Vauxhall/Opel Opel For Sale

Opel Kadett From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation , search Opel Kadett Manufacturer Opel Production 1937–1940 1962–1991 Successor Opel Astra Class Small family car Related Opel Olympia A (to Kadett B) The Opel Kadett was a small family car produced by the German automobile manufacturer Opel between 1937 and 1940, and then again from 1962 until 1991, when it was replaced by the Opel Astra , (branded in the UK as the Vauxhall Astra MK3). Contents 1 Original model (1937–1940) 2 Kadett A (1962–1965) 3 Kadett B (1965–1973) 3.1 Variations 4 Kadett C (1973–1979) 5 Kadett D (1979–1984) 6 Kadett E (1984–1991) 7 Kadett name 8 References 9 External links [ edit ] Original model (1937–1940) Kadett Production 1937–1940 Related Moskvitch 400/420 The first Opel car to carry the Kadett name was presented to the public in December 1936 by Opel's Commercial-Technical director, Heinrich Nordhoff , who would in later decades become known for his leadership role in building up the Volkswagen company. The new Kadett followed the innovative Opel Olympia in adopting a chassis-less monocoque construction, suggesting that like the Vauxhall 10 introduced in 1937 by Opel's English sister-company, the Opel Kadett was designed for high volume low cost production. Competitive pricing led to commercial success, and Kadetts continued to be produced during the early months of the war : by the time production was interrupted in 1940 following intensification of hostilities , 107,608 of these Opel Kadetts had come off the assembly line at Opel's Rüsselsheim plant, which had been the first major car plant in Germany to apply the assembly-line production techniques pioneered by Henry Ford . After the war, Opel production facilities from Brandenburg an der Havel ( trucks ) were crated up and transported to the Soviet Union as part of a larger reparations package agreed upon by the victorious powers. From 1948 the prewar Kadett was manufactured as the Moskvitch 400/420 : it continued to be produced on the edge of Moscow as a Moskvitch until 1956. [ edit ] Kadett A (1962–1965) Kadett A Production 1962–1965 Engine(s) 1.0 l 40 hp I4 1.0 l 48 hp I4 The Kadett was re-introduced in October 1962, 22 years after the original model was discontinued. In 1957 Opel Product Director Karl Stief was mandated by General Motors headquarters in Detroit to develop "the perfect Anti-Volkswagen" ("einen perfekten Anti-VW") . The development team was headed up by Stief, supported by Hans Mersheimer (car-body) and Werner K. Strobel (engine and running gear), under conditions of such secrecy that even now very little is known of the development history of the 1962 Kadett. 649,512 of cars had been built at the company's new Bochum factory by the time it was replaced in July 1965. The car later became known as the Kadett A. In addition to the standard saloon there was an L (luxury model), a coupé , and an estate (called Caravan ). The new Opel OHV engine was available as 1.0 with 40 hp (30 kW) and as 1.0 S with 48 hp (36 kW). The Kadett clearly featured a much more modern design than the Volkswagen Beetle which then dominated the market for small family cars in Germany and various surrounding countries. The Kadett offered more passenger space, massively more luggage space and a much less encumbered view out. Its water cooled engine enabled it to provide a far more effective heater. Even fuel consumption was under most conditions superior to that of the Volkswagen, and many commentators much preferred the Opel's handling and its light and effective brakes to those of the market leader. However, by the mid-1970s the Kadett's greatest relative weakness was already painfully apparent, as the cars disappeared rapidly from German roads while the Beetles endured. The Kadett's bodywork was not well protected from corrosion. On the British motoring show Top Gear , Richard Hammond drove a Kadett A, which he loved so much he named Oliver, through the middle of Botswana during a 2007 challenge. He later had the car shipped to the United Kingdom and restored, and it remains in his possession. [ edit ] Kadett B (1965–1973) Kadett B Production 1966–1973 Engine(s) 1.1 L - 1.9 L ( petrol ) 45 - 106 bhp The Kadett B came in 1966 and ended in 1973, with two and four door saloons (the latter in notchback and, from 1967, also in fastback form), a three-door estate, and two coupés (regular and fastback, or Coupé F). There was a sporting Opel Kadett Rallye, with a 1.9 L engine. Additionally, the two-seat Opel GT was heavily based on Kadett B components, its body made by a French contractor, Brissonneau & Lotz . Generally, the Kadett B was significantly larger than the Kadett A. 1966 was the year that Opel opened their new plant at Bochum , devoted exclusively to Kadett production. [ 1 ] Between 1965 and 1973 Opel produced 2,691,300 Kadett Bs [ 2 ] which makes this model one of the most successful Opels to date in terms of sales volume. The Kadett benefitted on the domestic market from a progressive slowing of demand for the old Volkswagen Beetle , while the Ford Escort and Volkswagen Golf which would compete for sales more effectively against the Kadett C both got off to a relatively slow start respectively in 1968 and 1974. A "luxury" derivative of the Kadett B was sold as the Opel Olympia A . The Kadett B was sold in the United States through Buick dealers from 1967 until 1972 simply as the Opel . U.S. models were later granted the front end and trim of the new Opel Olympia , introduced in 1966 as an upmarket version of the Kadett. The car took part in the Trans-Am Series during its commercial life. Kadett A and B were technically simple cars whose task was to compete with the market leader, the Volkswagen Beetle . This lack of sophistication caused the US car magazine Car and Driver to publish a highly critical test of the Kadett in 1968, featuring photos of the car in a junkyard. Reportedly, GM withdrew any ads from that magazine for several months as a consequence. [ citation needed ] [ edit ] Variations Rear-view of Opel Kadett B Kombi version Model Type Body Style Engine Transmission Production Kadett 2-door Saloon 1100 Manual 1965–1973 Automatic 1965–1973 Automatic 1967–1973 1700 Manual 1967–1973 Automatic 1967–1973 1900 Manual 1967–1973 Kadett 4-door Saloon 1100 Manual 1965–1973 Automatic 1965–1973 1500 Manual 1967–1973 Automatic 1967–1973 1700 Manual 1967–1973 Automatic 1967–1973 1900 Manual 1967–1973 Kadett 3-door Estate 1100 Manual 1965–1973 Automatic 1965–1973 1500 Manual 1967–1973 Automatic 1967–1973 1700 Manual 1967–1973 Automatic 1967–1973 1900 Manual 1967–1973 Kadett 5-door Estate 1100 Manual 1965–1973 Automatic 1965–1973 1500 Manual 1967–1973 Automatic 1967–1973 1700 Manual 1967–1973 Automatic 1967–1973 1900 Manual 1967–1973 Kadett L 2-door Saloon 1100 Manual 1965–1973 Automatic 1965–1973 1500 Manual 1967–1973 Automatic 1967–1973 1700 Manual 1967–1973 Automatic 1967–1973 1900 Manual 1967–1973 Kadett L 4-door Saloon 1100 Manual 1965–1973 Automatic 1965–1973 1500 Manual 1967–1973 Automatic 1967–1973 1700 Manual 1967–1973 Automatic 1967–1973 1900 Manual 1967–1973 Kadett L 3-door Estate 1100 Manual 1965–1973 Automatic 1965–1973 1500 Manual 1967–1973 Automatic 1967–1973 1700 Manual 1967–1973 Automatic 1967–1973 1900 Manual 1967–1973 Kadett L 5-door Estate 1100 Manual 1965–1973 Automatic 1965–1973 1500 Manual 1967–1973 Automatic 1967–1973 1700 Manual 1967–1973 Automatic 1967–1973 1900 Manual 1967–1973 Kadett Fastback LS 2-door Fastback 1100 Manual 1965–1973 Automatic 1965–1973 1500 Manual 1967–1973 Automatic 1967–1973 1700 Manual 1967–1973 Automatic 1967–1973 1900 Manual 1967–1973 Kadett Fastback LS 4-door Fastback 1100 Manual 1965–1973 Automatic 1965–1973 1500 Manual 1967–1973 Automatic 1967–1973 1700 Manual 1967–1973 Automatic 1967–1973 1900 Manual 1967–1973 Kadett Rallye 2-door Coupé 1100 Manual 1965–1973 1500 Manual 1967–1973 1700 Manual 1967–1973 1900 Manual 1967–1973 [ edit ] Kadett C (1973–1979) Kadett C Also called Buick-Opel ( USA ) Chevrolet Chevette ( BRA ) Daewoo Maepsy ( ROK ) Holden Gemini ( AUS ) Isuzu Gemini ( J ) Shinjin Maepsy ( ROK ) [ citation needed ] Opel K-180 ( ARG ) Vauxhall Chevette ( UK ) Production 1973–1979 Engine(s) 1.0, 1.2, [ 3 ] 1.9, 2.0 (4 Cyl) Transmission(s) Manual, 4-speed Automatic, 3-Speed Wheelbase 2410 mm (94.9 inches) Length 4140 mm (163.0 inches) (Coupe) 4150 mm (163.4 inches) (Caravan) Width 1590 mm (62.6 inches) (Coupe) Height 1290 mm (50.8 inches) (Coupe) Curb weight 790 kg (1,741.7 pounds) (Coupe) Rear-view of Opel Kadett C Kombi version The Kadett C appeared in 1973 and was Opel's version of General Motors' "T-Car" . The T-Car was also built in Japan by Isuzu and sold as the Isuzu Gemini and in Australia where it was marketed as the Holden Gemini . In South Korea , Saehan Motor then Daewoo Motor built a version known as the Daewoo Maepsy and Maepsy-Na. The Kadett C formed the basis of the British Vauxhall Chevette , which had a restyled front end and launched with a hatchback body, in addition to using a 1256 cc OHV (over-head valve) Vauxhall engine rather than the 1196 cc OHV Opel engine. The Chevette made the Kadett C notable by allowing it to become Opel's first hatchback — a version named Kadett City appeared in August 1975, [ 3 ] based on the Chevette's hatchback body. The Kadett's coupé body style was never manufactured as a Chevette however. Although Kadett C production ended in 1979, the Chevette was produced until January 1984. Unusually for Vauxhall models, the Chevette was imported to Germany starting in 1979 to satisfy the needs of the rear wheel drive traditionalists and was quite a success for a year or two. [ citation needed ] This import version, however was never officially badged as an Opel or a Vauxhall - being named simply as 'Chevette'. The Kadett C today is a cult car in Germany, especially in fastback (coupé) form. The most sought after versions of the Kadett C Coupé are the Rallye and GT/E models. These models were built first with the Bosch fuel injected 1897 cc OHC (over-head cam) Opel engine, and followed by the updated 1998 cc OHC engine. Conversions using the newer GM Family II engine are common. Included in the range from 1976 [ 4 ] was very rare version, the Aero-Kadett , an open-top Kadett with targa roll bar, detachable roof insert and a separate convertible top aft of the roll bar (like the contemporary Lancia Beta Spider ). This car was built in very limited numbers by Karosserie Baur in Stuttgart . One clue concerning its rarity is the manufacturer's recommended retail price of DM 15,500 at a time when Volkswagen's trusted (if slower and heavier) 1303 Cabriolet was offered for DM 12,735. [ 4 ] The Kadett C reached the United States as the Buick–Opel . In reality, however, this was an Isuzu Gemini; an updated version of this car was marketed in the USA as the Isuzu I-Mark in the early 1980s. In Brazil , the Kadett C was released six months before its European release, as Chevrolet Chevette . It was available with a choice of three petrol engines , in 1.4 L, 1.6 L, and 1.0 L displacements (the latter available only for the 1992/3 model year); 1.4 L and 1.6 L versions were also available running on ethanol . This Chevette went through several redesigns — first front and rear panels similar to the Opel version, then a look similar to the British Vauxhall Chevette, and finally a design reminiscent of the updated USA Chevrolet Chevette version. It was available in several different bodies: hatchback (1979–87), estate (called Chevrolet Marajó , 1980–89), pickup (Chevy 500, 1984–95) and saloon (1973–93). The Chevette sold over 1.6 million units in Brazil, being replaced by the Chevrolet Corsa . [ edit ] Kadett D (1979–1984) Kadett D Also called Vauxhall Astra ( GB ) Production 1979–1984 Predecessor Kadett C Successor Kadett E Platform GM T platform Engine(s) 1.2 - 1.8 L / 40 - 116 bhp ( petrol ) 1.6 litre / 55 bhp ( diesel ) Length 3,998 mm (157.4 in) (saloon) 4,207 mm (165.6 in) (kombi) Width 1,636 mm (64.4 in) Height 1,400 mm (55.1 in) Curb weight 875 kg (1,929.0 lb) - 1,060 kg (2,336.9 lb) Related Vauxhall Astra Mark 1 An early Opel Kadett D in England . This was sold alongside the Vauxhall Astra for a few years The Kadett D was introduced in November 1979, going on sale in the UK some five months before the British version, the Vauxhall Astra Mark 1, was launched in April 1980. All models were designed as three- or five-door hatchbacks and estates or station wagons . There were also two- and four-door sedans, which used the same bodyshells as the hatchbacks, but these were soon dropped. Also dropped, in comparison to the C Modell was the Coupé. Technologically, the Kadett D was a major departure, as it was Opel and Vauxhall's first front wheel drive car. It also introduced the Family II engine design with an single overhead camshaft , aluminium alloy cylinder head , hydraulic valve lifters, with capacities of 1300 and 1600 cc, and had a unique transaxle design which allowed the clutch to be replaced without removing the transmission unit. Later, an 1800 cc version was introduced for the Kadett/Astra GTE model. This range of engines was also used for later models of the Corsa/Nova , and the mid-sized Cavalier/Ascona . The Kadett D was also equipped with a 1600 cc diesel engine that was possible to drive as cheap as 5.0 L/100 km, and a carry-over 1196cc OHV engine. It was also produced as IDA Kadett in Kikinda , Yugoslavia . In Lithuania and the Ukraine these are still common, 31 years later, their reliability being a factor. [ citation needed ] The most common versions are 1.3 and 1.6 S models. [ edit ] Kadett E (1984–1991) Kadett E Also called Chevrolet Ipanema ( BRA ) Chevrolet Kadett ( BRA ) Daewoo LeMans ( ROK ) Opel Monza ( RSA ) Passport Optima Shinjin Maepsy-na ( ROK ) Pontiac LeMans ( US ) & ( AUS ) Vauxhall Belmont ( GB ) Vauxhall Astra ( GB ) Production 1984–1991 Platform GM T platform Related Vauxhall Astra Mark 2 Vauxhall Belmont Opel Kadett E Kombi version The Kadett E (Vauxhall Astra Mark 2 in the UK) was introduced in 1984, and was voted 1985 European Car of the Year , largely due to its advanced aerodynamic body styling. The 1984 model was also developed into a more conventional three-box design with a boot (trunk), badged as the Vauxhall Belmont in the UK and the Opel Monza in South Africa, launched in January 1986. This was awarded 1985 Semperit Irish Car of the Year in Ireland. The Kadett E was voted European Car of the Year for 1985. [ 5 ] A convertible version was also available, for the first time in 1987, built by Bertone of Torino/Italy, bringing it to line with key competitors such as the Ford Escort and Volkswagen Golf which were available as cabrios before. For the 1988 model, capacities were raised to 1400, 1800 and a new 2000 cc engine, again used on the GSi and Vauxhall Astra GTE. In 1988, a 16-valve twin-cam version was developed for a high performance GSi/GTE model, yielding 156 hp (115 kW) in manufactured form. The Kadett E has been seen as a grey import in the UK, but it is not as popular as the Vauxhall Astra Mark 2. It was never officially sold in Britain, and by 1989 General Motors was only marketing the Vauxhall brand in the UK. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, South African Kadett GSi's were upgraded for touring car competitions and around 500 were built for homoligation purposes. They featured more aggressive cams, a locally developed limited slip differential and special 15" wheels, they were nicknamed the Superboss, produced 125 kW (168 hp). A Opel Kadett GSi at the German Saxony Rally The Kadett E was introduced in Brazil as the Chevrolet Kadett , but the three-door station wagon was called the Chevrolet Ipanema . It formed the basis of the Daewoo LeMans (later known as the Daewoo Cielo , Racer and Nexia ) in South Korea , and also as Heaven in Chile ( Nexia being the HB version), which was sold in the United States and New Zealand as the Pontiac LeMans , and in Canada (initially) as the Passport Optima. LeMans sales ended in 1993. The Nexia is still being produced at UzDaewoo plant in Asaka, Uzbekistan . The Cielo was last being produced at Automobile Craiova , a semi-independent (from GM) plant in Craiova , Romania (the license expired in fall 2006). [ edit ] Kadett name In 1992, GM Europe decided to standardise model names across its two brands, and Opel adopted Vauxhall's name for the Kadett, Astra , for the replacement car for Europe which debuted that year. Only in South Africa , the Kadett name continued on the first Opel Astra hatchback until 1999, when all models took the Astra name. However, under Opel's internal naming convention, successive generations of the Astra platform are treated as a logical continuation of the Kadett lineage - hence the original 1992 Astra was designated Astra F in relation to the previous Kadett E - this convention has continued through to the current (2009) Astra J. [ edit ] References ^ "Germany's motor industry. How is it shaping?". Autocar 126 (nbr 3706) : pages 9–13. date 23 February 1967.   ^ Oldtimer Katalog . Nr. 23 . Königswinter: HEEL Verlag GmbH. 2009. pp. Seite 265. ISBN   978-3-86852-067-52009 .   ^ a b "Test: Kadett City: Modeerscheinung - Neue Variante mit schraegheck". Auto Motor u. Sport Heft 17 1975 : Seite 42–46. date 16 August 1975.   ^ a b "Kurztest: Kadett Aero : Windjammer. Targa-Version von Bauer auf Kadett-Basis". Auto Motor u. Sport Heft 17 1976 : Seite 64–66. date 18 August 1976.   ^ "Previous winners" . Car of the year . http://www.caroftheyear.org/previous-winners/1985_1/coty . Retrieved 2010-10-02 .   This article incorporates information from the equivalent article on the German Wikipedia . [ edit ] External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Opel Kadett Classic Opel Parts database private Kadett C Homepage Opel Kadett C club - Belgium Holland Homepage v   •   d   •   e Opel road car timeline, 1947–1970s — next » Type 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Small family car Kadett A Kadett B Kadett C Olympia Olympia Rekord Olympia A Large family car Rekord PI Rekord PII Ascona A Ascona B Executive car Rekord A Rekord B Rekord C Rekord D Rekord E Kapitän Kapitän Kapitän PI / PII Commodore A Commodore B Commodore C Luxury car Kapitän A / Admiral A / Diplomat A Kapitän B / Admiral B / Diplomat B Senator / Monza Coupé / Roadster GT Manta A Manta B || Vauxhall Astra From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation , search This article does not cite any references or sources . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (April 2007) See also: Opel Astra  and Holden Astra Vauxhall Astra Manufacturer Opel / Vauxhall Motors Production 1979–present Predecessor Vauxhall Viva Successor None Class Small family car Body style(s) 3/5 door Hatchback , 4-door Saloon , 5-door Estate , 2-door Convertible Astra is a model name which has been used by Vauxhall , the British subsidiary of General Motors (GM), on their small family car ranges since 1979. Astras are technically essentially identical with similar vehicles offered by GM's German subsidiary Opel in most other European countries. For the first two generations, the nameplate was applied to UK-spec right-hand drive versions of the Opel Kadett , and since 1991, Opel also uses the Astra nameplate on its B/C-platform, so Vauxhall and Opel Astras are essentially identical vehicles. General Motors' Saturn division in America also offered the Astra as a captive import since late 2007 through until that marque's dissolution in 2010 following the GM bankruptcy. Contents 1 Vauxhall Astra Mark 1 2 Vauxhall Astra Mark 2 3 Vauxhall Astra Mark 3 4 Vauxhall Astra Mark 4 5 Vauxhall Astra Mark 5 6 Vauxhall Astra Mark 6 7 Electric vehicle 8 Police use of the Astra 9 Popularity 10 Notes 11 See also 12 External links [ edit ] Vauxhall Astra Mark 1 Vauxhall Astra Mark 1 2-door Vauxhall Astra Mark 1 5-door hatchback Vauxhall Astra Mark 1 estate 1984 MkI Vauxhall Astra 1.3L estate Main article: Opel Kadett D The Astra name originated with Vauxhall's 1980 model, though the car was launched almost a year earlier as the Opel Kadett D . This model replaced the Vauxhall Viva in the UK, along with some versions of the Vauxhall Chevette . However, the Chevette (itself based on the previous generation Kadett C ) remained available for several years afterwards until the Vauxhall Nova was launched. The Astra was Vauxhall's first model to have front wheel drive . Not all trim levels were available with all body styles. Confusingly in the British market, both the Kadett D and the Astra were sold alongside each other until the consolidation of Opel and Vauxhall dealerships in the early 1980s, when the Opel badged versions were dropped. Production began at Opel's West German plant at Bochum in August 1979, and the first British customers took delivery of their cars in February 1980. The overhead-camshaft engine (not 1200) was a huge leap forward from the earlier generation of small engines used in Vauxhall and Opel cars in terms of power, economy and refinement. It was initially available in 1300 and 1600 forms, and later an 1800 fuel-injected version was added, used in the Mk 1 Astra GTE model, introduced in 1983. This version of the Astra was a quick and stylish alternative to the Ford Escort XR3 , Volkswagen Golf GTI and Fiat Strada 105TC . Vauxhall now appeared to have a serious rival for the Volkswagen Golf at just about every level. [ citation needed ] The car featured a new unified engine for Vauxhall/Opel, featuring an all- aluminium head, overhead camshaft and hydraulic valve lifters, and it quickly became popular with buyers. A 1200 cc version which used the older Opel OHV engine was also available. There were three body styles for the first generation Astra: hatchback , so-called " saloon ", and estate , all available with two or four side doors. The saloons were styled exactly like the hatchbacks, except for a different rear window above a bootlid; from the side they looked almost indistinguishable from the hatchback, with no protruding notch at the rear. The saloon version was replaced by the Belmont saloon based on the Astra MK2 in early 1986. The white 1800GTE was the first UK car to be 'colour coded' with body trim that matched the base colour of the car, this included wheel arch extensions, front side and rear lower skirts, mirror covers, bumpers and even the alloy wheels were painted white. The black and red versions of the GTE also had colour coding but had the more conventional black bumpers and silver painted alloy wheels. There was also a van version which was badged the Bedford Astravan — the Bedford brand at that time being used for GM's commercial vehicles in Britain. Unlike the previous Opel T-Car, no Coupé was offered. Production of the Mark 1 Astra took place in West Germany initially, with production moving to Vauxahll's Ellesmere Port plant in Britain some two years later, on 16 November 1981. Sales of this first Astra were strong, and gave Vauxhall a much-needed boost in the small family car sector after several years of declining sales with the Viva HC. It soon overtook the Austin Allegro as Britain's second most popular small family car, although it was still a long way behind the Ford Escort in terms of sales success. The Astra also won, 1980 " What Car? " car of the year . [2] Versions available were: 1200 E (2/4-door saloon, 3/5-door hatchback, 3/5-door estate) 1200 L (3/5-door hatchback, 3/5-door estate) 1300 E (as 1200 E) 1300 L (as 1200 L) 1300 S (3/5-door hatchback, 3/5-door estate) 1300 GL (3/5-door hatchback, 3/5-door estate) 1600 L (3/5-door hatchback, 3/5-door estate) 1600 GL (3/5-door hatchback, 3/5-door estate) 1600 SR (3-door hatchback only) 1600 L Diesel (3/5-door hatchback, 3/5-door estate) 1800 GTE (3-door hatchback only) [ edit ] Vauxhall Astra Mark 2 1989 Vauxhall Astra SRi Mark 2 five-door Main article: Opel Kadett E The Mark 2 Astra first appeared in the autumn of 1984. It used the same range of engines and running gear as the Mark 1, but with a completely restyled body with better aerodynamics . It was voted 1985 European Car of the Year . Long-lived, the Mark 2 was available in estate, hatchback, saloon and cabriolet versions. The saloon was launched in January 1986 and sold as the Vauxhall Belmont ; this trend to brand saloon models independently of the hatchback was also used by other manufacturers of the period, with examples including the Ford Orion and the Volkswagen Jetta . However, this strategy was