Astra's new family

Hatch to spawn huge range of newcomers putting Vauxhall back on family car map.

The Astra is getting in the family way –and we’ve got the pictures to prove it! 

To celebrate the arrival of Vauxhall’s new hatch in the UK Auto Express has brought the whole range together for an exclusive peek at what lies ahead.

So, for the first time ever, we can bring you amazing images of the new Astra 4x4, the Astra coupé – likely to be badged the Calibra – the TwinTop roadster, plus an estate version, all together in a dream showroom.

The Astra is the most important model in the manufacturer’s history. It arrives at a time when car companies are enduring really tough times – and Vauxhall itself faces UK job losses following its sale to parts giant Magna.

But the new model proves there’s a bright future ahead. It makes big leaps forward in terms of styling, quality and driving – and the line-up offers something for every buyer. It takes the fight not only to Ford’s Focus, but also the VW Golf.

A fresh addition to the range is the hot-looking 4x4 model, which will go up against the Ford Kuga and VW Tiguan. Style is top of the agenda for the SUV, with a sporty look set off by a perfect dose of off-road aggression – note the neat spotlights, plus the protective skid plates. It will come with front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, and mixes genuine on and off-road ability with a flexible cabin. The 4x4 is due to go on sale in 2012.

Another major player is the new Astra coupé, which will sit above a forthcoming three-door model. The former is set to lock horns with the VW Scirocco, and provide head-turning looks as well as strong performance.

Its sister car is the roadster, which seeks to inject more desirability into the TwinTop. Vauxhall will position it as a rival to Audi’s TT Roadster.

Finally, there’s the classy Sport Tourer estate.

But the models you see here are not the end for the Astra. The range will also expand to include a replacement for the Zafira MPV.