know all cars

The 2016 Opel/Vauxhall Astra has been envisioned with a more premium exterior styling.

Opel's Astra K is set to receive a more upscale look influenced by the Monza concept and could also borrow a few styling cues from the Adam. It will be the first Astra ever to be manufactured outside Germany as we already know assembly will take place in Ellesmere Port, UK and Gliwice, Poland. It is believed the vehicle will be slightly larger than today's model which should enable a more spacious interior cabin.

According to a recent report, the new Astra is set to undergo a major diet as the hatchback will drop as much as 100 kg (220 lbs). The seventh generation could also bring an independent rear suspension which will replace the Watts link setup of the current model. A newly developed six-speed manual gearbox weighing 37 kg will most likely be available and matched with a new generation of efficient four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines. The Corsa's 115 PS 1.0-liter EcoTec three-cylinder turbocharged motor will likely be on offer as well.

First to come out will be the hatchback in the second half of 2015 before going on sale early 2016. It will be followed by wagon, coupe and sedan versions while OPC versions are also in the works to sit on top of the range. Opel has previously announced the Astra will enter production in 2015 and the K generation will last until the early 2020s.