Auto Channel Dony Blog's

We recently reported on the next Opel Astra GTC, a three-door Astra derivate that should compete with the Hyundai Veloster and the Europe-only Volkswagen Scirocco. You may recall that the GTC’s somewhat-pedestrian predecessor was sold in the U.S. as the Saturn Astra hatchback. The new car is wider and sleeker than that failed experiment, and we now have confirmation that it, too, will be sold here—as a Buick. The tri-shield brand may offer a convertible Astra on our shores, as well.
We’ve Seen this Movie Before
It must be the success of the Regal (a rebadged Opel Insignia) and interest in the new Verano (itself basically a sedan version of the Astra) that have convinced GM to bring the decidedly sporty GTC to the U.S. market as well. The new Buick will get a yet-to-be-disclosed model designation, and engine options are still being debated. In Europe, the GTC will be offered with a number of four-cylinder diesel and gasoline engines, with power ranging from around 100 hp to something like 300 hp for a high-powered, latecomer OPC derivative. For the U.S. market, the most likely propositions are the Verano's engines: a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four with an estimated 177 hp and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four that makes around 220 hp. Six-speed automatic and manual transmissions are likely.
It is unlikely that Buick will repeat the mistakes that hampered the Saturn Astra’s success in the U.S.—specifically, the car’s poor ergonomics and its being offered only with a buzzy entry-level engine, the latter a decision made when GM realized that it would lose money on the imported econobox. The U.S.-market Astra did not come close to the refinement of the uplevel European versions. Under the Buick brand, GM can offer the level of power and equipment that was deemed over-the-top for Saturn.
A Droptop Baby Buick?
Beyond the GTC, which definitely will be offered in the States, Buick's lineup could be graced with another Opel model that is currently under development. Replacing the folding-hardtop Astra Twin Top in Europe will be a new model that won't be badged Astra, but will be based on the car’s Delta platform and remain close to the current model's dimensions. The new convertible will keep its pronounced trunk and shed its clumsy hardtop in favor of a softtop, which should increase luggage space and make for a far cleaner look. Opel believes the softtop will create a more premium image. The new convertible will be powered by the same engines that drive the GTC, excluding the ultra-high-performance OPC engines. The car’s European-market launch is planned for late 2012. Should Buick offer it, the brand could have a credible competitor to the Lexus IS convertible—albeit a front-drive one—and its first droptop since the Reatta.
If Buick is lucky, the convertible will get a better reception than the lukewarm one of the Reatta, and the GTC-based car will fare better than GM’s last U.S. Astra endeavor. Smaller, cheaper cars are one way to target a younger demographic, but it remains to be seen if the kids can get past the badge on the front.