2009 Holden Astra secrets revealed.
Monday, May 12th, 2008 in Advanced Auto NEWS, Holden
New Holden Astra is set for 2009 with sexier looks, sportier handling, and fuel-efficient engines, reports JEZ SPINKS.
Holden’s next-generation Astra will be armed with sportier styling and improved handling to take the fight to small-car leaders Toyota Corolla and Mazda3.
Our artist’s impression reveals how the European Astra is set to adopt new sheetmetal based on the new Opel Insignia mid-size sedan unveiled in April.
Drive’s spy photographers have caught disguised versions of the new Astra testing at Germany’s Nurburgring circuit, ahead of its expected 2009 debut at either the Geneva or Frankfurt motor shows.
The latest-generation Opel Astra will sit on General Motors’ new global Delta platform, which will also underpin other key future models under the GM umbrella such as the 2009 Saab 9-1 and 2010 Chevrolet Volt hybrid.
As a ‘world car’ throughout the GM empire, it will also be rebadged using the same sheetmetal for the likes of Holden, Vauxhall (Britain) and Saturn (North America).
Once again the Astra will be designed and engineered primarily by General Motors’ German subsidiary Opel. The current Astra’s torsion-beam rear suspension will be replaced by a more expensive independent set-up that aims to improve the small car’s ride and handling.
The Astra will continue to be front-wheel drive, though it’s possible a version of the new Haldex all-wheel-drive system developed by GM’s Swedish arm Saab could find its way under range-topping versions of the small car.
Opel is believed to be following Volkswagen’s engine-downsizing strategy by offering the Astra with smaller-capacity engines equipped with turbochargers. (VW’s 1.4-litre turbocharged/supercharged engine has won awards for its ability to offer the performance of a 2.0-litre but with improved fuel economy.)
Expect the 2009 Astra line-up to again feature three-door and five-door hatchbacks, wagon, and folding hardtop convertible (Twintop), as well as next-generation versions of the sportier SRi and VXR variants.
