The new Vauxhall Astra hatchback is now on sale, debuting a new range structure and the first-ever plug-in hybrid versions.

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Priced from £23,275, the eighth-generation model introduces a new, simplified, three-grade line-up of Design, GS Line and Ultimate that will be rolled out on all Vauxhalls – including all existing models by the first half of 2022. It’s intended to make it easier for customers to choose models and ensure electric, petrol and diesel models are more easily comparable.

The entry-level Design grade includes standard features such as 16-inch alloy wheels and the digital Pure Panel, already seen on the Mokka and providing a digital cockpit with a fully glazed surface incorporating two 10-inch touchscreen displays. Other equipment includes Bluetooth, LED headlights and tail lights, keyless start and electronic climate control.

Driver assistance technology is also a focus of the lead-in model and features include lane departure warning with lane keep assist, front and rear parking distance sensors, speed sign recognition, driver drowsiness alert, low-speed forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and cruise control with intelligent speed adaption.

The GS Line kicks in from £26,170 and puts the focus on sports styling along with advanced technology additions. Extra features include 17-inch black alloys and a black roof, a leather heated steering wheel and a driver’s ergonomic active sports-style seat that gets the seal of approval from Aktion Gesunder Rücken (AGR); the German association for healthier backs.

The GS Line also adds in traffic sign recognition, all-speed forward collision alert (all speed), an Intelli-Vision 360° panoramic parking camera, adaptive cruise control with intelligent speed adaption, keyless entry and dual-zone electronic climate control.

Priced from £29,285, Ultimate models take the GS Line styling – adding in 18-inch grey diamond-cut alloy wheels and IntelliLux adaptive LED pixel headlights – and throw in a wealth of premium tech. These include head-up display, a wireless charger for mobile devices, dual-zone electronic climate control with Intelli-Air. Extra driver assistance features  bring lane change assist, blind spot alert, lane positioning assist, rear cross traffic alert and semi-automated lane change assist, curve speed adaption and advanced intelligent speed adaption.

Alongside the new range structure and tech, the latest Astra is the first to include a plug-in hybrid, offered alongside petrol and diesel variants.

Available from GS Line grade and priced from £32,200, the Plug-in Hybrid-e debuts ahead of the 2023 arrival of the fully electric Astra-e – the Vauxhall line-up will go all-electric by 2028 – and combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with a 12.4kWh battery for a combined power output of 180hp. A more powerful, 225hp PHEV will become available later next year. Both models will be capable of up to 35 miles (WLTP) of electric range – and with emissions from 24g/km CO2, putting them in the 12% BiK rate for 2022/23.

The new Astra is also available with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol unit, or a 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, both with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic.

The addition of the new PHEV variants has been made possible by the Astra’s use of the EMP2 platform from Stellantis, also the basis for the new Peugeot 308. The new platform means the Astra hatchback has a 13mm longer wheelbase but is only 4mm longer than before due to the short front overhang, bringing extra onboard space and 422 litres of boot volume.

The radical redesign for the eighth-gen Astra also introduces the latest Vauxhall Griffin badge and the new Vizor brand face introduced on the Mokka.

First deliveries of the Astra hatchback start Q1 2022. The all-new Astra Sport Tourer version will follow later.