THE new generation Vauxhall Astra model due to hit the streets in October will cost up to £2,200 less than the outgoing version.

It means the seventh incarnation of the popular family hatchback, soon to go into production at the company's Ellesmere Port plant in Cheshire, will be priced from £15,295.

A simplified line-up see the range comprise Design, Tech Line, Energy, SRi and Elite trim grades up for grabs, with Nav versions of the SRi and Elite spec also available.

Range highlights include the 1.0-litre three-cylinder Turbo Start/Stop ecoFLEX model priced from £15,995.With an Easytronic five-speed automatic transmission, the same model achieves a CO2 emissions of just 96g/km.

The flagship 1.6-litre 200PS model is available in SRi trim costing from £20,435 and there's also a 1.6-litre 'Whisper Diesel' 110PS Start/Stop ecoFLEX model from £17,495 with the potential for 91.1mpg and emissions of 82g/km.

As one of Britain's best-loved cars, the Astra has become a household name with more than 2.9 million sold in the UK over the last 36 years with over 50,000 last year.

And the model, due to receive its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September,is smaller outside but bigger inside and up to 200kg lighter than the outgoing version.

Inspired by the Monza concept of 2013, the Astra has been given a more lean and athletic appeal by British designer Mark Adams, possibly the most striking part being the divided C-pillar which creates the impression of a floating roof.

While the wheelbase has been reduced by 2cm the amount of space inside the car has actually increased, to the point that rear passengers can enjoy an extra 35mm of legroom.

And the distance between the front and rear seats has also increased for added comfort and space.

Meanwhile, Vauxhall says the new Astra will be the company's first new model to be available with the personal connectivity and service assistant OnStar - which offers buyers safety and comfort services - from its launch.

For instance if an airbag deploys, OnStar will be automatically alerted, an adviser will contact the vehicle and if there's no response, emergency services will be sent to the vehicle.

Another first for Astra will be glare-free IntelliLux LED Matrix Light to improve safety at night.