mostly unsuccessful, as this was Vauxhall's only attempt at badging its hatchback-based saloon as a separate model, and Ford had rebadged its Orion range as Escorts in September 1993. Just under 7000 [ 1 ] cabriolets were built by Bertone in Italy from 1987 to 1993. These came in 1.6 and 2-litre GTE variants, the latter being available with powered roofs and electric windows. [ 2 ] These cars are praised for their shake-free shells and their looks. [ 3 ] A new GTE using a 2 L [ 4 ] fuel injected engine was also introduced, and early models of these featured an all electronic dash with digital speedometer. This was largely received as a gimmick , and later models reverted to traditional analogue instrumentation. Vauxhall's twin-camshaft version of the engine, the C20XE , had a high performance version of the GTE created around it. This engine developed 156 hp (116 kW) in standard form, giving sprightly performance, though a common criticism is that the handling was never good enough for the engine. [ 5 ] The limited-edition "Champion" Astras from 1990 were fitted with the same C20XE "redtop" engines (so called because of their red spark plug cover), along with Connolly Leather interiors. [ 6 ] With the picture on the right, showing a SRi 5 door as 5 door GTE's are very rare indeed. This model formed the basis of the Daewoo Cielo, Racer, Nexia and LeMans, and its export versions, the Asüna SE (Canada), Asüna GT (Canada), Passport Optima (Canada) and Pontiac LeMans (Canada, New Zealand and USA). The Mark 2 Astra sold well in the UK, and although it was never able to outsell the Ford Escort, it came closer than any other similar-sized car to achieving this. In 2005, a survey found the two most stolen cars in Britain to be the Vauxhall Belmont and the Vauxhall Astra Mark 2, with more than 1 in 13 Belmonts stolen. [ 7 ] [ edit ] Vauxhall Astra Mark 3 1994 Phase 1 Vauxhall Astra Mark 3 five-door hatchback 1996-7 Phase 2 Vauxhall Astra Mark 3 five-door hatchback 1992-4 Phase 1 Vauxhall Astra Mark 3 GSi three door hatchback Main article: Opel Astra F Released in 1991, the Mark 3 model was essentially an evolution of the Mark 2, rather than a redesign. This generation was the first to be called Astra by Opel as well as Vauxhall (in Opel's case succeeding the Kadett E), and the first to also be sold by Holden . It was offered as a three or five-door hatchback, a saloon, and an estate, known as the Caravan. A cabriolet was also offered, designed and built by Bertone. The model was launched in South Africa in 1992, where it was produced under licence by Delta Motor Corporation . However, the Kadett name was retained for the Astra hatchback until 1999, which included a variant with a 2.0 L turbocharged engine called the 200TS, unique to that market. Saloon and estate models were offered under the Astra name. Controversially, the Kadett and Astra in South Africa won the title of 'Car of the Year' in two consecutive years (1992 and 1993) even though they were versions of the same car. South African nomenclature was denoted in centilitres, so the Astra and Kadett ranges featured 140, 160i, 180i and 200i models. The Astra also became available in Australasia badged as a Holden, first in New Zealand in 1995, and then in Australia in 1996. The first models were imported from the UK, but the current model is imported from Belgium. The original Holden Astra was originally a rebadged Nissan Pulsar, first sold in Australia in the mid-1980s. The Astra F consisted of two main revisions and was revised in 1995, with the launch of Opel's new Ecotec engine. For a short period, a submodel which consisted of parts from both revisions was produced. The submodel used all the new Ecotec running gear, but many parts from the previous revision were used in order to use up leftover parts. Other main changes included mildly-altered exterior styling - featuring Vauxhall's new corporate 'V' front grille first seen on the '94 Omega , a smoked grey trim panel on the rear tailgate to smooth over the protruding rear lamp clusters, and availability of new specification models. Aside from the South Africa-only 200TS, the lead model was the GSi - a petrol model powered by a 147 bhp 2.0 16v engine ( C20XE , also named 'Redtop', because the red L-shaped spark plug cover), or 1.8l 16v petrol injected model with 124 bhp (92 kW) available as a 3-door only. It also featured sports bodykit and interior. The GSi ceased production in 94 but was then too updated in 1997, with the engine being replaced for a lower-powered but more modern 'Ecotec' version (2.0l 16v with 134 bhp)the bodykit was slightly altered on these models - a longer rear spoiler with integrated brake light, fluted side skirts, a bonnet without vents, and removal of the GSi16v badging from the bumper and tailgate (replaced by the later chrome effect Vauxhall Astra 2.0 16v badging). In common with other car manufacturers, the early 1990s saw Opel begin featuring safety as a selling point, and beginning to incorporate many new safety features into cheaper family cars that were previously only found on expensive luxury saloons. The Mark 3 Astra was one of the first such cars, being introduced ahead of the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Mondeo , two other cars with a similar new-found focus on safety. So, the Mark 3 saw the introduction of twin side impact bars, a toughened safety cage, a safely-designed steering wheel and 'body-lock' mechanical front seat-belt pretensioners. After the first face-lift full-size drivers air bags became optional or standard (depending on the model). Crash tests by consumers association (as featured by BBC's Watchdog show in 1992) and also by ADAC and Auto Express showed that the MK3 Astra protected better in crashes than most rivals of its time. The Astra F was phased out in the spring of 1998 - 2002 later replaced by the Astra Classic 2. The Mk3 was the first of the "Astra Classics" This means the Astra Mk3 holds a mighty production span of 11 years; more than any other Astra. In the UK, Vauxhall offered the following trim levels (and in some cases, engine size): MERIT (1.4i, 1.7 diesel, 1.7 Turbo Diesel) L (1.4i) LS (1.4i, 1.7 diesel, 1.7 Turbo Diesel, 1.7 Isuzu Turbo Diesel) GLS (1.4i, 1.6i, 1.7 diesel 1.7 Turbo Diesel, 1.7 Isuzu Turbo Diesel) DUO (1.6) CD (1.4i, 1.6i, 1.7 turbodiesel, 1.8i, 2.0i) CDX (1.6i 1.7 turbodiesel, 2.0i) Si (1.4i, 1.6i) SRi (2.0i) GSi (2.0i) The car also had 'special edition' badging, which indicated special trim: Sport Expression California Arizona Arctic Arctic II Premier Cesaro Montana Diamond Swing Ethos Atlas Pacific In later Sport and GSi models (from 1995 onwards) Lotus Sprung Suspension was used to give better ride. The Pacific special edition was a model that featured a complete Irmscher body styling package with 15" Cesaro wheels from a mk3 Cavalier. In addition to this, some had a grey plastic backing behind the number plate on the rear of the vehicle. This isn't present on all cars produced during this period and is commonly known as "the bit". [ edit ] Vauxhall Astra Mark 4 2000 Vauxhall Astra Mark 4 five-door, 1.6i 16v Sport, in "Star Silver" Main article: Opel Astra G Released in 1998, the MK4 addressed many of the criticisms of the MK3 in the UK with greatly improved ride and handling provided by Lotus-tuned suspension. The growing emphasis on safety was also reflected in greater body rigidity, resulting in a Euro NCAP 4 star crash test rating, considered excellent for its time. In the UK the MK4 Astra was available with a range of 16v Ecotec engines as well some 8v units, with some 16v 1.4l car actually gaining better performance than the 8v 1.6 engine in the next tier. The 8v unit was refined during the model's life however, with the Z16SE offering good all round performance compared with its higher insurance 16v equivalent. In addition to the standard hatchback, the MK4 also had a popular choice of the coupe. This was available in 3 engine types. The 1.8 produced 125 bhp (93 kW; 127 PS). The 2.2 produced 147 bhp (110 kW; 149 PS). The 2.0 Turbocharged produced 189 bhp (141 kW; 192 PS) SRI Turbo and 197 bhp (147 kW; 200 PS) GSI Turbo Variant. In 2004 the design was