2016 Opel Astra revealed

New Astra hatch could join Holden's growing Euro lineup.

Opel has revealed its revamped Astra hatch ahead of the model’s Frankfurt motor show debut in September.

Following the recent return of the current Astra GTC and VXR to Holden showrooms, an Australian version of the new bread and butter could also be on the cards, and if it were to be sold as a Holden it would likely share showroom space with the next-generation Cruze, a car which occupies a very similar space in the small car segment. 

The next-gen Cruze is set to be available only as a sedan initially, leaving room for a mid-size hatch in the Holden range.

Styling will be another factor to differentiate the Astra from the Cruze, with the new European model offering a sharp and athletic design with well-defined lines. 

The Astra boasts an aggressive look with a heavily contoured front end, blacked out C-pillars and slick head and taillights. 

Similarly, the interior looks to feature upgraded materials compared with the sixth-generation Astra which was sold in Australia by Opel until it pulled the pin in 2013. 

The button-heavy layout of the outgoing Astra has also been replaced by a much cleaner design with an eight-inch touchscreen display featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. 

The Astra boasts an aggressive look with a heavily contoured front end, blacked out C-pillars and slick head and taillights.

Despite being physically smaller in almost every way than its predecessor, Opel claim the new Astra actually carries more interior volume with an additional 35mm of rear legroom. 

The seventh-generation model is 50mm shorter and 26mm lower with a 2mm shorter wheelbase than the car it replaces. 

The reduction in size combined with a brand new lightweight architecture result in a car that’s up to 200kg lighter than the one it replaces. 

The new body shell alone accounts for almost half of the weight loss, while clever subframes, axles and suspension components account for further reductions. 

Opel has confirmed three engines thus far for the new Astra, including a 70kW 1.6-litre turbodiesel, a 77kW 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol and a 107kW/250Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol. 

Buyers will have a choice of either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. 

In a segment first, the new Astra will also be fitted with LED matrix headlights which automatically distribute light depending on the situation to improve safety. 

Other features available include traffic sign assist, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, forward collision alert, eighteen-way adjustable driver’s seat with massage function and heated rear seats. 

The new Opel Astra will also form the basis for the next-generation GTC and VXR hot hatches which are likely already on Holden’s agenda. 

If the seventh-generation Astra hatch does make it to Australia, it will likely go on sale in the second half of 2016.