In Europe, the Opel Astra 2010 is already available for a peek online. It’s sleek exterior give it that soft aerodynamic look, definitely a step in the direction of the future. It’s compact enough to truly be a European car, and it emanates an aura of fuel-efficiency. The Opel Z logo on the front brands this machine accurately; the car looks like a lightning-bolt.

It’s unsure if there will be an American version of the Opel Astra any time soon. The Astra will be available with a 1.4-liter gasoline inline-four, but turbocharged variants will also be available, giving between 120- to 140 horsepower and 175 to 200 Nm of torque (129 – 148 pound-feet). More power will reportedly come in the form of a 180 hp 1.6-liter turbo motor. Because of its European nature, a range of diesels will also be available, including 1.3-, 1.7- and 2.0 –liter variants. A particularly cheap ecoFLEX variant is also expected in 2010.

According to CarScoop, the Astra will hit showrooms in Autumn, with a new three-door GTC Coupe to follow shortly afterwards.