SPY PICS: Reality check on Astra

If you manage to unscramble your vision after viewing the parallelogram-chequered bodywork, what you'll see in these shots snapped by Carparazzi in Germany is the next generation Opel/Holden Astra.

The pics were taken at the Nurburgring just recently and are the first to get through the security barrier surrounding the new model that is expected to be unveiled at the Geneva motor show in March 2009 -- about six months after VW introduces its new Golf.

The general shape of the new Astra is reasonably clear despite the disguise, showing that some of the styling cues of the current AH model will give way to a more universal look.
This includes the window line at the C-pillar, which appears to rake forward rather than backwards, and the grille, which looks to have a lower-set, grinning visage rather than the essentially horizontal themes of the current model.

The rear view appears to be more or less a development of the current themes, with an upward-curved lower hatchback lip and the now-universal teardrop taillight assemblies. The underside of the bumper assembly areas appears to have gained a new, upswept profile.

Generally, though, the shape of the next Astra looks proportionally similar to what we have come to know in the last four years, with its relatively high-set, wedgy window line, but with a slightly more squat and purposeful look. But there is a suggestion of a more pronounced crease running at door handle level from the top of the front wheel arches to the taillights to give the car a stronger profile.

Mechanically the next Astra can be expected to continue with the same basic underpinnings of the AH. For Australia, this means 1.8-litre and 2.2-litre normally aspirated petrol engines, a 2.0-litre turbo petrol and a 1.9-litre turbodiesel.

GM can be expected to roll out wagon, coupe and convertible versions of the new Astra at appropriate intervals.

- with Carparazzi