It’s a busy time for Vauxhall. Just days ago it took the wraps off its crucial Vectra replacement – the Insignia – and now it is hard at work putting the finishing touches to the new Astra.

Spied testing at the Nurburgring, the Astra will make its world debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show and will go on sale in the UK in early 2010.

This is the five-door hatchback, which will be joined by a sleeker and sportier three-door, plus an estate and folding metal roof TwinTop.

Expect Insignia-influenced styling inside and out, plus a new family of smaller capacity turbocharged engines.