In this week"s mag Auto...

In this week"s mag Auto Express can exclusively reveal pictures, which show the all-new compact family hatch that will challenge its arch rival with a fresh face and the latest technology. The radical approach which saw the current Astra given a more distinctive shape hasn"t been forgotten. However, the man behind the styling has been replaced. Design expert Martin Smith oversaw the car"s development before switching to Ford in July 2004, and has been superseded by Bryan Nesbitt.

Having already signed off the Antara SUV, the stylist is keen to make a mark in other sectors. Vauxhall"s new hatch shares its front-end looks with the 4x4, while retaining the sleek appearance of the current Astra.

Under the skin, the newcomer is based on General Motors" latest platform, codenamed Delta. Auto Express"s spies have already caught a top-secret test mule out developing underpinnings for several fresh models. Despite the Vectra body, the basic architecture will be used on the all-new Astra. This model will be front-wheel drive, and feature Vauxhall"s latest chassis technology.

While the existing hatch is dynamically competent, its successor will be a serious driver"s car. Most of the development work will be carried out by Opel in Germany, but Vauxhall will then add some refinements to make UK-spec cars ready for Britain"s roads.

Engines will be carried over from the current Astra, with a few additions. Mid-spec models will inherit the 1.7-litre turbo petrol unit from the all-new Corsa VXR, while work is underway on a new compact diesel. Maximising efficiency is crucial, and General Motors is also rumoured to be developing a motor similar to Volkswagen"s TSI unit, which uses both a turbo and supercharger.

What"s more, the Astra could be one of the first mainstream cars in its class to feature hybrid power. General Motors has been working with Mercedes and BMW to develop a new hi-tech, two-mode, CVT gearbox intended specifically for models running both petrol and electric motors.

As with the current car, the all-new Astra will get a firebreathing VXR-badged flagship. Its unique selling point is its high power output, so it is likely to better the forthcoming 250bhp Mazda 3 MPS, and offer even faster acceleration. While the VXR will be available with only three doors, five-door, coupé-cabriolet and estate bodystyles will make up the rest of the Astra range.

In line with the present car and the next-generation Corsa, designers will ensure the three and five-door Astras appeal to very different buyers. The former will have a coupé-like profile, while the five-door will be designed for more conservative customers.

While development work is well underway, Vauxhall is determined to reach the top of the class, so the all-new Astra won"t go on sale in the UK until the end of 2008.