As development of the next-generation Opel Astra five-door hatchback continues, engineers continue to test the car at the punishing Nurburgring in Germany. Most recently, an Astra prototype was caught on video testing at the track by TouriClips on YouTube.
The video doesn’t reveal too much we didn’t already know about the car, but does assert some of the information that we do know. The car will adopt Opel’s ‘sculpted’ design mantra with cues pulled from head Opel designer Mark Adams’ Monza concept. Through the camouflage we can see dramatic body lines integrated into the side of the car, a lower front end and an all-new rear hatch, also with deep, sculpted lines.
Underpinning the next-generation Astra should be General Motors’ D2XX global vehicle architecture, which will also serve as the basis for the 2016 U.S. market Cruze. This will ditch the car’s current torsion beam and Watt’s Link suspension setup in the rear in favor of a full-independent setup. Under the hood will be new four and three-cylidner options from GM’s new line of Ecotec motors.
In switching to the new platform, the Astra will also grow in size, leaving more cabin space for occupants. This won’t make the car heavier however, as the new platform will aid in lightening the car by about 220 lbs, according to Autoevolution.
Check out the video below and let us know what you think about the all-new Astra  hatch in the comments.
Comments
I’ve said this before but: Cruze and Verano hatches anybody? They need to get ’em here pronto.
OPEL CORSA OPC SPY VS BMW X6M SPY 🙂 not bad this situation corsa opc vs x6m. opc goes nicely. not bad at all.hope for the best
Looks pretty good. I sure hope the predicted weight loss is right. 220 lbs or so would help acceleration, fuel economy and handling, all of which the cars can use. And yeah, they do need to bring over both the two and four door hatches. I suspect they will.