Prepare to be electrified by Opel with sneak peek at the new Astra

Opel’s new small family car, the Astra (pictured), will have an electrified powertrain for the first time when it is unveiled later this year.

First official teaser images of the new car have been released in the countdown to a full reveal and launch later.

I understand the new car will get to Irish forecourts by next spring.

The eighth-generation version will be the first based on the Stellantis group’s EMP2 platform, which is also used for the Peugeot 308.

The platform allows for a plug-in hybrid which is expected to be sold alongside petrol and diesel powertrains.

There will be hatchback and estate versions, it is understood.

The brand’s Vizor grille design will be adapted to follow in the footsteps of other new models, such as the Mokka.

In the cabin, the ‘pure panel’ digital cockpit displays are prominent.

These use two widescreens arranged around the driver.

Meanwhile, the number of physical controls are reduced to the minimum in the form of finely crafted keys.