A sneak peek at the next-gen Astra

GM's all-new Astra is still 12 months away from its global debut at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show, but the car-making giant has already released a couple of teaser images that reveal the five-door hatchback's general outline.

There's not much in the way of technical info to go on for now, but GM is touting a new "highly sophisticated chassis", which is believed to be the same one that forms the basis for the recently revealed Chevrolet Cruze (more here).

The company boasts the next-gen Astra will deliver "a compelling mix of technical innovation and groundbreaking design that promises to raise the bar in the compact sector".

The car's design language is expected to reflect the elaborately sculpted lines of the larger Insignia, and it's said to "carry the spirit of the Insignia into the compact class, offering customers a premium feel, while maintaining ... the value for money promise".

The existing Astra is generally well regarded for its dynamics, even though the newer Ford Focus has lifted the bar to a higher plane.

GM says the fourth-gen Astra's all-new chassis will restore its status as one of the dynamic benchmarks in the small-car class, while the new engines supposedly maximise low-end torque to achieve miserly fuel consumption.

Inside, the premium theme will continue, with a warm, wrap-around interior and a "wing-line sweep" that links the instrument panel to the door.

New tech features will include the Front Camera System used in the upcoming Insignia, which combines traffic sign recognition with a lane departure system, to ostensibly improve occupant safety and potentially help drivers avoid fines.

The all-new Astra will also be available with a next-gen Adaptive Front Lighting (AFL) system that GM says adapts to different road and driving conditions by providing nine unique light beams, improving visibility and safety during night-time driving.

The current Astra kick-started GM's design renaissance when it was launched in 2004, and according to Mark Adams, GM Europe's design boss, it presented his team with serious challenges.

"The present Astra already combines a high level of technical substance and emotional styling, but with the new car we are taking a big step forward in both respects, while emphasising its sporting credentials," said Adams.

Although only the five-door version will be unveiled at next year's Frankfurt show, the three-door version will follow in its wake. The latter is likely to feature more aggressive, coupe-like styling than its five-door sibling.

What remains to be seen is whether Holden opts to continue selling the Astra here in the long term or chooses to concentrate its small-car offensive solely on the cheaper (Korean-sourced) Cruze.

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