A fresh report out of the United Kingdom suggests the next-generation Vauxhall (and thus also Opel) Astra hatchback will adopt a coupé-like roofline.

According to Auto Express, the new Astra will hit showrooms at some point in 2021, underpinned by a platform shared with other PSA Group brands.

Vauxhall managing director Stephen Norman promised Auto Express the new model will be “something much more than just a Vauxhall version of the Peugeot 308”.

The publication added the new Astra will take the form of a “coupé-style hatchback” as well as adopt the new family face first seen in production form on the latest Corsa. The rear door handles, meanwhile, are likely to be hidden ahead of the C-pillars.

Auto Express claims power will come from the PSA Group’s latest petrol and diesel engines, offered with a choice of six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions.

The publication also suggests a flagship model wearing the VXR (or, in the case of the Opel model, OPC) badge is on the cards, drawing its urge from a plug-in hybrid powertrain comprising a turbocharged 1,6-litre petrol unit and an electric motor on each axle.

Original article from Car