The Vauxhall Astra is one outstanding thing to look at

Vauxhall has revealed the all new, eighth generation Astra.

This new Astra is, for the first time, getting not one but two electrified drive options, with two plug-in hybrid options available with different power outputs.

The new Vauxhall Astra is also making a design statement for the brand. Dynamic as never before, the new car sports sheer, taut surfaces, detoxed of superfluous elements.

Up front, the Astra is now defined by the firm's new 'Vauxhall Vizor' face first seen on the Mokka. The design element pairs with the wing shaped graphic of the daylight running lamps, visually widening the car.

The firm’s Intelli-Lux LED Pixel Light will also be offered in the Astra, utilising a segment-leading total of 168 LED elements - 84 in each ultra-slim headlamp - to vary the range and direction of the light according to the driving situation and surroundings.

Despite the low-slung look, the new car will still offer more space than its predecessor. With a length of 4,374mm and width of 1,860mm, the new Astra is 4mm longer than the previous model, despite the considerably increased wheelbase of 2,675mm (13mm longer than the outgoing model).

At the rear, a centrally mounted Griffin that doubles as the latch for the tailgate sit between vertically aligned high-mounted brake and tail lamps. The new Astra also sports a 422-litre boot with an adjustable floor.

In the cabin, a leap in time has taken place in the interior of the new Astra. The fully digital Pure Panel has consigned analogue instruments to history.

Instead, two 10-inch displays, seamlessly integrated together with the driver's side air vent, will offer fresh, modern graphics for a more intuitive experience. Passengers can operate the new Astra intuitively via extra-wide touchscreens, just like a smartphone.

The Vauxhall Astra will be offered globally with power outputs from 109bhp to 129bhp with the petrol and diesel variants. The plug-in hybrid options meanwhile, will offer up to 221bhp. A six-speed gearbox is standard on the petrol and diesel power units. An eight-speed automatic transmission will be offered as an option on the more powerful engines.