First look: Astra concept a Geneva star

OFFICIALLY this is the GTC Genèveconcept car, but the European press isinsisting it's actually a very strong guide tothe looks of the next generation Astra, onceyou ditch the aggressive front bumper andbig wheels.

The new generation Astra is due on sale inEurope early in 2004, in Australia where thecurrent generation is a big hit, it's provisionallyexpected around late '04/early '05.

Opel design director Martin Smith said of theGTC: "We want to demonstrate how sporty athree-door hatchback can be. We set out to builda dynamic-looking car with space for four passengers."However, the five-door is expected to be thefirst new Astra launched, followed by the three-door. Other models under consideration includea wagon and a coupe-cabriolet, possibly with ametal roof.

The next generation Zafira compact peoplemover will also spin off the platform along witha 4WD cross-over wagon.

Increased performance for sports models ispromised via a Saab-sourced 2.0-litre turboengine pumping out more than 180kW.

Other petrol engines will also be revised andthe European media says there is also a 1.6-litreturbo being developed.

New gearbox choices could include CVT orFiat's Selespeed system.

The Geneva concept car has a tinted, transparent roof that stretches from the windshield tothe rear window.

"There's a lot going on in car design at themoment, from very traditional to almost eccentric forms," says Mr Smith.

"With the GTC Genève we wanted to make aclearly sporty statement."

Alfa coupe too

ALFA'S GT Coupe will be revealed at Geneva.

Alfa's competitor for the likes of theBMW 3-series compact and Mercedes-Benz sports coupewill go on sale inEurope this yearbefore flowing intoAustralia in late '04.

The three-door hatchback, often referred to as a new-age Sprint, is basedon the 156 Sportwagon platform and ispowered in Europe by a choice of fourengines - 104kW 1.8 Twin Spark, 122kW 2.0 JTS, 104kW 1.9 JTD turbo-diesel Multijet 16v and the range-top-ping 184kW 3.2-litre V6 GTA version.

The smart money favours the JTSand GTA for Australian sale. Expectpricing to be pitched a little above theequivalent 156 models.

The GT Coupe's body has beenstyled by Bertone with inspirationdrawn from such famous Alfas as the1900, the Giulietta, the Giulia and theAlfetta.

The GT Coupe measures up at4.48m long, 1.76m wide and 1.39mhigh. The wheelbase is 2596mm.

Updated versions of the GTV andSpider will also debut in Geneva.