Available as a three-door, a five-door and a station wagon, the Astra BiTurbo is easily distinguishable from the rest of the lineup thanks to a more aggressive front fascia that incorporates a body-colored grille. The sporty treatment extends to the back end of the car thanks to a muscular bumper and twin exhaust pipes.
As its name implies the BiTurbo is powered by a 2.0-liter CDTI four-cylinder engine that was introduced on the larger Insignia sedan earlier this year. The mill uses two turbochargers to eliminate turbo lag, a setup that Opel says is a first for a non-premium brand.
A small turbo spools up for initial acceleration while a larger unit is used under heavy acceleration and above 3,000 rpms. Mid-range duties are handled by both turbos.
Thanks to the system the Astra's four-banger makes 195 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque, enough to send the car to a top speed of 140 miles per hour. Acceleration figures were not released.
The technical modifications don't stop under the hood. The Astra BiTurbo is equipped with a specific rear axle that has a higher roll rate, stiffer springs and specific bushings. Customers who want a more responsive ride can opt for Opel's FlexRide system which automatically adjusts the suspension settings based on the condition and the surface of the road.
After making its public debut at the Paris Motor Show next month the Astra BiTurbo will hit showrooms across Europe before the end of the year. Pricing information will be released closer to the car's launch.
As is typically the case with Opel products, the Astra BiTurbo will be sold under the Vauxhall name in the United Kindgom.
