SPIED: Opel Junior (interior)
2012-02-13 09:25
SPOTTED: The new Opel Junior will make its debut later in 2012.
Earlier in 2011, our spy photographers spotted Opel’s new Mini, codenamed the Junior. Now our spies have managed to give us a glimpse of the interior of the new model.
Based on a shortened Corsa platform the new model derives its name from a 1983 concept car.
A new small petrol engine is being development for the Junior while General Motors has confirmed an electric unit is also planned.
SMALL CAR HERITAGE
Inside, the new model has an interior that looks heavily borrowed from Opel's Corsa and Astra models. The centre console sports large vents and the glossy black plastic as seen in the Astra.
According to GM design chief Mark Adams, Opel is pushing for new models and hopes to attract more buyers to the brand with the Junior.
PLEASING INTERIOR: Duct tape and shoddy test panels aside, the interior of the Junior looks quite sporty with its large dials and vents.
Adams said: “We have a heritage in small cars, but we wanted to do this in a contemporary way. It’s modern but with real personality.”
Adams said: “We want to show we are not in a straightjacket. Cars like the Junior will make people realise we are really pushing the Opel brand. If we’d have tried to introduce it before Insignia, it probably wouldn’t have worked. Now we have the quality, and we’re flirting with more character and personality.”
Junior production will start at the Eisenach plant in Germany in late 2012, with sales beginning in 2013.