VAUXHALL has revealed the all-new, eighth generation of the Astra, the next chapter in the success story of their bestseller which began over 40 years ago.

With the all-new Astra, the British manufacturer is, for the first time, offering the compact class model with electric drive.

The new Astra will come with two performance levels as a plug-in hybrid. In addition, there are versions with highly efficient petrol and diesel engines in combination with friction-optimised six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions.

The new Vauxhall Astra will launch this year as a sporty five-door with a low-slung look and yet more space than its predecessor, its practical boot with adjustable floor still offering the driver and four passengers 422 litres of luggage volume.

Like its predecessor launched in 2015, the newcomer brings innovations to the compact class that customers previously only knew from more expensive vehicles. For example, the Astra can turn night into day: the latest evolution of the adaptive Intelli-Lux LED® Pixel light comes straight from Vauxhall's flagship Insignia and, with 168 LED elements, leads the way in the compact and midsize market sectors.

A leap in time has taken place in the interior of the new generation Astra. With the fully digital Pure Panel, analogue instruments are consigned to history. Instead, the new human-machine-interface (HMI) with fresh, modern graphics offers customers a pure, more intuitive experience.

The offer of class-leading assistance systems additionally features a large Intelli-HuD head-up display, long-range blind-spot detection, Intelli-Vision 360o camera for easier parking, extended traffic sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert and active lane positioning, which keeps the car in the middle of the driving lane.

The new Astra will be available from the start of sales with powerful plug-in hybrid electric drive as well as highly efficient petrol and diesel engines, electrifying Vauxhall’s compact class model for the first time in the brand’s history. Power ranges from 81kW (110PS) to 96kW (130PS) with the petrol and diesel variants and up to 165kW (225PS) system output with the plug-in hybrid variants. A six-speed gearbox is standard on the petrol and diesel power units, with an eight-speed automatic transmission (electrified on the plug-in hybrids) optional on the more powerful engines.

Vauxhall will open the order books for the new Astra this autumn with first customer deliveries early next year. UK pricing and specification will be announced at the on sale date.