Currently reading: Vauxhall Astra coupe: new pics
Best spy pictures yet of the new Vauxhall Astra coupe, which will spawn a 300bhp VXR variant

These are the best spy pictures yet of the Vauxhall Astra coupe, a model which will spawn a hardcore 300bhp VXR variant.

The Astra Sport Coupé will be the third variant in the model line-up when it arrives next year; the second model, the Sport Tourer estate, was unveiled last week.

See the latest Vauxhall Astra Coupe spy pics

The three-door Astra has a much sharper profile than the standard five-door hatch. Features include a sharply angled rear side window and thick C-pillar to give a sportier appearance - although the extended roofline and spoiler hint at reasonable rear headroom.

The ‘blade’ shapes, first seen on the Insignia, have been retained - although their position here is the reverse of the layout on the five-door Astra.

One insider said on the VXR coupe: “The VXR brand is about extreme performance. It’s safe to say that the next Astra will build on where the current car is and react to market trends. It’ll be quite a power hike over the current car.”

That means a hefty gain from the current VXR’s 237bhp to match the Focus’s 300bhp — but GM engineers think they will be able to achieve this with a more highly tuned 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged powerplant, instead of switching to a V6.

Like the current Focus RS, the VXR will stick with front-wheel drive, so expect some form of electronic differential to help cope with the increased power and torque.

Photos: Carparazzi

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artill 29 June 2010

Re: Vauxhall Astra coupe: new pics

I feel a little sorry for the poor old 5 door Astra. Adding the word 'Sport' in front of the cars name and calling it something 'posh' must help sell cars. Why else would a 3 door hatchback be called a Sport Coupe, or an Estate be a Sport Tourer?

But if that is the case why isnt the 5 door called Sport Hatch, or Sport Family Car?

Of course it could just be Vauxhall being daft. Please stop it.

Myk 29 June 2010

Re: Vauxhall Astra coupe: new pics

No. It's a 3 door hatchback.

mantaray 29 June 2010

Re: Vauxhall Astra coupe: new pics

Features include a sharply angled rear side window and thick C-pillar to give a sportier appearance

And a terrible blind spot!!!!

although the extended roofline and spoiler hint at reasonable rear headroom.

Spoiler? since when did a piece of plastic bolted to the roof increase headroom???