GM's Opel Astra Bringing Wagonload of Envy to Frankfurt

Before all's said and done, the new Astra is expected to breed a new GTC three-door hatch, and this, the new Astra Sports Tourer.

Set to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the new Astra wagon promises to be better in every way than the model it replaces. It's more stylish, to start off with, but that's not the end of the story. Despite the same exact exterior dimensions, the new Astra Sports Tourer is lighter and offers more interior space for both occupants and cargo.

Despite its mass-market appeal, it also offers all the latest technologies. Those include matrix LED headlights, a hands-free power tailgate, and OnStar system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Power comes from four-cylinder engines displacing 1.0 liters to 1.6, burning gasoline or diesel, and producing anywhere from 95 horsepower to 200. All of which ought to ensure that the Astra remains one of GM's top sellers overseas, and the Sports Tourer accounting for nearly a third of all Astras sold in Europe.

Alongside the Astra Sports Tourer, Opel is also showcasing a concept version of its Vivaro van. The Surf concept is distinguished by a two-tone copper and white paint job. It rides on special Irmscher alloys and is fitted with a surfboard rack on the roof. Inside it's all done up in silver-stitched black leather, with blue ambient lighting, velour floor mats, and a special cargo rail loading system. Power comes from a turbodiesel engine with 140 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque, and Opel says that if it receives positive feedback, it could even put it into limited production.