STYLING of the Astra Convertible is the result of collaboration between GM's German affiliate, Opel, and renowned Italian design house Bertone. The convertible is based on the Astra coupe - which is not sold in Australia - and is also built alongside the hard-top model at Bertone's manufacturing plant in Italy. The convertible retains many of the TS Astra's styling cues, such as the short front overhang, pronounced wheel arches and the distinctive aerodynamic kick in the bootlid (almost like a built-in spoiler). But there are a number of differences as well, in particular the unique front bumper treatment with a two-bar radiator cooling duct and integrated foglights, smoked headlight and tail-light lenses, more steeply raked windscreen, body coloured door handles and side protection strips, and a unique alloy wheel design.