AN electric version of the new Vauxhall Astra will be on sale in 2023 and will join the rest of the eighth generation line up which is due to arrive early next year.

Petrol, diesel and plug-in powertrains will be available from the launch of the new hatchback which will be followed by an estate derivative later.

The all-electric Astra-e will join the Vauxhall line-up alongside Corsa-e, Mokka-e, Combo-e Life and Vivaro-e Life, as well as an already fully-electric light commercial vehicle line-up of Combo-e, Vivaro-e and Movano-e.

The company has said it will have electric versions of all of its models by 2024 and intends to be fully-electric from 2028.

The plug-in model has a powertrain which develops a total output of 225ps and a theoretical fuel return of up to 256.8mpg with emissions as low as 31g/km.

Two versions will be available with the other offering 180ps and both using a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor.

Performance figures are 0 to 62mph acceleration times of 7.7 and 7.9 seconds respectively with top speeds limited to either 146 or 140mph.

Fuel economy is said to be the same for both powertrains and the set up offers up to 35 miles of emission free motoring.

Other engines to be used in the Astra include 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrols and 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesels with best economy of 52.3mpg for the petrol and 64.3 to the gallon for the diesel.

Inside, the new Astra has Vauxhall's latest Pure Panel display system which uses wide touchscreens as well as physical switches and buttons.

Adaptative cruise control with semi-autonomous lane-changing, curve speed control and long-range blind sport detection will also be available on the new car as will a head-up display system.

With a short front overhang, the new Astra is only 4mm longer than the previous model despite a 13mm longer wheelbase of 2,675mm, and boot space is now up to 422 litres with all seats in use.

Vauxhall will start taking orders for the new Astra this autumn and first deliveries are due early next year. Further details including UK pricing and specification will be announced later.