Vauxhall is aiming to pitch is three-door Astra as a sleek coupé to rival the Volkswagen Scirocco, judging from these spy images from Germany.
The images show how the decision to focus on style has allowed designer Mark Adams to give the three-door Astra a much sharper profile. Even under a light disguise, it’s clear that he has used 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.
Another undisguised car shows that 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.
They are joined by a sharp crease that runs from the door handle along the C-pillar to the outside edge of the tail-lights. GM is also planning to offer the five-door’s panoramic windscreen option on the three-door.
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, is due to be revealed within the next two weeks.
GM has also started work on a convertible; like the outgoing Astra Twin Top, it’s likely to feature a folding metal roof instead of a hood. But it’s unlikely to make its public debut until late 2011 or 2012.
