2017 Opel Astra sedan spy shots

A right-hand-drive sedan version of the new Opel Astra has been spotted in Germany. Is it destined for Australia?

Two months after Opel launched the all-new Astra hatch now on sale here with a Holden badge, a sedan version has been spotted testing under the usual dazzle camo at GM’s Rüsselsheim development centre in Germany.

As with previous models it’s believed the 2017 Astra Sedan will be aimed at Eastern Europe, Russia and Turkey with some making their way into western European and UK showrooms badged as either an Opel or a Vauxhall.

Going by these spy shots the new Astra Sedan will be a re-badged and slightly re-designed Chevrolet Cruze, which itself is based on Astra’s new-generation D2XX platform.

The prototype’s bonnet cutlines, door apertures and front sheetmetal align with those of the US-market Cruze sedan, though the Astra trades the Cruze’s sharply-creased design for slightly softer curves.

The front bumper, grille and headlamps are unique to the Astra, however.

There’s presently no word if the European version of GM’s global small sedan will come to Australia, with Holden telling Wheels it’s “yet to finalise its small car strategy”.

Holden had previously stated it will sell the next-generation Cruze sedan alongside the Astra hatch, but whether it’s the US-market product or the European version seen here has yet to be confirmed. It’s worth noting, however, that the pictured prototype is right-hand-drive, which hints at the possibility of an Australian debut.

Whichever version comes, it would make sense to name it Astra along with the hatch and the pending estate version to bring consistency to Holden’s small car range – the last time Holden had a full sedan/hatch Astra range was with the TS model in 2005.

Engines will most likely mimic those of the hatchback and wagon variants, including the new-generation 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol turbo fours that will be under the bonnets of Holden’s new hatch.