Vauxhall has lifted the lid on the latest version of its new Astra - the stunning TwinTop. Using the latest in roof technology, the folding hard top is composed of three main parts instead of the two used by rivals. This means there are far fewer compromises to the car's rear-end looks and interior space, and the TwinTop retains all the style and grace for which the Astra range has become renowned. At the press of a button, the two overhead sections of the roof stack on top of the rear window to fold away neatly into a compact space under the rear tonneau. The result is a practical four-seater open top for enjoying the summer sun, coupled to the practicality, security and refinement of a snug four-seater coupe in less clement weather.

Set to make its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the newcomer will go on sale in spring 2006. It will come with a choice of four engines, including Vauxhall's acclaimed 150PS 1.9-litre performance diesel.

Entry-level versions will use the 105bhp 1.6-litre Twinport petrol engine, while other petrol choices will include an all-new fuel efficient 1.8-litre 140PS unit. The flagship model uses the storming 200PS 2.0-litre Turbo from the Astra SRi.

The newcomer will build on Vauxhall's reputation for stylish design inside too, with new trims and upholstery which will be exclusive to the TwinTop model.

Rather than being a 'chop-top' the Astra has been designed from the ground up to be a convertible, and as such has an exceptionally rigid bodyshell. In addition to preserving the hatchback model's exceptional safety record, this also ensures its acclaimed driving dynamics are also maintained.

Prices for the TwinTop will be announced closer to the on sale date, but in common with other models in the Vauxhall stable are expected to offer great value for money.

[source: newspress.co.uk]

The Frankfurt motor show will see a duo of folding hardtop debuts, as Vauxhall unveils its open Astra at the same show as Volvo's new C70. Tagged Astra TwinTop, the new coupé-cabrio will be one of a trio of new Vauxhalls on display, joining the 255bhp Vectra VXRand the long-awaited replacement for the Frontera 4x4.

The Astra TwinTop follows rivals such as Megane CC and Peugeot 307 CC in ditching the fabric hood in exchange for a folding hard-top, a route also being explored by VW and Ford with forthcoming cabrio versions of the Golf and Focus.

Arriving in the UK next spring, the TwinTop will be launched with a choice of four engines, 105bhp 1.6-, 138bhp 1.8- and 198bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol variants, and the 148bhp 1.9-litre diesel.
Based on the longer of the Astra’s two wheelbases also used by the Zafira and Astra Estate, the TwinTop should offer at least as good rear seat accommodation as anything in the class. Boot space comes in at 440 litres with the roof up, 220 with it down, which is best in class roof-down, and level with the Megane CC at its maximum.

Unlike the Tigra's roof, which was designed and built by French firm Heuliez, the Astra's roof has been developed by Porsche-owned CTS and unlike its established rival’s systems, folds into three pieces, which helps the sleek styling by remove the need for the steeply sloped A-pillar and long rear deck that handicap the Megane and 307 CC’s appearance.

Although prices won’t be firmed up until nearer the spring ’06 launch, Vauxhall will need to match its closest rivals, which means a starting price of around £17,000 for the 1.6, rising to around £21 for the range-topping 197bhp turbo.

GM on Tuesday said it will spend more than $4.2 billion (€3.1 billion) on the next generation of the Opel/Vauxhall/Saturn Astra. GM announced it would build the new Astra at its Ellesmere Port, England; Bochum, Germany; Trollhattan, Sweden; and Gliwice, Poland plants instead of its Antwerp, Belguim plant where the car is currently built raising questions about the Antwerp plants future.

Officials in both the Belguim and Flemish governments expressed disappointment with the decision and said they had been working hard to improve the Antwerp plant's efficiency.

This car will replace the 2008 Saturn Astra, which was the first model imported by Saturn from Opel as part of GM's new strategy of merging the two companies product lines. The car is renowned in Europe for its excellent interior, good handling and has beaten its VW competition in comparison tests. Expect to see this new Astra in the US as GM continues to integrate Saturn and Opel into one.

A heavily camouflaged prototype of Opel’s next-generation Astra hatch, due for launch next year, was recently spotted racking up some laps at Germany’s Nurburgring circuit. The new model is crucial for GM as it will need to recover market share lost by the current model to Ford’s strong-selling Focus hatch and it could possibly be manufactured in the U.S. for the first time in the model’s history.

The new Astra is expected to go on sale in Europe following its debut at next year’s Geneva Motor Show and will eventually reach the U.S. one year later where it will be sold as a Saturn. The car is based around GM’s Delta FWD compact platform and will once again be available in Coupe, three and five-door hatchbacks and wagon, and possibly a sedan. Opel will also launch a new two-mode hybrid version although it won’t arrive until the end of 2010, which coincides with the U.S. launch of the Saturn version.

These latest renderings, based on the recent spy shots, suggest the next Astra will follow the design of Opel’s new Insignia sedan due at July’s London Motor Show. The Saturn-branded Astra is expected to be publicly unveiled in Geneva next year.

Apart from the hybrid, expect to see a similar powertrain lineup to the current model, which means a range of petrol engines developing between 75 and 240hp as well as a number of diesels with between 90 and 150hp.