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New Opel Astra K (7th Generation) Spied in Detail

A new Opel Astra is expected to arrive in 2015 and already the company's engineers are hard at work, changing the D2XX platform from Chevrolet to better suit their compact hatch needs. This test prototype was spied on the streets of Germany.
2016 Opel Astra K 15 photos
Photo: Automedia
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This is the first time that the car was spied in such detail and thanks to that we are able to show you a new direction for Opel's design language. The new Astra will not be as radically different as the current model was from its predecessor. However, design has evolved and, just as promised, follows that of the Monza Concept.

The front upper grille is squatted for a more dynamic look. It's soft curve creates a sort of smiling look that's wedged between the headlights. Fog light design also appears to be changing. The current model has normal ones placed in the lower bumper, but this prototype has them high and with a circular design. Inspiration could only have come from the Adam.

While the styling has familiar elements, the platform is all-new. It's called the D2XX and has already been used by a new Chevy Cruze, just launched in China. Using ultra-high-streangth-steel, weight should be reduced by somewhere between 50-100 kg.

More and more compact cars sold in Europe are adopting 3-cylinder turbo engines. Ford has the 1-liter EcoBoost in the Focus, while Peugeot offers the 1.2-liter just launched on the 308. Opel has already developed its version, the 1.0 SIDI Turbo with 115 hp delivered to the Adam. There will be other SIDI Turbo engines as well, including a new 1.4 with 150 PS, replacing the old Ecotec.

On the gearbox front, Chevrolet is soon to put a 7-speed twin-clutch called DCG. Opel should also gain access to this DSG-fighting tech. However, a factory to assemble these new gearboxes for European cars has not been announced yet.

There's a good chance that this Astra will actually be made by Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port factory after a major investment creating upwards of 700 jobs was announced there. Assembly of the new car is scheduled to start in 2015, with a minimum of 160,000 vehicles to be produced each year.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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