With the all-new Astra, the British manufacturer is now opening the next chapter: for the first time, the compact class model is available with an electric drive, Vauxhall will offer the new Astra in two performance levels as a plug-in hybrid.

The new Astra will be available from the start of sales with a powerful plug-in hybrid electric drive, electrifying Vauxhall’s compact-class model for the first time in the brand’s history with power up to 165kW (225PS) with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The new Vauxhall Astra is also a design statement for the brand. Dynamic as never before, with sheer, taut surfaces, detoxed of superfluous elements and with the new brand face – the Vauxhall Vizor. With the next compact class generation, Vauxhall shows that the Astra is ready to define a new era.

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. With a length of 4,374mm and width of 1,860mm, it hits the sweet-spot of the compact sector.

Thanks to the especially short front overhang, the new Astra is only 4mm longer than the previous model, despite the considerably increased wheelbase of 2,675mm (+13mm). Notwithstanding the muscular, confident stance, the new Astra’s practical boot with adjustable floor still offers the driver and four passengers 422 litres of luggage volume.

Vauxhall will open the order books for the new Astra this autumn. The first customers will take delivery of their cars early next year. Further details including UK pricing and specification will be announced at the on sale date.

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. Passengers can operate the new Astra intuitively via extra-wide touchscreens, just like a smartphone. The Vauxhall designers and engineers have taken great care to ensure that the driver receives all the necessary information and useful operating options, but is not burdened with superfluous data or functions. In addition, key settings such as climate control can still be operated via physical switches and buttons.

Typically Vauxhall is also the outstanding seating comfort of the new compact class model. The front seats, developed in-house, are AGR (“Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.”) certified and, with their exemplary ergonomics, are exceedingly comfortable, especially on long journeys. The driver is supported by state-of-the-art assistance systems ranging from the Intelli-HuD head-up display to the semi-automated Intelli-Drive assistance system and the Intelli-Vision 360-degree camera.