The current Astra, which has been around since Opel and sister brand Vauxhall were owned by GM, is finally getting replaced, around 6 years after production commenced.
Developed under the Stellantis umbrella with French DNA, the new generation Opel Astra has made its spy debut featuring a very lively yellow camo that hides most of the changes – and there are plenty.
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Starting at the front, we can see that the old headlamp design of its predecessor is gone, and instead, it will feature a pair of clusters similar to the ones of the Mokka, separated by a new grille. The overhangs are roughly the same size, the tall shoulder line has been dropped and the rear windows are now bigger, and the roofline is less arched behind the B pillars. The back end has a much cleaner design and the taillights appear to have been inspired by the Mokka.
The all-new Astra will share its construction with the upcoming Peugeot 308, namely an evolved version of the EMP2 platform. Like its French sibling, it should get an assortment of different powertrains, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid units. An OPC model is believed to be on the cards, and it could share the PHEV assembly of the rumored 308 PSE (Peugeot Sport Engineered), understood to launch with approximately 300 PS (296 HP / 221 kW). As for the very big lightning symbol on the rear doors, it’s believed to be teasing a plug-in hybrid powertrain and not a fully electric one.
The official unveiling date of the Astra L is unknown, but it might premiere towards the end of the year, with deliveries commencing in 2022. The five-door hatchback should be the first one to go on sale, followed shortly by the estate model.