Opel is working on several new and updated models for the next few years, so mules and prototypes are to be expected. The latest spy appearance is a high-riding vehicle wearing an uncamouflaged Opel Astra body, hinting at either a crossover variant of the compact hatchback or another new SUV with a similar footprint.
The prototype/mule was spotted during winter testing in Scandinavia. The Opel Astra body appears to be completely stock, although it comes fitted with gloss black fender extensions, and sits significantly higher than the hatchback. It also rides on larger alloy wheels with beefier tires and comes without a visible tailpipe.
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The first and most obvious scenario is that we are looking at a prototype of the Opel Astra Cross. The adventurous trim of the five-door hatchback has been rumored since late 2021 and could arrive as an additional bodystyle with increased ground clearance, a dose of plastic cladding around the bodywork, and skid plates on the bumpers. Such a model could rival the Kia XCeed, Ford Focus Active, and the upcoming Audi A3 Allstreet. The only issue here is that the ground clearance of the pictured vehicle appears to be quite excessive for a crossover, which led us to explore the case of an SUV.
While this would require a heavier investment in R&D, there is a chance that Opel is working on a brand-new compact SUV that could bridge the gap between the Crossland and the Grandland. A standalone compact SUV would most likely feature a completely redesigned body while sharing its EMP2 underpinnings and powertrain lineup with the Astra. This would be the fourth high-riding model in Opel’s range which also includes the Moka and is expected to grow further with the next-gen Insignia crossover flagship.
Finally, our spy photographers suggest that this could be a mule for the next-generation Opel Crossland. The current Crossland was originally introduced back in 2017 and is one of the last remaining SUVs based on the old PSA PF1 platform. Together with its sibling, the Citroen C3 Aircross, they are expected to grow in size and make the move to the more modern eCMP architecture which is already used by the electric variants of the Peugeot 2008, DS 3 Crossback, Opel Mokka, Citroen C4, etc. The wheelbase of the prototype/mule appears to be identical to the EMP2-based Opel Astra which measures 2,675 mm (105.3 inches), making it a full 70 mm (2.8 inches) longer than the current Crossland.
What do you think is the case with this Opel Astra prototype/mule? Place your bets in the comments section below as we are waiting for more sightings to clear up the mystery.
