2010 Opel Astra Revealed, New Platform, New Engines

We've had leaked images and a couple of official photos so far, but this is easily the best look we've had at Opel's 2010 Astra. And as these images show, the new model lands with very appealing lines.

Set for debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the 2010 Astra follows design cues set by the Insignia and is based on GM's new Delta platform - which also forms the basis of the Chevy Volt and Holden Cruze.

More importantly, with a new platform comes two new four cylinder turbocharged engines to join the existing line-up of petrol and diesel units.

Petrol engines will include a 1.4 litre naturally-aspirated mill and a 1.4 litre turbo delivering either 89kW (120hp) or 104kW (140hp) depending on tune. Torque comes in at 175Nm (127lb-ft) or 200Nm (145lb-ft) respectively.

At the top of the petrol range sits a 1.6 litre turbo engine producing 134kW (180hp) which replaces the existing 1.8 litre and delivers an eight percent fuel saving.

Diesel will be well represented with 1.3 litre, 1.7 litre and 2.0 litre turbocharged engines on offer. Power figures have not yet been disclosed and Opel also notes that it plans to introduce an ecoFLEX engine to the lineup during 2010.

At this stage the interior is still under wraps. There's a handful of spy shots floating around the web and from these we can tell you that the Astra shares much of its interior design with the Insignia, and that's not a bad thing.

The Astra will kick off in Europe with the five-door model followed shortly by the more sporty three-door fast-back GTC Coupe. The station wagon will make an appearance in late 2010 with a four-door sedan and cabriolet the last to arrive.

Pricing information has not been released but we're expecting more information closer to the Frankfurt Show.

At this stage it looks unlikely that we'll see the 2010 Opel Astra in Holden dealerships - in all likelihood, it would cannibalise sales of the soon-to-be-released Cruze. Looks like these pictures will have to suffice then.