bought by GM-AvtoVAZ and developed into the GM-AvtoVAZ Chevrolet Viva . It is actually the 4-door saloon variant of this Astra. It is still in production in Brazil, powered by a 2.0 Flexpower engine, developing 140cv which 100% Ethanol ... [ edit ] Vauxhall Astra Mark 5 2010 Vauxhall Astra Mark 5 five-door, 1.6 16V Design in "Silver Lightning" Main article: Opel Astra H The Astra Mark 5 was first launched as a five-door hatchback, which by the end of 2004 was joined by a five-door estate and a sporty three-door hatchback called the Sport Hatch in the UK. The Sport Hatch has the option of a windscreen called "panoramic windscreen" (unique for a production car at the time of its launch) which extends into the roof area. [ edit ] Vauxhall Astra Mark 6 A Vauxhall Astra Mark 6 on a forecourt in England. Main article: Opel Astra J/D The Vauxhall Astra J/D was officially unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The car has been available to purchase since Friday December 11 , 2009 . [ 8 ] The principal manufacturing plant for the latest Astra (though not for its Zafira sibling) is at Ellesmere Port enabling the manufacturer to benefit from sterling depreciation with this model. Design has been a major consideration in the development of new Vauxhall Astra and the car is heavily influenced by the Vauxhall Insignia. The new Vauxhall Astra has all the design features of a saloon car but in a much more compact model. [ 9 ] As well as incorporating a more luxurious design, the 6th generation Astra includes a variety of innovative storage solutions. Vauxhall designers identified the 20 most commonly carried items in a car and developed storage solutions for each one. They have developed a patented the ‘Flexfloor’ adjustable boot space system as well as a ‘Flexfix’ bike carrier. Available with a powerful 1.3 diesel engine, the astra will reach 62 miles an hour in 7.2 seconds while yielding 60 mpg Despite being more expensive than the old Astra, the new Astra has been a strong sales success in the UK, where it was the best selling car in June 2010 with well over 10,000 sales - outselling its crucial rival the Ford Focus by nearly 50%. This however is mainly because production of the current Focus is being scaled back prior to the launch of a new MK3 model in early 2011. [ 10 ] The Estate version of the Astra - dubbed the 'Sports Tourer' by Opel/Vauxhall, debuted at the 2010 Paris Motor Show , and went on sale shortly afterwards, with a starting price of £16,575 for the ES version, then Exclusiv, SRI and SE versions, with the SE costing from £20,345. This is cheaper than the previous estate, but has more kit. [ edit ] Electric vehicle The vehicle has a top speed of 70 miles per hour (110 km/h) and a 100 miles (160 km) range between charging. [ 11 ] [ edit ] Police use of the Astra Many British police forces use the Astra as a workhorse, used for simple duties and sometimes for pursuits, if the high powered divisional area car is unable to respond as rapidly as they can be dispatched. The Metropolitan Police Service use a collection of the MK IV and MK V Astras, mostly as of 2007, the mark in popular use is the Mark V, these are used as Incident Response Vehicles (IRVs) and are commonly seen on the roads of London . [ edit ] Popularity The MK1 Astra was a strong seller in the UK and quickly established itself as Britain's second most popular small family car, but was never able to match the runaway sales success of the Ford Escort . The MK2 Astra was a bigger seller than its predecessor, though again it failed to match the Ford Escort in terms of sales success. It further widened the gap between Vauxhall and rival products from Austin Rover , although the combined sales of ARG's Rover 200 and Austin Maestro ranges were often at least a match for the Astra's total sales. The MK3 Astra took Vauxhall from strength to strength in the small family car market, after almost seven years on sale - and further narrowed the gap with the Ford Escort . The MK4 Astra was also a huge success, and by 2001 it was the second best selling car in Britain overall behind the Ford Focus . The MK5 has so far been the most successful version of the Astra. It was Britain's second-best selling car in 2005, 2006 and 2007, further narrowing the gap between itself and the market-leading Ford Focus . As of October 2010, only the Sport Hatch is still sold alongside the MK6 Astra, at a price tag of £18,070.00. [ 12 ] The MK6 is currently being manufactured at Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port Plant. It will be used as a platform for the new 'green' plug-in series of hybrid vehicles, alongside the American Chevrolet Ampria and Chevrolet Volt variants, which a due for a 2011/12 sale. It has, for the first time ever, outsold its biggest rival the Ford Focus by 50% in June 2010 and was the nation's best-selling car for that month. In March 2009, it was revealed that nearly 2,500,000 Astras had been sold over five generations since its launch 30 years earlier, making it the fourth most popular car ever sold in Britain. [ 13 ] [ edit ] Notes ^ 6764, according to Lewis, Martin (1998). A-Z of Cars of the 1980s . MotorBooks/MBI. p. 146. ISBN   1-901-432-106 .   ^ Lewis 1998, p. 146. The 1.6- and 2-litre variants had 82 bhp (61 kW) and 115 bhp (86 kW), respectively. ^ Lewis 1998, p. 146, describes the Astra's "rigid, shake-free shell" and calls it "[o]ne of the best-looking soft-tops." ^ Early models were fitted with 1.8-litre engines; according to Lewis 1998, these were phased out for the 2-litre engine in Spring 1987. ^ Lewis 1998. "[B]oth handling and ride were never in the same class as the performance." ^ Vauxhall Sports Car Club. "The History of the Vauxhall Sports Car" . http://www.vxlscc.co.uk/heritage_history.cfm . Retrieved 2007-04-24 .   ^ Home Office (December 2006). "Top ten stolen cars" . http://police.homeoffice.gov.uk/news-and-publications/news/car-theft-2006 . "Of the 5729 Belmonts on the road, 25 million were stolen in 2005."   ^ Phase taxonomy:. "New Astra Launch Date - December the 11th |" . Torqueastra.com . http://www.torqueastra.com/content/new-astra-launch-date-december-11th . Retrieved 2010-04-22 .   ^ "Design Innovation from Vauxhall |" . Torqueastra.com . http://www.torqueastra.com/content/design-innovation-vauxhall . Retrieved 2010-04-22 .   ^ "British car sales up 20% in a year | The Sun |News" . The Sun. 2010-07-06 . http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3043609/British-car-sales-up-20-in-a-year.html . Retrieved 2010-08-05 .   ^ http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=101846&topicId=104970025&docId=l:1076112430 ^ [1] [ dead link ] ^ "icLiverpool - Recession-proof wise-buys revealed" . Icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk. 2009-03-17 . http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/motors/advice/tm_headline=recession-proof-wise-buys-revealed&method=full&objectid=23171460&siteid=63127-name_page.html . Retrieved 2010-04-22 .   [ edit ] See also Opel Astra Holden Astra Saturn Astra (late 2007) [ edit ] External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Vauxhall Astra Astra Owners Club Forums - Designed for all Astra drivers. Astra MK3 Owners Club Astra MK2 Owners Club Official Vauxhall Astra website Vauxhall Owners Network (VxON) - All things Vauxhall, Opel and Holden www.migweb.co.uk Astra Owners Network Forum Dedicated site for the Vauxhall Astra Twintop TorqueAstra: A Sixth Generation Vauxhall Astra Community Site || Opel Astra From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation , search Not to be confused with Chevrolet Astro . Opel Astra Manufacturer Opel Production 1991–present Predecessor Opel Kadett Class Small family car Layout FF layout The Opel Astra is a small family car engineered and manufactured by Opel since 1991. It is branded as Vauxhall Astra in the United Kingdom, the Buick Excelle in China , the Chevrolet Astra in Latin America and the Holden Astra in Australia and New Zealand. The Saturn Astra was also built for the American and Canadian market, but sales was discontinued in 2009 due to the discontinuation of GM's Saturn marque. The Holden Astra was also discontinued in Australia in 2009 due to exchange rates making the car uncompetitive, and was replaced by the Holden Cruze . The Astra is now built in China , the United Kingdom , Brazil , South Africa , Poland and Ukraine , as well as being assembled from complete knock down (CKD) kits in other countries. Contents 1 Naming convention 2 Astra F 2.1 Engine lineup for the Astra F 2.2 Petrol engines 2.3 Diesel engines 3 Astra G 3.1 Astra V8 Coupe in DTM 3.2 Astra XTreme 3.3 Astra V8 in Stock Car 4 Astra H 4.1 Astra OPC/VXR 4.2 Astra TwinTop 4.3 Chevrolet Vectra Stock Car 4.4 Saturn Astra 5 Astra J 5.1 Engines 5.1.1 Petrol 5.1.2 Diesel 6 Motorsport 7 References 8 External links [ edit ] Naming convention The Astra nameplate originates from Vauxhall who had manufactured and marketed earlier generations of the Opel Kadett (the Kadett D (1979–1984) and Kadett E (1984–1991)) as Vauxhall Astra . Subsequent GM Europe policy standardised model nomenclature in the early 1990s whereby model names were the same in all markets regardless of whether the vehicle was being sold as an Opel or a Vauxhall. As of 2009, there have been four generations of the Astra. In a fashion typical for Opel they are designated with subsequent letters of the Latin alphabet . Opel's official convention is that the Astra is a logical continuation of the Kadett lineage, thus referring to the first generation of Opel Astra as the Astra F (the last Opel Kadett was the Kadett E). Another convention used by GM starts with Astra A , adopting the notion that the Astra is a separate model. Models sold as Vauxhall, Holden or Chevrolet have different generation designations reflecting the history of those nameplates in their home markets and their naming conventions. [ edit ] Astra F Astra F Also called Chevrolet Astra Holden Astra (TR) Opel Astra Classic Opel Astra II (Denmark) Opel Optima Opel Kadett (South Africa) Vauxhall Astra Production 1991–1998 1998-2002 as Astra Classic I in Poland Assembly Bochum , Germany Antwerp , Belgium Straundale, Port Elizabeth , South Africa Zaporizhia , Ukraine Szentgotthárd , Hungary Gliwice , Poland Ellesmere Port , England Body style(s) 2-door convertible 3-door hatchback 4-door saloon 5-door estate 5-door hatchback Platform T-body Engine(s) 1.4L I4 8V and 16V 1.6L I4 8V and 16V 1.8L I4 8V and 16V 2.0L I4 8V and 16V 2.0L I4 16V Turbo 1.7L Diesel I4 8V only Transmission(s) 5 speed manual 6 speed manual ( C20LET only) 4 speed automatic Related Opel Vectra An early Vauxhall Astra F An Opel Astra station wagon transformed to hold a wheelchair The Opel Astra F debuted in 1991. With the Kadett E's successor, Opel adopted the Astra nameplate, which was already used by Vauxhall for the Kadett D and E (see Vauxhall Astra ). It was offered as a three or five-door hatchback , a saloon (sedan), and an estate (wagon), known as the Caravan. A cabriolet was also offered, designed and built by Bertone in Italy . This car was offered in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as Turkey with the name Astra Classic from 1998 to 2002. The Astra F finished production in 1998. The model was launched in Europe and South Africa in 1991. In South Africa it was produced under licence by Delta . However, the Kadett name was retained for the Astra hatchback until 1999. The South African Astra included a variant with a 2.0 L turbocharged engine called the Astra 200t S, both engine and chassis was produced in limited numbers (250 only) in both sedan and hatchback guise in Opel 's Hungarian factory at Szentgotthárd . The engine ( C20LET ) in the Astra 200t S was sourced from the Calibra and Vectra A 4x4 2.0 16V turbo, 4wd found on European markets, but local engineers converted the 6 speed drivetrain ( Getrag F28 ) to front wheel drive only and as such was unique to that market. Sedan, hatchback and station wagon models were offered under the Astra name. Controversially, the Kadett and Astra in South Africa won the title of 'Car of the Year' in two consecutive years (1993 and 1994) even though they were versions of the same car. South African nomenclature was denoted in centilitres, so the Astra and Kadett ranges featured 140, 160i, 180i and 200i models. The Opel Astra also became available in Australasia badged as a Holden , first in New Zealand in 1995, and then Australia in 1996. The first models were imported from the UK , but later models were imported from Belgium . The Holden Astra name had previously been used on rebadged Nissan Pulsar models from 1984 to 1989. Opel Astra's first generation was imported to Brazil. Chevrolet of Brazil sent the 2.0 liter/115 bhp engines to Belgium whence the completed cars took their way to Brazil. In 1996 the Brazilian government increased the import rate, though the car remained very expensive [ citation needed ] . The second generation was manufactured in Brazil. The Opel Astra F consisted of two main revisions and was revised in 1995, with the launch of Opel 's new Ecotec engine. For a short period, a submodel which consisted of parts from both revisions was produced. The submodel used all the new Ecotec running gear, but many parts from the previous revision were used in order to use up leftover parts. Other main changes included mildly-altered exterior styling, and availability of new specification models. [ citation needed ] Aside from the South Africa-only Astra 200t S, the lead model was the GSi — a 2.0 L I4 16V petrol injected model with 151 hp (110 kW), available as a 3-door only. It also featured sports bodykit and widened front seats in the interior. However, this was substituted in 1995 and was renamed as SPORT, although only a limited number were produced and the bodykit was removed also and it could be selected with the lower-powered, but more modern ' Ecotec ' version, the X20XEV (136 hp, 100 kW) parallel with the C20XE . In Europe from 1994 all Astra models were offered with the 2.0 L 16V ECOTEC X20XEV parallel with the 2.0 L 8V ( C20NE ) engine, but the 3-door and station wagon models could be selected with the 151 hp (110 kW) C20XE engine. After the Astra F series has been replaced by the new generation Astra G in 1998, the also called "REDTOP" C20XE engine was written off by Opel . Awards 1992 Semperit Irish Car of the Year 1993 and 1994 South African Car of the Year [ edit ] Engine lineup for the Astra F [ edit ] Petrol engines This section does not cite any references or sources . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (December 2010) Engine Code Engine Displacement Power Torque Fueling System Valvetrain Compression Ratio 140I Inline 4 1389 cc 60 hp (45 kW; 61 PS) 103 N·m (76 lb·ft) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPi) SOHC 9.4:1 140IE Inline 4 1398 cc 75 hp (56 kW; 76 PS) 110 N·m (81 lb·ft) Carburetor SOHC 9.4:1 140IS Inline 4 1398 cc 82 hp (61 kW; 83 PS) 115 N·m (85 lb·ft) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPi) SOHC 9.8:1 C14NZ Inline 4 1398 cc 60 hp (45 kW; 61 PS) 103 N·m (76 lb·ft) SPi SOHC 9.4:1 C14SE Inline 4 1389 cc 82 hp (61 kW; 83 PS) 113 N·m (83 lb·ft) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPi) SOHC 10.0:1 X14NZ Inline 4 1398 cc 60 hp (45 kW; 61 PS) 103 N·m (76 lb·ft) SPi SOHC 9.4:1 X14XE ( Ecotec ) Inline 4 1398 cc 90 hp (67 kW; 91 PS) 125 N·m (92 lb·ft) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPi) DOHC 10.5:1 C16NZ and X16SZR Inline 4 1598 cc 75 hp (56 kW; 76 PS) 125 N·m (92 lb·ft) SPi SOHC 9.2:1 C16SE Inline 4 1598 cc 101 hp (75 kW; 102 PS) 135 N·m (100 lb·ft) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPi) SOHC 9.8:1 X16SZ Inline 4 1598 cc 71 hp (53 kW; 72 PS) 128 N·m (94 lb·ft) SPi SOHC 10.0:1 X16XZR Inline 4 1598 cc 71 hp (53 kW; 72 PS) 128 N·m (94 lb·ft) SPi SOHC 9.6:1 X16XEL ( Ecotec ) Inline 4 1598 cc 101 hp (75 kW; 102 PS) 148 N·m (109 lb·ft) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPi) DOHC 10.5:1 C18NZ Inline 4 1796 cc 90 hp (67 kW; 91 PS) 145 N·m (107 lb·ft) SPi SOHC 9.2:1 C18XE Inline 4 1794 cc 125 hp (93 kW; 127 PS) 168 N·m (124 lb·ft) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (Mpi) DOHC 10.8:1 C18SEL ( Ecotec ) Inline 4 1798 cc 115 hp (86 kW; 117 PS) 168 N·m (124 lb·ft) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (Mpi) DOHC 