Czech giant Skoda is...
Czech giant Skoda is set to join the space race with an eagerly anticipated estate based on the huge Superb.
A blurred image in a...
A blurred image in a photo... these are the first official glimpses allowed by Vauxhall of the new Astra. And the teaser shots give enough clues to confirm the hatch looks like becoming the second Griffin with wings!
It will take styling inspiration from the recently launched Insignia so the blade and wing themes found on that car will feature prominently, as owner GM seeks to take the fourth-generation model upmarket.
The British-built Astra has proved popular throughout its near-30-year history, due to its mix of space, affordability and reliability. But it has never been regarded as a market leader. So, GM is pulling out all the stops to ensure that changes. Vauxhall engineers have spent most of their development time and budget in the cabin, giving the new car impressive technology to match the modern looks.
Described as a warm, wraparound interior, it should cosset driver and passenger with the wing line sweeping dash found in the Insignia.
GM Europes Vice President of Design, Mark Adams, also claims the new model will offer more technical substance and emotional styling than the current car. A Front Camera System, which incorporates lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition, is taken from the Insignia. So is Adaptive Front Lighting, which can read the driving conditions and improve visibility accordingly.
As these teaser sketches show, Vauxhall has followed the VW Golf by evolving the current Astras styling, rather than coming up with a radically different look. Our spies have already spotted a number of test mules, and can confirm the existing Astras silhouette will remain largely intact, although the details will contain more than a hint of Insignia.
In addition, the distinction in the current range between the sleeker, sportier three-door and the more family oriented five-door models will continue.
Production starts next year at the firms Ellesmere Port plant in Cheshire, and the Astra is sure to wow onlookers when it debuts at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.