The current Opel Astra and its U.S. Saturn-based variant are getting a little long-in-the-tooth both in design and in driving dynamics when compared to its much newer rivals, the Ford Focus and VW Golf. The design will be in-line with current Opel design cues which began with the Opel Insignia and will ride on the new, larger Global Delta platform. These new cars will feature both a wider track and a longer wheelbase, allowing for an aggressive, well-proportioned stance. Also in store is a new estate 5-door model with a slightly longer wheelbase and increased rear interior storage.

Also, pictured in sketch form is the high-performance 2010 Opel Astra GTC, which is poised to take on the new Ford Focus RS and VW GTI. Power will likely come from a version of the turbocharged, direct-injection 2.0L Ecotec featured in the Cobalt SS Turbo. The new GTC will trump the previous model's power numbers by about 20, totaling around 260-horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while returning a rough highway estimate of 30 mpg.

Will we ever have a chance at the new Astra? With current Saturn Astra sales not meeting initial expectations, it would be unlikely, but another small car in GM's lineup is just what the doctor ordered. It would make the perfect utilitarian choice over the Chevy Cruze and with the collapse of GM's U.S. performance operations, a Euro-tuned Astra GTC would fill the gap nicely. According to GM, we'll see the 5-door version at the Frankfurt Auto Show later this year.

[via motorward]

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.