It seems that Opel is reportedly gearing up to launch a three-door sport hatch version of an Astra that will look similar if not the same as the above sketch.

WorldCarFan reports that this sport hatch Astra will feature upgrade air-intakes along with LED headlights and upgraded wheels. Other than that, there were many details. However, Malcolm Ward, the car’s designer, was quoted to have said:

“It will be a very dramatic execution and very, very close to the sketch. Think about the current three-door then think about where the new car will go.”

Let’s hope that Opel releases an actual render of the car soon rather than a design sket

Tags: Astra, design, Opel, sketch, sport hatch, three-door

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The latest reports indicate that a stylish Opel Cabrio model will also resurface for the sixth-generation Astra. The new Cabrio would replace the current Astra TwinTop but will be a sportier model. The new Astra Cabrio will have just two seats and go up against premium roadsters expected from VW and Mini, according to AutoExpress. The cabrio will also sport a folding metal hard-top, in addition to a full bodykit, xenon headlights, and chrome exhaust tips.

Its interior will come from the standard Hatchback but include supportive bucket seats and leather trim. Powertrain choices will reportedly include a 270hp (201kW) 2.0L turbocharged gasline unit, as well as a new 150hp (112kW) 1.4L turbo and a 170hp (127kW) 2.0L CDTI for diesel fans. No word yet on when we may see this model on the roads.

Tags: Astra, cabrio, Opel, two-seater

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If everything goes well, we may soon see Samsung Vehicles being sold at Saturn stores. That is if Roger Penske gets anything concrete from his initial ice-breaking meeting with Renault executives. For the record, Samsung builds four passenger vehicles, all on Nissan underpinnings.

It’s not known which vehicles would be sold by Saturn or whether they would be current Samsung offerings or new ones based on Renault engineering. Also unclear: the corporate relationship between Penske and Renault-Nissan.

Curiously, it seems that Penske wants to place something new in the market. And with the turn of most motorists towards alternative cars outside that of the usual reliable car brands, you have to think what type of market study Penske saw that opened this all up.

It costs a lot to build cars in Europe, and the Astra, which, while finished more like a premium model inside than most in its class, was also priced a little bit higher and therefore didn’t sell as well as it could have, especially in this down market where price is everything. The new Saturn owner certainly won’t want to make that mistake.

(Source) CNet

Tags: alternative cars, Astra, car brands, corporate relationship, Europe, little bit, motorists, offerings, passenger vehicles, Renault, renault nissan, roger penske, samsung, Saturn, saturn owner, saturn stores

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Thanks to its fleet of vehicles committed towards curbing down carbon emissions and providing an improved fuel-efficient lineup, Vauxhall’s ecoFlex vehicles have been lauded by Fleet World. Vauxhall has some notable vehicles under its wing that includes the Vauxhall Insignia and Astra ecoFlex, which have so far done their part in contributing towards an eco-friendly environment.

‘With its ecoFLEX range, Vauxhall has committed to reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in cars with conventional internal combustion engines: It achieves this through clever technological and aerodynamic innovation. The aim is, quite simply, to make highly efficient vehicles available at affordable prices.

Without a doubt, Vauxhall has achieved all that. And with their vehicles going green, it should not be surprising why this car brand may be one of the car companies to run to especially if you are planning to get into the eco-friendly driving bit.

(Source) Easier.com

Tags: Astra, car brand, carbon emissions, Cars, co2 emissions, ecoflex, fleet world, Insignia, internal combustion engines, reducing fuel consumption, Vauxhall

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The first photos and sketches of the next generation Opel/Vauxhall Astra have been obtained by Auto Motor und Sport. This new model will be introduced in September at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The larger Estate and sporty GTC will follow in 2010. New Astra’s overall design is sportier and more dynamic compared to the current models. The Astra will be built on the new GM’s Delta platform with front-wheel-drive.

Gas engines will start with a naturally aspirated 1.4-liter unit that produces 90 horsepower and comes with stop/start technology for more effective fuel economy. A turbocharged version of that engine will be available as well with around 180 horsepower. Fans of diesel can choose from a 1.7-liter turbocharged unit with 110 horsepower. There is no word yet whether Astra makes it to the States under the Saturn brand but the five-door hatchback should go on sale end of this year.

Tags: Astra, Opel/Vauxhall, Saturn

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GM has confirmed it will not release the 2009 Saturn Astra in the United States due to a current glut of 2008 models clogging American dealerships. Saturn, which is widely believed to be one of the first brands that GM will cut as part of its retooling plan, has not turned a profit for 19 of the past 20 years. The Saturn Astra was first released in the United States in January of 2008, and has seen slow sales since its inception. 

Most of Saturn’s limited marketing dollars target the Vue, its small crossover vehicle, and the Astra, its economy sedan. Saturn estimates that currently a 139 day supply of the sporty Astra is wasting away on Saturn lots, but incentives will not be offered due to the already low price of the car. A spokesman from Saturn said that when incentives are factored in on the Astra, the vehicle has to actually be sold at a loss. MSRP on a 2008 Saturn Astra starts at only $16,000.

Tags: Astra, GM, Saturn

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