Vauxhall Astra (2009) five-door spy photos

By Ben Whitworth

Spy shots

17 September 2008 10:06

We’ve caught Vauxhall’s new Astra on its way to the Nürburgring (where else?) and despite the shroud of secrecy surrounding development of the new hatchback, we’ve picked up some more clues on Luton’s Focus and Golf rival. 

The new Vauxhall Astra looks pretty sharp to me…

Designed in-house under the watch of Europe’s GM design boss Mark Adams, the sleek and slippery shape of the sixth-generation Astra can easily be seen beneath this harlequin camouflage – and after the current Astra’s neat looks and the sharp-suited new Vauxhall Insignia, we’re expecting the new Astra to win over many buyers on looks alone.

Interestingly, the Insignia’s blade motif – that creased swoop behind the front wheels – will feature on the Astra, but this time at the rear of the car. Look carefully at this test car and you can see the backward sweep, hidden beneath that thicker black tape, just ahead of the rear doors.

What do you know about the Astra's hardware under the camouflage?

The Astra’s chassis architecture will be shared with the upcoming Saab 9-1 hatchback, and as with the current model, it will be tuned for a taut ride and athletic handling. Power will come from a new range of turbo-charged petrol and diesels, with the petrols downsized to cut emissions and consumption. Most will be borrowed from the Insignia.

Click 'Next' to read more of our scoop on the new Vauxhall Astra (2009)