New Opel Astra I (9th generation)

[Rouxenator]

While some like drooling over pictures of the 6th generation of a boring euro box that looks like a station wagons illegitimate child conceived by lazy designs copied off a SUV (what a mouthful) - it is good to see some more passionate and flair-full designs emerging from Germany.

As the oldest auto maker in Germany, Opel has done a pretty good job with the next generation Astra that is to be unveiled at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Some spy pics to give you an idea of how it is going to look :

Has a slight feel of Honda Jazz with that C-pillar window (not a bad thing at all).

The rear end looks a bit more Alfa Brera than before (also not a bad thing).

Your views on this cult icon underdog hatch bag ?

 

[JK8]

Nope... unless the real car is better than the concept, which I doubt... still no.
looks like a SUV

I went for a drive in a GTC this weekend, some idiot I know bought one and thought h'ed impress lol...

What a wreck!! You cant see though the back window, the side windows are the most stupid design ever, extravagant from the outside a hazard to the driver!!! Stupid seats, they look like they were stripped from a Velociti!
Ugly bland cheap looking steering and a huge ugly gear knob...!! Why make it big and ugly??
The centre console has cheap look and touch silver plastic like again, a velociti!!!
The little computer... is that from Atari in the 70s? Cheap ugly LCD like a chinese calculator? In orange font?

Ridiculous car... and incredibly slow for Turbo diesel!!

 

[FarligOpptreden]

"spy pics" Those are blerrie CGI!

Also, having a slight "feel" of Honda is a good thing, seeing as how brilliant they are... I wish all cars could look and behave like the Civic.

 

[Rouxenator]

Well you don't get much more "6th generation of a boring euro box that looks like a station wagons illegitimate child conceived by lazy designs copied off a SUV" than :

Now the new Astra may not be to everyones taste but it sure does look better than that

 

[Adeptus Mechanicus]

Not really interested in the new shape Astra anymore. I'm busy drooling over the Insignia (esp. the OPC version which will be mine if it makes it to SA)

http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/3/large/opel-insignia-opc-spy-photo-at-nurburgring_1.jpg
http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/3/large/opel-insignia-opc-spy-photo-at-nurburgring_4.jpg

 

[Rouxenator]

Sad thing is big Opels will never come back to SA. But the Insignia is a pretty special car ! Not only is it car of the year 2009 in Europe but its read road signs feature has been copied into the new Mercedes E-class

 

[gifs]

The rear end looks very much like an Alfa Bravo

 

[FarligOpptreden]

So, Rouxenator, does that mean you'll be getting rid of your 2001 Astra pretty soon?

Just a reminder:

Honda über Deutsche automobil.

 

[JK8]

The rear end looks very much like an Alfa Bravo

You must be an accountant right?
Even Stevie wonder knows it doesnt look like a Bravo!

 

[Rouxenator]

So, Rouxenator, does that mean you'll be getting rid of your 2001 Astra pretty soon?

Just a reminder:

Honda über Deutsche automobil.

Anothor thing to remember is Haus in Stellenbosch über der automobil - so no, I will stick with the '01 Astra (currently with 155,000km on the clock).
Perhaps by year end we might get the new Spark as (for my wife) as she really likes the pics she has seen of it.

You must be an accountant right?
Even Stevie wonder knows it doesnt look like a Bravo!

Brera! not Bravo

 

[Rouxenator]

With looks this good they don't even have to make a GTC version to look better than the competition

Nice interior also, not as dull and square as the competitions "high perceived quality" option.

 

[alisiaoh]

The car looks gr8 but i dont like the rims.....

 

[Rouxenator]

The car looks gr8 but i dont like the rims.....

And lucky for you they are the easist part of the look and feel to change.

 

[dj_jyno]

Side view - Seat León
Rear lenses - current generation Audi (bad imitation thereof, IMO)

The middle console looks too busy and might distract you if you're not familiar with the car.

 

[Rouxenator]

That being said it is absolutely wonderful that this IS NOT a VAG product.
Remember, VAGs are for ...

 

[dj_jyno]

Remember, VAGs are for ...

intelligent people. Let's not go into the Opel acronym...

 

[JK8]

Side view - Seat Léon
Rear lenses - current generation Audi (bad imitation thereof, IMO)

The middle console looks too busy and might distract you if you're not familiar with the car.

Can also see alot of the new Fiesta in the side view...

 

[Rouxenator]

Can also see alot of the new Fiesta in the side view...

No, thats more Honda Jazz than Fiesta - but it is similar in a way.

 

[Adeptus Mechanicus]

intelligent people. Let's not go into the Opel acronym...

I see we have another Citi driver in our midst.

 

[Rouxenator]

I see we have another Citi driver in our midst.

What do they know about intelligence ?

Besides, Opel is not an acronym - it is the name of the founder, Adam Opel. Just like all great maker, Mercedes, Honda, Ferarri...etc.
If VW followed the same name convention it would have been know as an Adolf or perhaps even a Hitler.