Vauxhall Astra inside out

The inside’s out for the new Astra! We’ve seen mules of the forthcoming Astra before, confirming that the shape won’t change dramatically beyond the current model, but these pictures show its interior virtually undisguised for the first time.

As you can see, there’s more than a hint of Insignia in the sweeping curve of the dashboard. Of course, this test mule is bereft of any ambience-lifting cabin jewellery, looking rather sullen in all black, but the basics are obvious.

A control panel inspired by its bigger Insignia brother, tilted at a similar angle, dominates the cabin, and the gear lever appears higher set for a sportier driving position than the current car.

This particular car features a six-speed gearbox, with buttons marked ‘sport’ and tour’ at the top of the centre stack, suggesting an active chassis system will be available, biasing the suspension towards handling or comfort with the touch of a button. Heated seat controls are also visible.

On the outside, LED light clusters can be seen at the front, though it’s unclear whether these are Audi-style daytime running lights or indicators. The heavily disguised C-pillar of this mule suggests the rear has undergone a significant overhaul too – most likely a more sloping look echoing the three-door’s.

Set to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009 before hitting showrooms in 2010, the new Astra will first appear as a five-door, followed by the three-door, an estate, and finally a convertible Twin Top.