Vauxhall Junior new spy shots

We have the best spy shots yet of Vauxhall's MINI and DS3 rival in action

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Jack Rix

27th September 2011

Vauxhall is taking on MINI with a small premium supermini of its own. These pin sharp spy shots, showing the camouflaged car up close, are the best we've seen and the footage below show's the car in action during high-speed testing.

Based on the platform of the Corsa but pitched as a more upmarket runabout, the Junior will enter the ever-expanding market for compact but premium cars that includes the Fiat 500, Citroen DS3, Audi A1 and, of course, the MINI.

An inside source revealed that Junior is just a working name and will be replaced, although they refused to comment on rumours that the finished car will be badged the Allegra. Our source did confirm though that we will get our first glimpse of the car at the Paris Motor Show in 12 months time, before it goes on sale in early 2013.

Video: Watch our video of the Vauxhall Junior during testing

As shown in our pictures of the protoype, the three-door model will use short overhangs to maximise the wheelbase and improve interior space. Our rendering illustrates how the final production car could look, taking cues from the sporty Astra GTC with its sculpted flanks and curvy front grille.

A key part of the Junior's appeal will be personalisation, so expect a choice of colours for the contrasting roof and a wide choice of body graphics on the options list. The interior too will need to feature high-quality materials to justify a starting price of around £11,000.

The Junior shouldn't be confused with another small car that Vauxhall is currently developing. This sub-Corsa city car will be a much cheaper, more basic model with prices starting from around £8,000. Likely to use a new platform shared with Chevrolet, the budget model will be Vauxhall's answer to the VW up! when it goes on sale in late 2013.

What Next

For more breaking car news and reviews, subscribe to Auto Express magazine. We'll give you 6 issues for £1 and a free gift!

< Previous Next >

4 Comments

The problem with Opel/Vauxhall cars is they always look good in the press pics.The Meriva was a prime example.
Go to the showroom and they are a big let down.
The use of plastics is still below their rivals.

By toycollector on 27 September, 2011, 6:08pm

surely not "allegra"!!!

WIll it have a square steering wheel...?!

By alex34197 on 28 September, 2011, 12:56pm

There could be anything under all that disguise. A vacuum cleaner. Or a petrol mower.

Come back when there is something interesting to show us.

By minicoopers69 on 29 September, 2011, 5:11pm

I can't comment on the Meriva having never sat in one, but I can comment on the current model Astra and Insignia interiors, which are very classy, well put together and employ the use of quality materials. In fact I find the Insignia cabin in particular a better place to be than just about any this side of a Beemer 3 series, and this from someone who despises the way Vauxhall dealers treat their customers.

By sgtgrash on 1 October, 2011, 10:14pm

You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join.