06/06/2008 17:47. The new Opel Astra is likely to be unveiled at the Geneva Show in March 2009, and we are able to share some early details after our spies recently snapped the car while undergoing testing.

Despite the car's disguise, the new profile, front end and massive rear bumper are all visible, as well as the new split tail lamp cluster.

Most telling, perhaps, are that in the new images these prototypes' headlights are virtually undisguised and the new design is plain to see.

Only five-door versions of the hatchback were snapped, and it does seem to carry across the current car's dramatically sloped roofline. It is said that the new car, in production mode, will look more elegant and sleeker than the current version.

A full model line-up is expected again, with the five-door hatch followed by the three-door GTC, convertible Twin-Top and Caravan station wagon (not available in South Africa).

The engine line-up will be similar although greener variants are expected to make their appearances, too.

One of these is the new 1.4-litre turbo unit expected to replace the normally aspirated 1.6- and 1.8-litre units currently in the line-up.

GMSA officials recently told Wheels24 that this new engine is a definite for new Astra when it arrives here in the first half of 2010.

  // Wheels24.co.za