It’s been announced that the next generation Opel Astra will be introduced sometime in 2017.

According to officials at Opel, the new OPC will do away with the four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged unit for a smaller 1.6-litre engine that will deliver around 209 kW. The model is also said to drop as much as 150 kg from its total weight, compared to its predecessor which weighs 1475 kg.

This reduction in weight, will be possible thanks to using some lightweight components already seen on the Opel Astra OPC EXTREME concept revealed in March at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

More details on the next generation Opel Astra OPC can be expected to be announced over the next few years, close to its official debut.

*Note: Pictured is the Opel Astra OPC Extreme.