SPY PICS: Opel readies all-new drop-top

Holden’s long-lamented Astra nameplate will be revived next month when it becomes available in Australia courtesy of Opel, and currently undergoing final development is a cabrio derivative that will shun the current Astra TwinTop’s folding hard-top roof for a more traditional fabric soft-top.

Expected to debut at next month’s Paris motor show – although Opel has traditionally favoured the Geneva motor show in March to roll out its new convertibles – the compact convertible appears all but production-ready, even though psychedelic camouflage conceals most of its bodywork.

Although largely Astra-based (it also uses Insignia hardware), the convertible won’t wear an Astra badge but a unique new nameplate, just as GM’s European division has dubbed its new sub-compact car ‘Adam’, which has been confirmed to debut in Paris.

According to Euro sources, the convertible is longer than the Astra hatchback, liberating more rear-seat space than was the case with the Astra TwinTop, which was discontinued in Europe last year and in Australia in March 2010.

It’s believed the adoption of a canvas roof in lieu of a folding hard-top also boosts day-to-day practicality as it makes for a more useable luggage bay, in addition to helping reduce kerb weight.

Captured here by the Carparazzi lenses, the new four-seat convertible will be pitched as a more upmarket offering than the Astra TwinTop, with sources suggesting the cabin features better quality trim and switchgear than was the case before.

The Euro engine line-up will reportedly include new direct-injection 1.6-litre turbo ‘Family 3’ powerplants that are said to minimise consumption and emissions, with the most powerful version cranking out 147kW and 300Nm from just 1700rpm. Supplementing the petrol units will be a range of diesels spearheaded by a 1.6 GDi unit with 147kW.

According to UK’s Autocar magazine, GM Europe is also developing a new dual-clutch sequential gearbox, but this transmission isn’t expected to come on stream until 18 months after the convertible’s launch.

Opel Australia executives indicated at the brand’s recent local media launch that they would be interested in adding the new convertible – and hotter OPC versions of all models - to the line-up, which initially comprises the Corsa, Astra hatch and wagon, Astra GTC and mid-size Insignia sedan and wagon.

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