We’ve snapped the new Opel, or Vauxhall in the UK, Astra Sports Tourer while undergoing testing in Europe ahead of next year’s market launch.

Being that GM’s European arm has already presented the five-door Astra hatch, the camouflage on the station wagon model is concentrated where it counts the most; on the compact car’s rear end.

Nevertheless, there’s no hiding the fact that the new Astra Sports Tourer is the outcome of a design process that prioritizes space and practicality over sheer beauty and/or funky styling. Now, that’s not necessarily bad if the new model keeps the elegant lines of its predecessor – a taller set of wheels than those fitted on the tester should help as well.

The new estate will likely keep the same wheelbase with the five-door growing in length behind the rear wheels to either improve or at least retain the current Sport Tourer’s 500 liters of boot space with the rear seats in place and 1,550 liters when folded.

Engine and transmission options will mirror those of the hatchback that will soon be available in Europe with a wide range of petrol and diesel units delivering between 95PS (94hp) and 200PS (197hp). Opel / Vauxhall may also justify the Sports Tourer’s first moniker with a spicier GSi edition.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops

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