Vauxhall/Opel's first electric car - the Ampera - was a fiasco. While it started strong on the market, by the end of 2015 only 200 units a year were being sold. Now, the company hopes that the success will come by using electric powertrain on names with tradition on the market.

Now in its eighth generation, the Astra will be offered for the first time with an electric powertrain. Called Astra-e, the electric version will go on sale in 2023 and will be offered in both hatchback and station wagon versions.

It will be the fifth electric model offered by Vauxhall - next to the Corsa-e, Mokka-e, Combo-e Life and Vivaro-e Life. This new model is actually part of Vauxhall/Opel's attempt to go full electric by 2028.

Specifications for the Astra-e will be announced closer to its market launch, but we expect it to have powertrains similar to the Corsa-e. In this model the electric motor delivers a total of 136 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque. The motor takes its power from a 50 kWh battery pack and has a range of 330 km (205 miles) on one charge.

Until the Astra-e arrives on the market, customers can choose between the usual gasoline, diesel and hybrid engines. The 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol direct injection engine can be had with either 110 horsepower or 130 horsepower. The 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine delivers a total of 130 horsepower. Both engines are offered with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission.

As for the hybrid version, it combines a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower with an electric motor that adds another 110 horsepower. A plug-in hybrid version offers 180 horsepower.

The eight generation Astra will be available for order starting fall of 2021 and first deliveries will be made in the first quarter of 2022.