New Vauxhall Astra spied

This is our best look yet at the all-new Vauxhall Astra. Previously we’d only seen a grainy shot of the new hatchback but now we have a full set of images of a fully camouflaged prototype model. The new Astra is due to arrive sometime in 2015 and is likely to be built at Vauxhall’s Cheshire plant. 

Although new styling details are difficult to make out due to the heavy camouflage, we can see the Astra has grown in size. The bonnet appears to be longer and more sculpted, while at the back there is a larger rear overhang. A more prominent crease on the flank, which stretches from the A-pillar to the tail lamp is also noticeable.

Expect the new hatchback to adopt styling cues from the Vauxhall Opel Monza coupe revealed last year. It’s likely the design will be more evolutionary than revolutionary but new front and rear bumpers plus a new look interior will ensure the new model stands out.

As well as a design revamp, mechanical alterations are also expected to take place. The recently-introduced 114bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo likely to feature I the engine range, which willl give Vauxhall a direct rival to the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine found in the Ford Focus. Also expect more efficient version of the 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines, too.

The current Astra and Astra Sports Tourer are produced at the company’s Ellesmere Port factory in Cheshire, with the new model also set to be built there. It’s part of a £125 million investment that will generate 700 new jobs and secure 2,100 others.

Like previous incarnations of the Astra, various body styles and model variants will be offered to buyers. Although the spy shots depict the more practical five-door model, a sportier three door and load-lugging estate model are also set to be made available. There’s no official word on pricing but the cost shouldn’t stray too far from the current model’s entry-level £12,995 price tag.