Europe's B- and C-segments are not easy places to play, so Opel had to make sure its latest version of the Astra was ready for stiff competition. Hundreds of hours of wind tunnel work have given way to a sleek, rounded hatch that's about as efficient as Opel can make it.
Built on GM's Delta II architecture, the Astra shares its underpinnings with other GM small cars like the Chevrolet Cruze, but to compete in the cutthroat European market, it's been tuned for better performance and efficiency than its stable mates. Along the way, the Astra also picked up Opel's modern Wing and Blade styling popularized by the larger Insignia.
Powering the Astra will be eight Euro V-compliant engines distributed evenly between diesel and gasoline fuels. The four diesel engines will range from 1.3L to 2.0L and crank out 90 hp to 160 hp. The petrol engines, meanwhile, will range in size from 1.4L to 1.6L and create 100 hp to 180 hp. All of them will come with six-speed manual transmissions, but if you prefer to let the car do the work, the lowest-powered models will offer automatics.
Along with hot new styling inside and out, the Astra is also expected to pick up some hot new technology as well. The Astra will come equipped with new bi-xenon headlights and the slick Opel Eye camera system that can recognize stop signs and other hazards.
While the last Astra didn't fare all that well in the U.S. badged as a Saturn, we may yet see the new model on our shores. If reports out of GM are correct, we'll see an Astra in Buick clothing here in time for the 2012 model year. Of course, plans could change when and if Opel changes hands from GM to investment groups led by either Canada's Magna or Belgium's RHJ.