Vauxhall has revealed first teaser images of the all-new 2022 Astra, which is due to be revealed this summer.
The new car will become the latest Vauxhall to feature the black-panel ‘Vizor’ at the front, which stretches the full width of the car to hide the various sensors modern cars are packed with.
It will also feature a high-tech cabin including the digital ‘Pure Panel’ first seen in the new Vauxhall Mokka.
Vauxhall adds that, for the first time, the Astra will be electrified, with an Astra-e version a possibility alongside plug-in hybrid models.
However, Vauxhall has yet to confirm whether the new Astra will, like the current car, be built in Britain.
Its Ellesmere Port factory has built Vauxhalls for 60 years and workers are hoping the new Astra will continue this long run.
Last month, bosses said talks about the factory’s future were “extremely positive and productive”.
Business secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng, later told the House of Commons that talks were “moving in a positive direction” and he hopeed to make an announcement “in the next few months”.
‘Pure and bold’ new Astra
Vauxhall says the new Astra showcases “extreme precision and high attention to detail” in a new interpretation of its “pure and bold” design philosophy.
“The all-new Astra will open an exciting new chapter in the 41-year history of our popular compact model,” said Vauxhall MD Paul Willcox.
“We are confident that the next generation Astra will make a powerful impression and attract new customers to the brand, especially now Astra will be electrified for the first time.”
Vauxhall will offer the new car, derived from the same platform as the upcoming new Peugeot 308, both as a five-door hatch and a Sports Tourer estate.
All models will feature the Astra nameplate centrally-placed on the tailgate at the rear, similar to the latest Mokka and Crossland SUVs.
The clean look continues inside with the fully-glazed Pure Panel incorporating two widescreen displays. They are “detoxed” and driver-oriented, like in classic BMWs.
It’s not completely button-free tough; Vauxhall retains physical controls for core functions “in the form of finely-crafted keys”.
The firm adds we’ll find out more about the new Astra in the coming months – including, hopefully, a positive decision on the future of the British plant hoping to build it.
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