Opel is engaged on a number of new and up to date fashions for the subsequent few years, so mules and prototypes are to be anticipated. The newest spy look is a high-riding automobile sporting an uncamouflaged Opel Astra physique, hinting at both a crossover variant of the compact hatchback or one other new SUV with an analogous footprint.

The prototype/mule was noticed throughout winter testing in Scandinavia. The Opel Astra physique seems to be utterly inventory, though it comes fitted with gloss black fender extensions, and sits considerably increased than the hatchback. It additionally rides on bigger alloy wheels with beefier tires and comes and not using a seen tailpipe.

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The primary and most blatant situation is that we’re taking a look at a prototype of the Opel Astra Cross. The adventurous trim of the five-door hatchback has been rumored since late 2021 and will arrive as an extra bodystyle with elevated floor clearance, a dose of plastic cladding across the bodywork, and skid plates on the bumpers. Such a mannequin might rival the Kia XCeed, Ford Focus Energetic, and the upcoming Audi A3 Allstreet. The one problem right here is that the bottom clearance of the pictured automobile seems to be fairly extreme for a crossover, which led us to discover the case of an SUV.

Whereas this could require a heavier funding in R&D, there’s a likelihood that Opel is engaged on a brand-new compact SUV that might bridge the hole between the Crossland and the Grandland. A standalone compact SUV would probably characteristic a totally redesigned physique whereas sharing its EMP2 underpinnings and powertrain lineup with the Astra. This is able to be the fourth high-riding mannequin in Opel’s vary which additionally consists of the Moka and is predicted to develop additional with the next-gen Insignia crossover flagship.

Lastly, our spy photographers counsel that this may very well be a mule for the next-generation Opel Crossland. The present Crossland was initially launched again in 2017 and is likely one of the final remaining SUVs based mostly on the previous PSA PF1 platform. Along with its sibling, the Citroen C3 Aircross, they’re anticipated to develop in dimension and make the transfer to the extra trendy eCMP structure which is already utilized by the electrical variants of the Peugeot 2008, DS 3 Crossback, Opel Mokka, Citroen C4, and many others. The wheelbase of the prototype/mule seems to be similar to the EMP2-based Opel Astra which measures 2,675 mm (105.3 inches), making it a full 70 mm (2.8 inches) longer than the present Crossland.

What do you assume is the case with this Opel Astra prototype/mule? Place your bets within the feedback part beneath as we’re ready for extra sightings to clear up the thriller.

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