TEASER images of the next Vauxhall Astra have been released showing a car with clean cut lines and an up-to-the-minute design theme for the interior.

Like the latest Vauxhall Mokka - released earlier this year - the new Astra will feature what Vauxhall calls its Vizor grille with a single panel running across the nose from headlight to headlight.

The car is the eighth generation of the Astra - one of Britain's favourite models and a rival to the Ford Focus - and will be the first to feature electrification with a plug-in hybrid likely to be included in the line-up.

It will be produced both as an estate and a hatchback and it's a critical car for the UK auto industry with previous generations being built at Vauxhall's factory at Ellesmere Port.

With Vauxhall now part of the Stellantis group - which also owns Peugeot and Citroen - the new car shares its underpinnings with the latest Peugeot 308 which is built in France.

Paul Willcox, managing director of Vauxhall, said: "The All-New Astra will open an exciting new chapter in the 41-year history of our popular compact model.

"We are confident that the next generation Vauxhall Astra will make a powerful impression and attract new customers to the brand, especially now Astra will be electrified for the first time."

The car will have LED headlights and the tailgate has sheer lines with the Astra nameplate mounted across.

Inside, the new Astra has a minimalist feel with most functions controlled from two widescreen displays that Vauxhall says is the latest take on its Pure Panel digital cockpit design.

More information is expected to be released in the coming weeks ahead of the car's launch later in the year.