9.9:1 C18XEL ( Ecotec ) Inline 4 1798 cc 115 hp (86 kW; 117 PS) 168 N·m (124 lb·ft) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (Mpi) DOHC 10.8:1 X18XE ( Ecotec ) Inline 4 1794 cc 115 hp (86 kW; 117 PS) 170 N·m (125 lb·ft) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (Mpi) DOHC 10.8:1 20SEH (South Africa) Inline 4 1998 cc 130 hp (97 kW; 132 PS) 180 N·m (133 lb·ft) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPi) SOHC 9.8:1 20XE-LN (South Africa) Inline 4 1998 cc 156 hp (116 kW; 158 PS) 200 N·m (148 lb·ft) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPi) DOHC 9.8:1 C20NE Inline 4 1998 cc 115 hp (86 kW; 117 PS) 170 N·m (125 lb·ft) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPi) SOHC 9.2:1 C20XE Inline 4 1998 cc 151 hp (113 kW; 153 PS) 196 N·m (145 lb·ft) Sequential Fuel Ijection (SFI) DOHC 10.5:1 C20LET (South Africa) Inline 4 1998 cc 204 hp (152 kW; 207 PS) 280 N·m (207 lb·ft) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPi), turbocharger DOHC 8.5:1 X20XEV ( Ecotec ) Inline 4 1998 cc 136 hp (101 kW; 138 PS) 185 N·m (136 lb·ft) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPi) DOHC 10.8:1 [ edit ] Diesel engines Engine Code Engine Displacement Power Torque Fueling System Valvetrain Compression Ratio 17D Inline 4 1699 cc 57 hp (43 kW; 58 PS) 105 N·m (77 lb·ft) Bosch Injection Pump SOHC 23:1 17DR Inline 4 1699 cc 60 hp (45 kW; 61 PS) 105 N·m (77 lb·ft) Bosch Injection Pump SOHC 23:1 X17DTL Inline 4 1700 cc 68 hp (51 kW; 69 PS) 132 N·m (97 lb·ft) Bosch Injection Pump SOHC 22:1 X17DT Inline 4 1686 cc 82 hp (61 kW; 83 PS) 168 N·m (124 lb·ft) Bosch Injection Pump SOHC 22:1 [ edit ] Astra G Astra G Also called Chevrolet Astra Chevrolet Viva Holden Astra Holden Astra Classic Opel Astra Classic II Vauxhall Astra Production 1998–2004 2002–2009 as Astra Classic II in Egypt 1998–present in Brazil (facelift version) Assembly Bochum , Germany Antwerp , Belgium São Caetano do Sul , Brazil Port Elizabeth , South Africa [ 1 ] Gliwice , Poland Togliatti , Russia Zaporoshje, Ukraine Ellesmere Port , England 6th of October City , Egypt Grugliasco , Italy (Cabrio & Coupe) [ 2 ] Zaporizhia , Ukraine ( AvtoZAZ ) [ 3 ] Body style(s) 2-door convertible 2-door coupé 3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback 5-door estate 5-door sedan Platform GM GM2700/3000 platform Engine(s) 1.4L 1.6L 1.7L 1.8L 2.0L 2.2L 2.4L I4 Transmission(s) 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic Wheelbase 2,614 mm (102.9 in) Length Hatchback: 4,199 mm (165.3 in) Saloon: 4,342 mm (170.9 in) Width 1,753 mm (69.0 in) Height Hatchback: 1,431 mm (56.3 in) Saloon: 1,425 mm (56.1 in) Related Opel Zafira Opel Astra Sport 1.6 16V A Vauxhall Astra for the British Market The Astra G was launched in Europe in 1998, though sketches of the car can be seen as early as 1992. It was available as a 3 and 5-door hatchback , 4-door saloon and two special versions: the Astra Coupé and the Astra Cabrio , both of them designed and built by Bertone . The Astra G saw the introduction of a natural gas -powered engine. Its chassis was tuned by Lotus and formed the base of a seven-seater compact MPV , the Opel Zafira . The manufacturing of Astra G continued at Opel's Gliwice plant in Poland after the debut of the next-generation Astra H, with the older model being branded as Astra Classic in a similar fashion to its predecessor, catering to the lower end of the market. This car was offered in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as Turkey with the name Astra Classic II from 2004 to the end 2009. Apart from European markets, these models were sold in Australia and New Zealand as Holden Astra Classic , until they were replaced by the Holden Viva in 2006. The Astra G continues as the locally-built Chevrolet Astra in Brazil. It was facelifted in 2003, and is sold in Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and other Latin American markets. In Brazil, the Astra G/B remains as the leader of its segment in sales since 1999. [ citation needed ] The GM Brazilian 2.0 8V I4 engine which equips the Astra has the "flexpower" technology, that allows the car to run on both petrol/alcohol fuels, providing 128/140 hp (G/A) at 5200 rpm. A taxi version of the Brazilian sourced model, powered with gasoline 2.0 engine was sold in Chile as the Chevy Urban . [ 4 ] [ 5 ] In 2004, GM's Russian joint venture, GM-AvtoVAZ , launched the GM-AvtoVAZ Chevrolet Viva , a four-door version of the Astra G/B. It was sold through Chevrolet dealers in Russia, while Opel dealers were (and are, as of July 2008) selling the newer Opel Astra H/C. Sales were poor from the start due to high pricing: the only version launched was equipped with a 1.8L engine with an above-average trim level, placing the Viva's price above the Toyota Corolla . [ 6 ] A project costing $340 million was selling less than a thousand cars annually [ 6 ] (801 cars in 2007); [ 7 ] rumours of shutting down Chevy Viva production circulated as early as summer of 2005. [ 8 ] GM-AvtoVAZ shut down small-scale production of the Viva in March 2008. [ 6 ] [ edit ] Astra V8 Coupe in DTM The Astra G series Coupé look was used for the V8 powered dedicated race cars in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) series. These DTM cars are purpose built race cars with barely any parts taken form the road cars save for lights or door handles. The car's bodywork featured gull-wing doors that were each supported by two gas struts. The race cars were powered by 4.0L V8 engines with nearly 500 hp (370 kW). Opel did poorly during several season of DTM as only Manuel Reuter placed significantly in the championship once, taking second in the inaugural season 2000. Opel won the 24h Nürburgring in 2003, though. [ edit ] Astra XTreme The Astra XTreme, a concept presented at the 2001 Geneva motor show, was a single-production V8 powered Astra based on the G-series Astra DTM. Like the DTM race car, it featured a 4.0L V8 engine, producing 444 hp (331 kW), gull-wing doors supported by gas struts, carbon fiber panels, and race-specification interior with five-point seatbelts. [ edit ] Astra V8 in Stock Car The Chevrolet Astra continues in production in Brazil, There is this competition where they took place against VW Bora, Mitsubishi Lancer and the Peugeot 307 Sedan, all of then with the V8...But the Astra was replaced by the Chevrolet Vectra (Opel Astra)...The Lancer and the Bora also left the competition.. [ edit ] Astra H Astra H Also called Chevrolet Astra Chevrolet Vectra GT Holden Astra Opel Astra A+ (Sedan, China) Opel Astra Classic III Saturn Astra (2008-2009) Vauxhall Astra Production 2004–2009 2009-present as Astra Classic III Assembly Bochum , Germany Antwerp , Belgium Kaliningrad , Russia Gliwice , Poland São Caetano do Sul , Brazil Struandale, Port Elizabeth , South Africa St. Petersburg , Russia Zaporizhia , Ukraine Ellesmere Port , England Miaoli , Republic of China 6th of October City , Egypt [ 9 ] Body style(s) 2-door coupé convertible 3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door estate 5-door hatchback Platform GM Delta platform Engine(s) 1.4L Family 0 I4 1.6L Family I I4 1.8L Family I I4 2.0L Turbo Family II I4 2.2L Family II I4 (Australia) 1.3L CDTi Diesel I4 1.7L CDTi Diesel I4 1.9L CDTi Diesel I4 2.0L Flexpower I4 (Brazil) 2.4L Flexpower I4 (Brazil) Transmission(s) 5-speed manual 6-speed manual 4-speed automatic 6-speed automatic Wheelbase Estate & Saloon: 2,703 mm (106.4 in) Cabriocoupe & Hatchback: 2,614 mm (102.9 in) Length Saloon: 4,587 mm (180.6 in) Estate: 4,515 mm (177.8 in) Cabriocoupe: 4,476 mm (176.2 in) Hatchback: 4,331 mm (170.5 in) Width Estate: 1,753 mm (69.0 in) Cabriocoupe: 1,759 mm (69.3 in) Hatchback: 1,753 mm (69.0 in) Height Estate: 1,500 mm (59.1 in) Cabriocoupe: 1,411 mm (55.6 in) 5-door Hatchback: 1,458 mm (57.4 in) 3-door Hatchback: 1,418 mm (55.8 in) Related Chevrolet Cobalt / Pontiac G5 (North America) Opel Zafira (worldwide excluding North America) Opel launched Astra H in March 2004. Based on the then-new Delta platform , [ citation needed ] its size was increased compared to the previous version. Each engine is provided with its own Lotus -tuned suspension