The inside’s out for the new Astra! We’ve seen mules of the forthcoming Astra before, confirming that the shape won’t change dramatically beyond the current model, but these pictures show its interior virtually undisguised for the first time.

As you can see, there’s more than a hint of Insignia in the sweeping curve of the dashboard. Of course, this test mule is bereft of any ambience-lifting cabin jewellery, looking rather sullen in all black, but the basics are obvious.

A control panel inspired by its bigger Insignia brother, tilted at a similar angle, dominates the cabin, and the gear lever appears higher set for a sportier driving position than the current car.

This particular car features a six-speed gearbox, with buttons marked ‘sport’ and tour’ at the top of the centre stack, suggesting an active chassis system will be available, biasing the suspension towards handling or comfort with the touch of a button. Heated seat controls are also visible.

On the outside, LED light clusters can be seen at the front, though it’s unclear whether these are Audi-style daytime running lights or indicators. The heavily disguised C-pillar of this mule suggests the rear has undergone a significant overhaul too – most likely a more sloping look echoing the three-door’s.

Set to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009 before hitting showrooms in 2010, the new Astra will first appear as a five-door, followed by the three-door, an estate, and finally a convertible Twin Top.

Looks Hideous....

Defintely an Astra then

The gaffer tape effect will never catch on IMO - though im sure its an improvement on usual Vauxhall build quality

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee scrap it lol

Just been looking through some pre-release photos/designs

Final product?

(Source: AutoExpress Website)

First thought - looks like a Fiat.

New Fiat Brava anybody??

and youll see 11 million of the barstewards on the roads within 1 month of them being released !!!

Alfa romeo

Lmao mind you when have Vauxhall ever been original in design. Poor imitations...

I prefer this shape

Alfa Mito is an awesome car...

Shows the comparison of Pure Italian design...compared to.....That...

Im getting de-ja-vu...


2000 MG Rover Concept


2002 Vauxhall Vectra

good point

vauxhall's need to wake up and start designing cars, rather than stealing designs


most of the problem is that quite a few car manufacturers use the same designer(s)
so you have to expect a few similarites, but its too similar this time round

lol most modern cars these days look the same with some exceptions