Astra's new family

28th September 2009

The Astra is getting in the family way –and we’ve got the pictures to prove it!

To celebrate the arrival of Vauxhall’s new hatch in the UK Auto Express has brought the whole range together for an exclusive peek at what lies ahead.

So, for the first time ever, we can bring you amazing images of the new Astra 4x4, the Astra coupé – likely to be badged the Calibra – the TwinTop roadster, plus an estate version, all together in a dream showroom.

The Astra is the most important model in the manufacturer’s history. It arrives at a time when car companies are enduring really tough times – and Vauxhall itself faces UK job losses following its sale to parts giant Magna.

But the new model proves there’s a bright future ahead. It makes big leaps forward in terms of styling, quality and driving – and the line-up offers something for every buyer. It takes the fight not only to Ford’s Focus, but also the VW Golf.

A fresh addition to the range is the hot-looking 4x4 model, which will go up against the Ford Kuga and VW Tiguan. Style is top of the agenda for the SUV, with a sporty look set off by a perfect dose of off-road aggression – note the neat spotlights, plus the protective skid plates. It will come with front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, and mixes genuine on and off-road ability with a flexible cabin. The 4x4 is due to go on sale in 2012.

Another major player is the new Astra coupé, which will sit above a forthcoming three-door model. The former is set to lock horns with the VW Scirocco, and provide head-turning looks as well as strong performance.

Its sister car is the roadster, which seeks to inject more desirability into the TwinTop. Vauxhall will position it as a rival to Audi’s TT Roadster.

Finally, there’s the classy Sport Tourer estate.

But the models you see here are not the end for the Astra. The range will also expand to include a replacement for the Zafira MPV.

In detail

* Astra Estate Due: 2011

As with its Insignia Sports Tourer big brother, the Astra estate mixes good looks with real practicality, thanks to a raked roofline and flexible interior.

Sitting on a slightly longer wheelbase than the five-door, it will offer more rear legroom and a big boot.

Engines will be shared with the hatch, so expect a range-topping 1.6-litre turbo and a fuel-sipping EcoFLEX version.

* Astra Coupe Due: 2012

Thanks to the success of the VW Scirocco, affordable coupés are back in fashion – so it’s time for Vauxhall to resurrect the Calibra badge.

With a fastback shape, luxurious interior and a sophisticated chassis – which uses an enhanced version of the hatchback’s Flexride system – this model ticks all the right boxes.

Flagships will get a 240bhp 2.0-litre turbo and could even feature 4WD.

* Astra 5DR Due NOW!

Eagerly awaited hatch is on sale now, starting at £15,675.

Eight engines – including a new 138bhp 1.4-litre petrol turbo – and five trim levels are available.

The five-door will be joined by a three-door late next year, too.

* Astra Twintop Due: 2011

Lifting the lid in style will be this roadster – and bosses hope it’s set to be more successful than the current TwinTop.

This time, the hard-top model will be a strict two-seater, with greater luggage space – and, crucially, a much more focused driving experience.

* Astra 4x4 Due: 2012

Compact SUV based on the new Astra will fill a big gap in the range.

Our spies have already caught prototypes testing, and it’s sure to be a winner, combining striking looks, real off-road ability and a commanding driving position.

Power is from the new line-up of small-capacity turbos, so it should be very efficient.

BACK TO ASTRA HOMEPAGE

Tell us about your car in our Driver Power survey.