The 2010 Opel Astra sports a new set of 1.4- and 1.6-liter turbocharged engines and sits on the same Global Delta platform as the Cruze and Volt. But will we ever see this tri-Delta here?
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]