Spy Shots: Buick getting its own Astra variant
by Damon Lavrinc on Jun 22nd 2009 at 2:58PM 
2010 Buick "Astra" - Click above for a high-res image gallery
Further proof that General Motors is readying a Opel Astra derivative for the Buick brand has just arrived in the form of spy shots showing a mid-size mule testing at Germany's Nürburgring. Somewhat obscured behind the excessive camo is Buick's trademark "waterfall" grille, however, the A-pillar and C-pillar survive the transition from Opel to Buick.
Inside, the badge engineering is markedly more apparent with what looks like an instrument panel, center console, and steering wheel directly ported over from the recently revealed 2010 Opel Astra. In all likelihood, the Buick version will be sold almost exclusively in the Chinese market and, although it would be built along side the Cruze at GM's Lordstown, OH plant, it's doubtful that the compact Buick will ever be sold in the States. But if it does, we'd suggest reviving the Skylark or Somerset moniker, because, hey... we know how well they went over before.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
216 3:02PM (6/22/2009)
"In all likelihood, the Buick version of the Cruze will be sold almost exclusively in the Chinese market and, although it would be built along side the Cruze at GM's Lordstown, OH plant, it's doubtful that the compact Buick will ever be sold in the States."
Then why tease us?
Altho i say its a good idea that they dont sell it here cuz it would just be another Badge-job, which is what American Companies (GM especially) needs to get away from
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djSyndrome916 3:31PM (6/22/2009)
Is it really a tease if it's something nobody really wants?
Clay Garland 7:14AM (6/23/2009)
In that car I see a whole lot of skylark, and we all know how that went. I'm talking post muscle car era before anyone takes a scythe to my backside.
Taglane 3:06PM (6/22/2009)
Finally a small Buick.
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Lad 3:16PM (6/22/2009)
No, not a small Buick...a Chevy with a different badge and different name. What's that about a stink-weed by any other name is still a stink-weed...or was that a rose;?...a turnip maybe?
Taglane 3:50PM (6/22/2009)
No. It's a small Buick. It's called Platform Sharing. We don't call the Challenger a 300C. We don't call the Audi R8 a Gallardo. and we don't call this a Cruze.
paul34 4:56PM (6/22/2009)
Hmm. There's a significant difference between building nearly an entirely different car on an existing platform vs. swaping some grill pieces and badges and calling it a new car. One is platform sharing, one is flat-out rebadging.
As long as this car isn't sold in the USDM I won't criticize GM here. If it is, then they really haven't learned a damn thing.
Yes, everyone else "rebadges," but they differentiate the product enough to make it a somewhat unique product. For example, the Camry vs. the ES series.
Mr.Oak 4:57PM (6/22/2009)
TagLane: Let the idiots have their say. Didn't hear them complain when VAG made seven (7) different cars off the A3 platform. Don't hear them cry about the Camry\ES350 badge job. Let them have their say.
BLS 3:13PM (6/22/2009)
I am not going to believe it until I see it. I still say Daewoo varient. Buick's grills are generally straight up and down this looks like it fans out slightly.
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Sea Urchin 3:17PM (6/22/2009)
Well rebadging worked wonders for GM in the past, it’s just that they used to rebadge Chevys and Pontiacs and Saturns. But now GM is rebadging Daewoo’s into Buicks.
Apparently Wagoner wasn’t the only moron at GM.
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jv2k 3:52PM (6/22/2009)
I was gunna respond, but then I saw the name.
Lol.
JORDAN 3:19PM (6/22/2009)
I thought GM were done badge engineering? And if it's for any market other than China it won't sell well. Most people's perception of Buick=tuna boat for old people, not sporty compact. It would take a miracle car from Buick for many to get over that stereotype, and some years for people who buy compacts to warm up to the brand enough to consider purchasing one.
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Obviously DaMinority 9:40PM (6/22/2009)
Wow, how original, did you think that up all by yourself?
Obviously DaMinority 9:51PM (6/22/2009)
Yeah, so that wasn't meant for you, Jordan, sorry.
Rocketboy 3:21PM (6/22/2009)
So New GM didn't learn anything from Old GM.
There goes more of my money.
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Soccer Mom 3:23PM (6/22/2009)
Didn't GM just euthanize the brand that was nothing but a rebadged Chevy?
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jv2k 3:52PM (6/22/2009)
No GMC is still around.
Aki 3:31PM (6/22/2009)
So.... GM doesn't want to rebadge the Pontiac G8 even though it won't exist anymore... but is rebading the Cruz into a Buick?? Sigh.
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jv2k 3:53PM (6/22/2009)
China already has a buick commadore
TBlueMax 3:31PM (6/22/2009)
I prefer the C-pillar and small rear quarter glass on this Buick variant over the Cruze. Something about that wedge of black plastic aft of the rear side window on the Cruze just looks cheap (although aesthetically, it does allow the appearance of a slim C-pillar).
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