VW E-Bugster convertible concept car at 2012 Beijing motor show

Volkswagen, one of the biggest players in China's swelling car market, chose Beijing to unveil its latest E-Bugster - a good look at the forthcoming convertible version of the Beetle. We saw the E-Bugster in tin-top form at the 2012 Detroit auto show; now they've gone and chopped the top fully for Beijing. It's a two-seater speedster version of the Beetle hatch, driven by an 85kW electric drive system; essentially, the powertrain of this car is what will underpin the 2013 Blue-e-motion electric Golf.

Redesigned Opel Astra revealed ahead of Frankfurt rollout

Opel, General Motors' financially embattled European subsidiary, has ripped the covers from its sixth-generation Astra ahead of the car's planned debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September. The five-door hatchback traditionally is one of Europe's best-selling models and originally was expected to play an important role in the Saturn lineup in the United States. Under GM's pared-down lineup, the Astra's Delta 2 chassis is likely provide the underpinnings for a small Buick, initially in China, and then in the United States, depending on market conditions.

2010 Astra – the advert

Vauxhall / Opel are pushing the boat out with an advert for the 2010 Astra The 2010 Astra – whether it’s an Opel or a Vauxhall - is a very big deal for GM in Europe. So it’s probably just as well that it’s got a lot going for it. There’s something for everyone from the entry level Astra (the Exclusiv 1.4i) with 86bhp and a decent spec which includes Aircon, to the replacement for the old Astra 1.8 SRi – the SRi 1.4 Turbo.