Vauxhall's new Astra Cabrio will have its world premier at the Geneva motor show in March, with UK sales set to start in June.

The two-door convertible has a fully retracting soft top as standard operated by remote control.

The Cabrio is available with a choice of two high-torque, four-valve ECOTEC engines, the all-aluminium 147PS 2.2-litre 16v from the VX220 and Astra Coupe and the 1.8-litre 125PS powertrain.

The car was designed by Vauxhall and Bertone. Exterior details include the body-coloured door handles, side skirts and mirror housings.

The electric soft top is operated by remote control via the central locking function in the key. If one of two buttons is pressed for longer than two seconds, the soft top opens or closes in just 30 seconds.

Additional features include all-round electric windows, easy-entry sports seats and height/reach steering wheel adjustment, air conditioning and CD player (the 2.2 model has a four-CD autochanger).