Vauxhall will have switched its entire product line-up to purely electric vehicles by 2028, it has announced, with plans that include a battery-powered version of the 1980s classic Manta coupe. 

The new Astra, currently available as a plug-in hybrid, will be available as a fully electric version from 2023 in both hatch (Astra-e) and estate (Astra-e Sport Tourer) guises. The successors of the Vauxhall Crossland and Vauxhall Insignia will also be electric.

The Manta name was last used on an Opel-badged version of the Cavalier Coupe in the 1980s

The Manta name was last used in 1988, on car sold under the Opel brand in the UK. It had a strong following and was the biggest rival to Ford's Capri. 

The new car, previewed in a designer's sketch, appears to be a five-door coupe with SUV styling cues. Vauxhall say it will go on sale in 2025. “The new Manta will be a highly emotional car once again. With electric power that ensures first-class acceleration on tap. Our Manta will once again stand for pure driving pleasure. We will build a fascinating, astoundingly spacious new interpretation,” said Opel CEO Uwe Hochgeschurtz.

These new models will be supplied by a new 'Gigafactory' to build batteries, in partnership with Mercedes-Benz. The plants will be built in Kaiserslautern, Germany.