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
