[i]Bosses at Vauxhall are expecting a brand new baby! In a move that could worry MINI, the maker has revealed details about its exciting premium supermini – and we have the best pictures yet of
how the newcomer could look.
UK managing director Duncan Aldred confirmed that the car – which is smaller than the Corsa – will be a “fun and fashion” model designed to go head-to-head with the Fiat 500, Citroen DS3 and the MINI.
It’s known internally as the Junior, and will be based on a shortened Corsa platform. Plus, Aldred revealed it will be “a small runabout which is funky, likeable and has lots of personality”.
Customisation will also be a key part of the new project.
Our illustration shows how the baby Vauxhall might shape up. In many ways, it’s a baby version of the striking Astra GTC. At the front, the distinctive two-bar grille and narrow LED headlamps identify the Junior as a Vauxhall, while the contrasting roof and upside down ‘blade’ on the flanks add style.
Inside, quality is crucial, so expect to see a stylish design and expensive materials, to bring the Junior in line with premium offerings from MINI and Fiat. The engine line-up will consist of a range of next-generation units developed by parent company General Motors. Among them will be an ultra-efficient direct-injection 1.0-litre petrol unit, promising CO2 emissions of less than 100g/km and combined economy of around 80mpg. Production is due to start next year, with the range set to start at £11,000 at launch in 2013.
Vauxhall was keen to point out that the Junior will not be the replacement for the Agila, as that car will instead be succeeded by a low-cost model scheduled for a 2014 release, aimed at Ford’s Ka.
This budget newcomer is likely to share parts with a future Chevrolet model. There will be no continuation of Vauxhall’s joint venture with Suzuki on the Agila after VW acquired a 20 per cent stake in the Japanese brand.
“We can be number one in the UK,” explained Aldred. “We have already fixed the revamped Antara SUV. But we need and will get a Ford Ka equivalent to replace the Agila, plus a fun and fashion small car closer to the 500, DS3 or MINI, which will appeal to younger buyers with its scope for customisation.”[/i]