Opel Caught Testing All-New Astra Hatchback At The Nurburgring: Video
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Opel’s new Astra five-door hatchback has been spotted testing at the Nurburgring by Autoevolution. The new compact car will share General Motors’ new D2XX global vehicle architecture with the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze and will be powered by new four and three cylinder engines from Opel’s new line of Ecotec motors.
Autoevolution says the two cars spotted at the Nurbrugring sounded like they were powered by Opel’s new 1.0-liter SIDI turbocharged engine and a 1.6-liter CDTI diesel. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which will be available in the D2XX Cruze is also expected to be carried over into the new Astra for models with more than 140 horsepower and will likely be joined by a six-speed manual option.
As with the new Vauxhall/Opel Corsa, the larger Astra will adopt styling similar to that of the compact and stylish Adam city car. The front grille appears very Adam-like through the camouflage, while it appears as if Opel’s sculpted, swooping design elements have been employed on the side of the car.
In changing over to the new D2XX platform, the car will reportedly lose a substantial 176 lbs, which will improve performance and fuel economy. Weight loss figures can be expected for the D2XX Cruze over the current model as well.
Expect the new Astra to debut sometime next year or in early 2016. A sedan and wagon variant is also expected to follow, according to Autoevolution.
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How about a Cruze and/or Verano hatch? Anybody listening? Also I noticed the blacked out covers? for the fuel filler and what appeared to be a place for a plug in port on the front fender for hybrid or electric. Wonder if I’m seeing what I think I saw?
Why not just bring Astra hatch over here and sell it next to Cruze as a Chevy. The car would need a new front and rear facada, and a little body work so not to be confused with BUICK.
Holden is selling this car. Chevy will in Latin America, as it has for years. Why not America? With Saturn gone, Chevy should be selling both Corsa and Astra.
I thought the GM exec., can’t remember which one said a while back that the US would get a hatch version of the Cruze next go around. He also said in the same statement that it was a mistake not to have had it here to begin with. If some one can find that remark in print or video and post it, it would be appreciated by me and probably others too.
Paul,
General Motors North America president Mark Reuss said those things, so you remembered correctly. Reuss also said he’s like to see a Cruze wagon offered in North America and that the new D2XX Cruze would blow us all away: the car will be that gosh darn good! Mr Reuss also hinted at a Cruze SS Coupe so I take what he says with a grain of salt.
Google his name and Chevrolet Cruze together and you’ll find several references to his remarks in articles written by well-established automotive sources.