Carsales Staff•15 Sept 2014
NEWS
Lighter Astra previewed
Opel's next-generation small car revealed in computer-generated illustrationIt may look like a facelift of the current car, but the Opel Astra pictured in this computer-generated illustration from Automedia is how the all-new 2015 model is expected to look.
In Europe the current Astra 'J' has been well received since its release, so the artist mocking up the illustration for the new car believes Opel will stick with a tried-and-true formula – which is why the new car (Astra 'K') is anticipated to look more like a facelift than an all-new model.
The new car will be lighter and powered by more fuel-efficient engines, with Opel playing catch-up after R&D was pared back in the post-GFC era. GM's D2XX platform, which has also been locked in for the new Cruze, will underpin the new Astra. As we reported three months ago, Holden intends to import the Astra, along with other Opel products, rebadged as a Holden.
With Holden MD Gerry Dorizas telling journalists last month that "our commitment is to build Cruze until the end [of local production]," the Astra may not arrive on our doorstep until 2017. Alternatively, Holden may opt to sell both the Astra and the new Cruze together. Either the Opel-sourced product will be marketed as a premium alternative to the Cruze, or Holden may confine its product portfolio to Astra hatch and Cruze sedan.
Automedia expresses high hopes for the new Astra, arguing that Opel will need to pull a rabbit out of the hat in light of the reception for the new Peugeot 308. This is likely to be a lesser consideration in Australia, where the Peugeot brand struggles to sell cars currently.
Weight reduction for the new Astra could amount to between 50 and 100kg, much of that coming from lighter suspension components and smaller engines. While it's not certain for Australia in any way, Opel is understood to be planning three-cylinder turbo engines for the Astra, to complement turbo four-cylinder offerings as well. Our bet is that the Astra in Australia will be powered at entry level by the 1.4-litre 'Family Zero' turbo four.
Tags
Opel
Astra
Holden
Cruze
Car News
Hatchback
Family Cars
First Car
Written byCarsales Staff
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalists
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