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Vauxhall Launches New Astra

October 9th, 2009 by Steve Cypher

The latest generation Astra is launched in the UK as Saturn dealers can only wonder at what might have been

Production begins

Yesterday marked the beginning of production of the latest generation Vauxhall Astra at the U.K. subsidiary of Opel at GM of Europe’s Ellesmere Port facility – one of Opel-Vauxhall’s largest assembly plants and the only one in Western Europe that will build the Astra.

As a reflection of the new reality in the automotive industry, Ellesmere competed against GM assembly facilities in Trollhätten, Sweden, Antwerp, Belgium and Bochum, Germany back in 2007 in order to secure the rights to produce the new Opel.

2010 Opel/Vauxhall Astra

Making its premiere at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the sixth generation of the Astra is based on General Motors new Delta architecture – the same platform that GM is using for the Chevrolet Volt and Cruze models.

Unlike the previous generation, which languished in Saturn showrooms, the new 2010 Opel Astra features all-new sheet metal featuring sleek curves that replace the rather staid design of the fifth gen model.

To compliment its new alluring style is a broad selection of both gasoline and diesel engines. In addition to the base 1.4-liter naturally aspirated engine and an optional 1.6-liter turbo (from the Opel Insignia), GM has added a new 1.4-liter turbo unit that, according to the General, is expected to deliver fuel economy savings of up to 8% over both older engines.

Diesel offerings include 1.3, 1.7 and 2.0-liter turbocharged engines with an ecoFlex version offering improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions expected sometime next year.

The new Astra will initially be offered in a five-door version, while a three-door GTC coupe and station wagon will come to market late next year and, in early 2011, Opel plans to add a four-door sedan and a cabrio version featuring a retractable hardtop.