Next year will see the launch of Vauxhall’s new Astra, which has been caught testing in the Alps.

It will appear in production form at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, but we may see a concept version before that.

The five-door hatch (pictured) will be the big seller, while the style factor will be ramped up for a three-door variant.

A TwinTop convertible version should be available a year after launch.

Expect design cues from the forthcoming Insignia and a whole raft of engines with fuel-saving gizmos such as start-stop.

Models will range from a downsized 1.4-litre turbo to a VXR model with at least 250bhp and four-wheel drive.