Our scoop photographers came this (see above picture) close to nabbing the interior of the next iteration of GM Europe’s Opel and Vauxhall Astra, but alas; the brand’s people got a whiff of their intentions and swiftly used their bodies to shield the car.
They weren’t so worried about the outside of the prototype, as it was carefully wrapped up and did not feature final production parts. Due for an introduction sometime between mid-2015 and early-2016, the next Astra is expected to be the first Opel model to take styling cues from the Monza Concept shown in Frankfurt last year.
These should include tighter lines, a lower and wider-looking front end with a similar grille to the Monza and a more rounded rear end. From the pictures, it seems the Astra may have also grown a bit to offer better space for passengers.
GM’s revised compact platform will underpin the next Astra with power to come from a new line of frugal Ecotec engines ranging in displacement from 1.0- to 1.5-liters delivering up to 165-horses, along with 1.6-liter turbo units and possibly, a 2.0-liter turbo for the high performance OPC (Opel) / VXR (Vauxhall) editions.
The five-door hatch seen here will be followed by a three-door hatch with a swoopy roofline and a longer-wheelbase estate. Some markets may also get a four-door sedan.
By John Halas
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS
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