New Opel Astra previewed

Opel has released the first official teasers for its all-new Opel Astra ahead of its launch later this year, confirming the small hatch will adopt the same striking design language as the small Mokka SUV.

Featuring the same distinctive inverted L-shaped LED daytime running lights, flat-faced lamps and blanked-out panel as the latest Opel Mokka, the new 2021 Opel Astra will become the second model to incorporate Opel's new Vizor design language introduced by the Opel GT X Experiment concept back in 2018.

Beneath the skin, the eighth-generation Astra hatch that battles the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf and Mazda3 in Europe – but hasn't been on sale in Australia since 2019 – is set to switch to the same Stellantis EMP2 architecture as the Peugeot 308.

This follows General Motors' sale of Opel/Vauxhall to the French PSA Group back in 2017.

Thanks to its new underpinnings, the next Astra will offer customers the option of electrified powertrains for the first time, including an all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid version that could produce in excess of 225kW.

It's thought the fastest hybrid version could be badged VXR, providing an ultra-low-emissions rival for the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Originally, the EMP2 platform wasn't compatible with pure-electric powertrains, but last year Stellantis revealed that it would introduce a heavily revised version that could package the hardware needed for battery power.

Dubbed the 'eVMP' architecture, the re-engineered platform could underpin an electric Astra to compete with the Volkswagen ID.3.

Inside, one of the teasers also show the car-maker's latest interpretation of Opel's 'Pure Panel' digital cockpit that combines two widescreen displays that are both angled towards the driver and are claimed to eliminate almost all physical buttons.

At launch, the new Astra is expected to come with either a 10.0-inch or 12.3-inch digital dash that will be combined with either a 7.0-inch or 10-inch infotainment touch-screen system.

As well as the new dash, the Astra will also come with Opel's latest multifunction steering wheel that's set to use Benz-style capacitive buttons.

Finally, a pair of figure-hugging front seats have also been previewed that are thought to have been made of 100 per cent recyclable material.

Once launched in 2021, the five-door hatch will be joined by a Sports Tourer wagon.

Both the all-new Astra and Mokka SUV are tipped to spearhead Opel's revival in Australia following the revelation just last year senior Opel execs were considering a comeback in the wake of GM pulling the plug on Holden.

Under Stellantis ownership, the brand has already confirmed grand expansion plans into new territories, with Opel moving into 20 new global markets alone in 2022, including Russia, Columbia and Ecuador.

Australia may prove more of a challenge for the German brand.

Under GM, Opel dipped a toe in the Australian market back in 2012 before pricing pressures and fierce competition saw it withdraw in August 2013 after just 12 months.