Leaked: 2010 Opel Astra gets early web reveal
by Chris Paukert on May 12th 2009 at 4:58PM 
2010 Opel Astra – Click above for high-res image gallery
Opel's Astra hasn't exactly gone down a storm here in the U.S. while wearing a Saturn badge, but the four-cylinder econocar lineup is pivotal stuff in Europe, and the next-generation model could still find its way to America – even if it doesn't wear a planetary badge.
Regardless of whether or not a stateside version is in the cards, the 2010 Astra seen here is massively important. Based on General Motors' Delta platform (whose basic architecture underpins the Chevrolet Cruze and forthcoming Volt), the sixth-generation Astra will take the fight to cars like Volkswagen's Golf and Ford's Focus powered by a range of four-cylinder engines. According to CarScoop, the Astra will be available with a normally aspirated 1.4-liter gasoline inline-four, but turbocharged variants will also be available, offering between 120- to 140 horsepower and 175 to 200 Nm of torque (129 – 148 pound-feet). More power will reportedly come in the form of a 180 hp 1.6-liter turbo motor. Naturally, being a European offering, a range of diesels will also be available, including 1.3-, 1.7- and 2.0 –liter variants. A particularly miserly ecoFLEX variant is also expected in 2010.
If CarScoop's sources are right, the five-door Astra will hit showrooms in the autumn, with a three-door GTC Coupe fastback to follow. A wagon, four-door sedan, and a retractable hardtop model are expected to fill out the range thereafter.
The 2010 Astra is expected to see its official debut at this fall's Frankfurt Motor Show, where we'll be sure to have our cameras primed and waiting.
Gallery: 2010 Opel Astra
[Source: CarScoop]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Jakub 7:02PM (5/12/2009)
Looks great, but Saturn Astra? I can't wait to see the 3-Door, especially a VXR version.
Reply
Gregg 5:05PM (5/12/2009)
sweet!
Reply
zone22 1:49AM (5/13/2009)
Yes it looks sweet, but lacks in terms of originality.
The Seat Leon - which is sold mainly in Europe and Latin America for years - looks EXACTLY the same like the new Astra.
cdwrx 5:05PM (5/12/2009)
That's a damn fine looking car. If only the Mazda3 looked so good.
Reply
Cameron 6:04PM (5/12/2009)
I was just gonna say the new Mazda3 wishes it looked this good!
adrian 7:36PM (5/12/2009)
This is why GM should hold and concentrate on Opel and get rid of the other brands. Opel has what it takes to build decent cars. GM, continue backing Opel in general and introduce / promote them better in the US and things will turn around in time. If they don't Fiat will, Assumuing they buy Opel.
bvz 8:09PM (5/12/2009)
@adrian
Yeah, that's what I keep thinking too... most of the decent product in GM's portfolio seems to be under the Opel umbrella. Is this a more modern version of the "not invented here" syndrome? I'm sure there is some business case for it, but I don't get it.
zamafir 5:05PM (5/12/2009)
Looks nice and unoffensive, lots of mazda3, audi and even a bit of BMW in the design language.
Reply
PJ 5:08PM (5/12/2009)
Cruze hatchback plz.
And don't forget to market it this time. :-)
Reply
Tomac 5:07PM (5/12/2009)
THAT is a nice looking car. Too bad the Cruze (with which the Astra apparently shares a platform) doesn't have this sheetmetal. Regardless what badge it wears, GM needs to find a way to get this car to the States before Opel belongs to someone else.
Reply
Taglane 5:08PM (5/12/2009)
B-E-A-UTIFUL
Reply
Tmoguy 5:08PM (5/12/2009)
nice except for the front windows, I hate when they extend like that.
Reply
Jake B 6:06PM (5/12/2009)
I hate it too, especially on the Fit/Jazz
Snowdog 5:19PM (5/12/2009)
Very Nice. After all the recent horror shows from Subaru and the Mazda Village idiot grins, it is refreshing to see a nice well proportioned, clean, sharp looking design.
I wish this was the new Mazda 3 design. The contrast between that idiotic grin and clean elegance here is startling.
Why is the Detroit companies can do beautiful styling only on cars they don't bring here?
Reply
Taglane 5:21PM (5/12/2009)
The car is approved for NA as of recently, but probably as a Buick.
Protzenegger 5:24PM (5/12/2009)
This with a Buick badge = yes please!
Snowdog 5:28PM (5/12/2009)
Really. I know I shouldn't put a car on my list just because of looks. Maybe I will have to give GM a second look if this shows up reasonably intact and gets a decent review.
Shiftright 5:29PM (5/12/2009)
The Buick badge is one the ugliest logos on the market, its grille is a bit nasty as well and branding this as a Buick simply makes no sense. Buick is sub Cadillac luxury and conservative styling, which they've been doing rather well lately. This would be another example of GM dilluting its brands cluelessly.
Dondonel 7:02PM (5/12/2009)
I have nothing against bringing this car in US as a Buick (nor against Buick logo), but I hope they won't fit a Buick grille on it.
bc 10:44PM (5/12/2009)
Mazda and Opel aren't exactly "Detroit" companies, whatever their parent ownership. And "Detroit" certainly doesn't explain why the North American Honda Civic looks so drab and dowdy compared to the European one.