MILD hybrid engines are being fitted to the Vauxhall Astra and the Astra Sports Tourer estate, improving fuel economy and boosting performance.

The set up - also used on the new Corsa and Grandland SUV - links a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo engine to an electric motor housed in the automatic gearbox to deliver 136hp.

Compared with the similar non-electrified Astra 1.2 with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the new Astra Hybrid offers a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 19 per cent and the powertrain is rated at 60.1mpg at best with emissions of 106g/km.

Performance figures are a 0-62mph time of 9 seconds for the Astra Hybrid and 9.3 seconds for the Astra Sports Tourer Hybrid - 0.7 and 0.6 seconds faster respectively than the equivalent petrol models.

Prices start from £30,025 for the Astra Hybrid in Design trim and from £32,225 for the Sports Tourer.

The hybrid models are available in Design, GS and Ultimate specifications with the line up topping out from £35,460 for the hatch and £37,860 for the estate.

The arrival of the Astra Hybrid and Astra Sports Tourer Hybrid widens the powertrain options in the range, with both models already available with fully electric, petrol, Plug-in Hybrid and GSe powertrains.