New Vauxhall Astra 2021: first official images suggest new design Car News

Vauxhall has revealed the first official teaser images of the new Astra ahead of its full reveal later this year, indicating that it will be getting a bold new look.

The British firm is currently putting the finishing touches on the eighth-generation version of the longtime rival of the Ford Focus. The new Astra will be the first based on Stellantis’ EMP2 platform, also used for the Peugeot 308. It will be offered as both a hatchback and a Sports Tourer station wagon.

As previously indicated by a number of spy photos, the teaser footage shows that the Astra will adopt Vauxhall’s new Vizor grille design, aligning it with the Corsa, Crossland and Mokka. The rear is also inspired by the design of the Mokka and now features the Astra nameplate that runs through the trunk lid.

The new Astra will benefit from an electrified powertrain for now, with the EMP2 platform enabling a plug-in hybrid system, which will likely be offered alongside gasoline and diesel engines. The platform is not designed for a fully electric model.

It is likely that the Astra plug-in hybrid will come in two forms: a standard front-wheel drive model and a more powerful all-wheel-drive version producing 296 hp. This model is likely to use the VXR badge.

Inside, teaser images show the new Astra’s “Pure Panel” digital cockpit displays, which use two widescreen displays arranged in a “driver-oriented format”. Vauxhall says it has reduced physical controls “to basic functions”.

Design work for the new Astra was led by Vauxhall’s British design boss Mark Adams.

The Opel-based versions of the new Astra will be built in Russelsheim, Germany. The future of the Ellesmere Port plant in Vauxhall, where Astra is also built, remains uncertain, and Stellantis bosses have had a series of talks with the UK government over the site’s continued viability.

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