Spy photographers have captured images of a prototype of the fourth-generation Opel Astra Cabriolet undergoing winter testing in Europe. The prototype is heavily camouflaged, although it’s obvious from the headlights, grille and taillights that the soft-top is based on the existing Astra hatch.
Instead of the temporary roof seen in these spy shots, sources say a folding fabric unit will be used. The decision by Opel to opt for fabric over the three-piece hard-top of the previous Opel Astra TwinTop, should make the car a lot lighter, lower the centre of gravity and make for improved handling. On that point, the Astra Cabriolet will share the GTC’s HiPerStrut front suspension and Watt’s linkage rear suspension, while reduced weight should allow the 1.4- and 1.6-litre turbocharged engines to deliver adequate performance and economy.
The Opel Astra Cabriolet is likely to enter production next year, which means that its world premiere should take place at the Paris Motor Show this September or at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.
