modern, sporty, and purposeful than the current model. The dash is currently a sea of drab black plastic, but it's clear that this is a fairly early, rough representation of the next Astra's cockpit. We expect the panel fits to be much tighter, and the materials to be vastly improved as we get closer to the Astra's production date some time in 2010.

The new Opel Astra has hit the 'Ring, giving us our best look yet at the European compact that is expected to eventually reach Saturn showrooms as well. The redesigned Astra further refines the flowing lines of the current model, with detailing and surface development likely inspired by the upcoming Opel Insignia (which replaces today's Vectra, and will also serve as a future replacement for today's Saturn Aura).

We managed to get a partial look inside the new Astra, revealing some clear inspiration from the Insignia's interior. The center stack design has a high display and slender, vertical air-vents, reminiscent of its larger, midsize brother. The Astra will also get an Insignia-inspired gage cluster, with its distinctive chrome-ringed instrument pods.

Sources suggest that the next Astra will make its public debut next March, at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, with sales following later in the year. The Astra is expected to arrive at Saturn dealers, perhaps in late 2010.