Vauxhall has revealed the all-new, eighth generation of the Astra, with the compact class model available with electric drive for the first time.

Vauxhall will offer the new Astra in two performance levels as a plug-in hybrid.The vehicle 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. The first customers will take delivery of their cars early next year.

In addition to the plug-in hybrid, there are versions with highly efficient petrol and diesel engines in combination with friction-optimised six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions.

Paul Willcox, Managing Director, Vauxhall, said: “The All-New Astra arrives with sensational design and class-leading levels of technology. With the choice of an electrified powertrain, the All-New Astra has been developed with utmost precision, down to the smallest detail. We are confident the next generation Astra has all it takes to become another best seller and continue to attract new customers to the brand.”