Vauxhall Astra: full story

The Astra has landed! And as the launch of Focus and Megane rival approaches, a more detailed set of images and information has emerged.

In a similar vein to the Insignia-inspired exterior styling, the cabin echoes the flowing lines and ‘blade’ and ‘wing’ motifs. Details like the shape of the door handles, the gearshift trim and the steering wheel repeat the ‘blade’ theme, while the wing is represented by the wraparound dash.

A major feature of the Astra’s interior is carefully designed ambient lighting. Not only are there bulbs encircling the gear shifter, but strategically-placed illumination is programmed to brighten as the key is turned in the ignition.

The Astra’s designers have concentrated on lifting the quality of the cabin – something that’s reflected in the range of higher-quality materials, such as piano black and brushed aluminium trim. Chrome trim is fitted around the dials in the instrument cluster, and buyers can opt for a standard black, Spice Red or Ocean Blue colour theme for the interior trim.

But the Astra’s insides aren’t only concerned with style. A three-way adjustable floor in the boot allows you to hide expensive items underneath it, or in its lowest position, stash up to 370-litres of luggage. Clever storage spaces have also been added, including a mini glove-box on the driver’s side and a pull-out drawer under the front passenger seat.

Much like the cabin, the sculpted exterior, with its eagle-eye headlights, has been designed with function in mind as well as form. The Astra spent over 600 hours in the wind tunnel to hone its aerodynamics, making it one of the most slippery shapes on the road.

We’ll have to wait until the Frankfurt show in September before getting a glimpse of the five-door Astra in the flesh, ahead of its on-sale date in December. But if it’s the spacious estate version of the sporty three-door that tickles your fancy, you’ll have to wait until mid-2010 and 2011 respectively before they arrive on UK shores.