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Vauxhall Astra (2009): spy photos inside and out

By Tim Pollard

Spy shots

28 May 2008 11:30

Vauxhall and sister brand Opel are beavering away readying the new Astra for launch in 2009. Our latest spy photos have scooped several Astra prototypes on test in the Alps, as the engineers paused for lunch.

And it’s intriguing to see the cars the engineers brought for benchmarking: the inevitable VW Golf, a Toyota Auris and Ford’s Focus. The ensemble pretty much took over the whole car park. Hardly a subtle convoy...

So the new Vauxhall Astra is coming in 2009…

Correct. We’ll see the Astra in production form at the Frankfurt motor show 2009, but insiders hint there could be a concept version as with the Insignia show car.

Our scoop photos reveal the five-door hatchback, which will be the main seller. The sleeker three-door will be ‘very stylish’ according to CAR’s sources, and the estate will also be available from launch. Expect a Twintop coupe-cabriolet 12 months after launch.

Strip away the chequerboard disguise on this clutch of prototypes and you can see a practical five-door adorned with the latest Vauxhall/Opel styling cues. We hear it will get the scalloped side blade that gives the new Insignia such presence.

Click ‘Next’ to read more about the new 2009 Astra

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MonsieurNut says

RE: Vauxhall Astra (2009): spy photos inside and out

Afternoon everyone...

Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GMBH): satnav is for people who can't read maps... or road signs... or haven't planned out where they are going in the first place... What really amuses me is when I pass other people on the motorway and see that, on a straight piece of road, they are following their satnav system's instructions... Why? It's a straight piece of Tarmac, with highly visible sighns on the overhead gantries and near exits. If you can't read road signs, then:

a) You need an eye test; b) you need glasses; c) you need to retake your (UK) Driving Theory Test or; d) you need to be taken off the (UK) road network. Simple as that.

Anyway, the 2009 Vauxhall/Opel Astra is exactly what GM Europe (GME) needs to survive, not Antara's and such like (although a resident on my street owns one, oops).

The interior looks great for a 21st Century Vauxhall/Opel, as the Insignia influence is highly visible (indicator/wash/wipe stalks/dashboard and steering wheel to name but a few) and thankfully, the old made-up-of-boxes approach was dropped with the Insignia, pointing to a (very) bright future for Vauxhall/Opel. I just hope that GME gets the funding it needs...

I read in a different article somewhere that there may be a new roadster to replace the (awful) Opel GT. News would be appreciated, thank you... I was wondering if there may be a new VX220/Speedster, especially if Lotus would lend them the Europa's chassis and floorpan...

See you soon,

MonsieurNut

18 April 2009 16:02

alihijazi says

RE: Vauxhall Astra (2009): spy photos inside and out

I thought the interior was for a SEAT where is the "traditional design"?!! I own an ASTRA F GSI ... where is that spirit?

02 June 2008 07:38

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comment8 says

RE: Vauxhall Astra (2009): spy photos inside and out

I think you will find that the Corolla is a class leader in sales

30 May 2008 04:01

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Gmbh says

RE: Vauxhall Astra (2009): spy photos inside and out

OH, foRgot to mention... It doesnt say much for their confidence in the standard, factory Sat-Nav units when the test cars are fitted with Tom Tom's does it? lol ;-)

28 May 2008 23:10

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Gmbh says

RE: Vauxhall Astra (2009): spy photos inside and out

Thick C pillar, thick A pillar, shallow glass = Strong structure. Which is great for handling and crash protection! Im glad to see they havent chagd the design too much as I already think its one of the best looking C-Segment cars. Cant wait to see the 3 door. Interesting choice having the Corolla there? I didnt realise it was a class leader in any particular area?

28 May 2008 23:07

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