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Astra SUV takes its first steps

Spies catch Vauxhall’s new Nissan Qashqai rival on test, top-spec models get 4WD, while Chevrolet-badged sister car is also in pipeline

Astra SUV takes its first steps

Text: Jack Rix / Photos: autoscoop.biz

04th February 2011

Small SUVs are big news. Following in the footsteps of the Nissan Qashqai comes an Astra-based Vauxhall off-roader – and our spies have caught it testing. 

It will to go head-to-head with Ford’s Kuga, the VW Tiguan and the Renault version of the Juke in the battle of the high-riding crossovers.

Our image gives an idea of how the new Vauxhall will look – and shows that it will take on the appearance of a small 4x4, even though it relies on the underpinnings of the Astra. 

Stretching the Astra’s platform will allow Vauxhall to offer more head and legroom, plus the security and versatility of four-wheel drive on top-spec models. The newcomer will sit neatly below the recently facelifted Antara in the line-up. 

Inside, the newcomer will offer the sort of flexibility Vauxhalls have become known for. However, as you can see from our spy shots, it won’t get the Meriva’s unique rear-hinged FlexDoors. And it won’t be sold exclusively with the Griffin badge, either. Just as the Antara 4x4 is a reworked version of the Chevrolet Captiva, Vauxhall’s budget sister brand will offer its own variation. 

The Chevy model will look similar, although it will also take design cues from the Agile Cross Sport – a 4x4 concept revealed last November.

Development of the SUV is advanced – on a recent trip to parent firm General Motors’ research and development facility in South Korean, Auto Express was given a sneak preview of the car in Chevrolet trim. Inside, both models will provide a premium feel, as they borrow switchgear from the Astra and Insignia. 

A new digital interface, allowing quick and simple pairing with smartphones, is also expected to debut. 

An inside source has revealed the newcomers will go on sale in 2013, and the Chevy version is key to a fast-growing range that will include the Orlando, Aveo, Captiva, Camaro and Cruze hatchback.

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3 Comments

Chevy Aveo or Vauxhall Astra SUV

You seem to have used the same pictures for both "scoops," which is it?

By drahcir100 on 7 February, 2011, 3:39pm

omg! just what i'm looking for! a totally incapable small 4x4 that lacks all the positives of a 4x4, with the worlds worst badge on it!!

By chinsip on 8 February, 2011, 9:27am

The design looks good.
What a shame VX cann't drag its dealerships into the 21st Century.

By toycollector on 8 February, 2011, 11:33am

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Pictures

Astra SUV takes its first steps
Astra SUV takes its first steps
Astra SUV takes its first steps

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