Some say this test unit caught running 'round the 'Ring today thinks it actually has cupholders integrated into its design. Others claim despite the above-average Euro exterior styling and a somewhat dated interior (by Euro standards), it's terrible at checkers. All we know is it's called the — insert preferred name here, either the 2010 Opel Astra or the 2011 Saturn Astra. Heck, it may even be a 2010 Saturn Astra. Any way you look at it, the same hatch has hit the public track in Germany and the spy shooters of KGP have caught it running laps 'round the 'Ring. They've even caught an interior shot or two which gives away a center stack design with a high display and slender, vertical air-vents, reminiscent of its larger, midsize brother — the Opel Insignia, aka Saturn Aura. It also appears the new Astra will get an Insignia-inspired gauge cluster, with its distinctive chrome-ringed instrument pods. Full spy report from KGP after the jump.
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.