These are the first photos of Opel specialist Irmscher’s new Astra i1600 hatchback. The car boasts a beefier turbocharged petrol engine and a cosmetics package, among other modifications.

Based on the most-powerful version of the new Astra, the 1,6-litre Turbo, the German tuner’s engineers squeezed out an extra 15 kW and 65 N.m of torque from the four-cylinder petrol unit, boosting output to 147 kW and 295 N.m of torque.

The Opel’s image and handling are further improved with Irmscher’s 30 mm lower sport suspension and a choice of 18- or 20-inch alloy wheels in sticky sport tyres.

Completing the package is body kit that includes a front spoiler, side skirts, a rear diffuser that houses quad tail pipes, a roof spoiler, a new front grille finished in carbon and decorative stripes on the car’s hood and the profile.

The new Opel Astra will arrive in South Africa in the first quarter of 2011. Find out more here.

General Motors South Africa (GMSA) has announced that it will be introducing the new Opel Astra to South Africa in the first quarter of 2011. GMSA says the decision by parent company General Motors to retain the Opel brand and improved business conditions in general have opened up new opportunities in South Africa for the Opel brand.

“The certainty around the future of Opel is great news for South Africa and allows us to build on the fine history of the Opel brand and the Corsa and Astra ranges,” says GMSA Vice President of Planning, Ian Nicholls.

The introduction of the new Opel Astra to South Africa will continue a legacy in the compact car segment that started with the Kadett. The German engineered vehicle promises to carry on the success story of previous generation Opels in South Africa. The Astra is more spacious than ever, thanks to its longer wheelbase and greater width.

The new car will be offered with four new ECOTEC petrol engines, specifically a 1,4-litre, 1,4-litre turbo, 1,6-litre and 1,6-litre turbo. The new engines are expected to offer a balance between economy and performance. The diesel engine line up consists of 1,3-litre, 1,7-litre and 2,0-litre common rail engines. The average fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of the Euro 5 compliant engines have been cut by nearly 12 percent.

Powertrains and model specifications for the South African market have not yet been announced. When the new Opel Astra goes on sale in South Africa in 2011 it will complement the existing range of Opel products like the Corsa 3 door and 5 door, the Vivaro MPV/Van, and the Combo panel van.