UPDATE – check out our review of the Vauxhall Astra and its launch at Millbrook
The first official pictures of the 2010 Vauxhall Astra have been unveiled. Clearly influenced by the design of the larger Insignia, the new Astra will be bigger ‘more upmarket’ than the current model.
Obviously the pictures are of a five-door model, but there will be a 3-door version styled to look more like a coupe (like the new Renaultsport Megane). Check the picture gallery below to see the design sketch for the 3-door version.
There will be a large range of versions at launch, from a 1.4-litre unit with just 90bhp up to a supercharged version of the same 1.4-litre offering 180bhp. Hot hatch fans will be pleased to hear that there is a VXR model in the pipeline, based on the 3-door shape, but it will be some time after the launch that it goes on sale. Speculation is that it will still use a turbocharged 2.0-litre but will be boosted up to 270bhp.
Expect full details at the Astra’s official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, with sales due to start in December.