settings. [ citation needed ] The Astra H was first launched as a five-door hatchback, which by the end of 2004 was joined by a five-door Caravan estate and a sporty three-door hatchback, designated the GTC for European markets, Sport Hatch in the UK and the Coupé in Australia. The GTC has the option of a windscreen called "panoramic windscreen" (unique for a production car at the time of its launch) which extends into the roof area. This Astra is currently sold alongside the Astra I in the UK. In the 2005 European Car of the Year contest, the Astra H/C was just edeged out by the top three, Toyota Prius (Winner), Citroen C4 (2nd Place) and the Ford Focus (3rd Place). The Vauxhall Astra is popular with various British Police forces. The current Chevrolet Vectra sedan in Brazil is a twin of the Opel Astra H sedan In 2005, GM Brazil replaced the aging Vectra B by developing a Astra H's sedan version on the full length GM Delta platform, that was named as Chevrolet Vectra . The model received also a facelift to match the others models offered in Brazil. On 19 October 2006 at the international auto show in Istanbul , Turkey , Opel launched this version of the sedan, to be manufactured in Gliwice , Poland as an Opel for several Eurasian markets. [ 10 ] At that time, a 3-door van variant of the wagon was introduced by Vauxhall in Britain. In September 2007, GM Brazil launched a version of 5-door Astra C hatchback, marketed as Chevrolet Vectra GT to differentiate from the already existing Astra G, which remains in production with a lower pricepoint. The Astra sedan was launched in Ireland as the Opel Astra Saloon in 2008, one of the countries in Western Europe where it was sold, and also the first right hand drive market for the model. [ 11 ] In Spain it is sold as Astra "Sedán". GM Russia launched SKD assembly of Astra on a temporary production site near Saint Petersburg in February 2008, with a potential capacity of 25,000 vehicles annually. [ 12 ] A first for any major European car is the availability of digital radio on some versions of the new Astra, while for the Astra product class first are electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC) and AFL (Adaptive Forward Lighting). In 2005, the new Opel Astra Diesel-Electric Hybrid appeared. By the end of 2005, estate and coupé versions were also launched. In 2008, sales of the Astra commenced in the United States and Canada , where it is sold as the Saturn Astra. 2008 was the last model year for the Chevrolet Astra in Mexico as a result of withdrawal of Opel products from the brand, replaced by the Chevrolet Cruze sedan for the 2010 model year. [ edit ] Astra OPC/VXR During 2005 Opel introduced the OPC version of the Astra GTC (Astra VXR in the UK) which is powered by an updated version of the 2.0 L turbo ecotec engine (Z20 LEH) producing 240 PS (177 kW, 237 bhp) and 320 N·m (236 lb·ft) of torque. Standard features of the OPC/VXR version include sports bodykit and interior, a six-speed manual gearbox, xenon headlamps and 18" alloy wheels amongst others. This vehicle was sold until late 2009 in Australia and New Zealand as the HSV (Holden Special Vehicles) VXR. HSV VXRs are sold as standard with full leather trim, climate control, 6 disc CD and 19" alloy wheels. HSV VXRs were badged as per the UK Vauxhall Spec models, but without the usual rear boot badge. Inside the Opel blitz appears on the steering wheel with an OPC dashboard. [ edit ] Astra TwinTop In 2006, the Astra TwinTop arrived. The "TwinTop" name also applies to the smaller Tigra refers to a folding hard-top coupé version of the car. In the case of the Astra, the TwinTop has a three-part folding metal roof which sits in the upper half of the boot space, leaving considerable luggage space below it. Still marketed as a four-seater, the rear seating space is smaller than a "normal" Astra. The TwinTop was available in three trim levels with a range of engines in each, including a 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) 2.0L turbo and the 1.9CDTi diesel in 150PS form. [ edit ] Chevrolet Vectra Stock Car In Brazil, Chevrolet Vectra (Astra H) substituted the Chevrolet Astra on Stock Car.The V8 is still the same, apart that now they use Ethanol instead of Petrol. [ edit ] Saturn Astra 2008 Saturn Astra XR 3-door The Saturn Astra debuted during the 2007 Chicago Auto Show . [ 13 ] [ 14 ] Intended to replace the Ion as the brand's smallest model, the Saturn Astra was a captive import built in Antwerp , Belgium . [ 15 ] It was offered in three and five-door hatchback body styles, with sales starting on January 2, 2008. Only one engine was available: a 1.8 L Family 1 DCVCP inline-4 cylinder gasoline engine with variable-valve technology producing 138 hp (103 kW) and with an available five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission . The Astra XE was available only on the five-door hatchback bodystyle version; this was the basic trim level for the Saturn Astra. The upmarket XR trim level was available in both the three and five-door hatchback. 17-inch (430 mm) alloy wheels were standard. [ 16 ] In IIHS crash tests the Astra earned a Good overall score in frontal impacts, while in side impacts it received a Marginal overall rating. Front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags were standard. [ 17 ] General Motors predicted sales of between 30,000–40,000 vehicles a year in the United States. Due to a large number of unsold 2008 & 2009 remaining on dealer lots, GM announced it would end production of the Saturn Astra. [ 18 ] Fewer 2009 model Saturn Astras were imported to the United States , with a majority of the final Saturn Astras imported to Canada . On June 5, 2009, GM announced it was selling the Saturn Corporation to Penske Automotive Group . Under the terms of the ultimately aborted deal GM would have continued to produce Saturn Aura , Vue , and Outlook models for two years, expressly excluding the Astra. Production of the Saturn Astra effectively ended. The Chevrolet Cruze serves as a de facto successor for the Saturn Astra, as the Chevrolet Cruze went on sale as a 2011 model. Calendar Year Total American sales 2008 [ 19 ] 11,968 2009 [ 20 ] 6,298 [ edit ] Astra J Astra J Also called Buick Excelle XT Vauxhall Astra Production 2009–present Assembly Rüsselsheim , Germany Ellesmere Port , UK Gliwice , Poland St Petersburg , Russia Body style(s) 3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback 5-door estate Platform GM Delta II platform Transmission(s) 5-speed manual 6-speed manual 6-speed automatic Wheelbase 2,685 mm (105.7 in) Length 4,419 mm (174.0 in) Width 1,814 mm (71.4 in) Height 1,487 mm (58.5 in) Related Opel Ampera Chevrolet Volt Chevrolet Cruze Chevrolet Orlando Opel Zafira Designer Uwe Müller, Chief Exterior Designer Chief Interior Designer Beat Finkebeiner Ralf Braun, Clay Modeler Wolfgang Blunk, Alias Modeler Kirsten Roesner, Color and Trim Designer Astra J Astra J interior The Astra J is based on the Delta II platform and debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show . [ 21 ] [ 22 ] The car has taken most of its styling from the new Opel Insignia , with many of the higher options fitted as standard. Full production came on line at Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port Plant at the end of September 2009 (Pictures) . Deliveries began in December 2009. In the UK,it is sold along with the previous Astra. The new Vauxhall Astra competes with models such as the, Peugeot 308 , Volkswagen Golf and the Toyota Auris . It will be used by the UK Police soon, along with the Vauxhall Insignia . The Estate version of the Astra - dubbed the 'Sports Tourer' by Opel, debuted at the 2010 Paris Motor Show , and went on sale shortly afterwards, with a starting of £16,575 for the ES version, then Exclusiv,Sri and SE versions, with the SE costing from £20,345. This is cheaper than the previous estate, but has more kit. An Astra 3-door hatchback and a Convertible , as well as an all-new Zafira Compact MPV will be introudced in 2011. At present Vauxhall are selling this model along with the previous generation Astra Sport Hatch and Twintop. Shanghai GM launched the Chinese specification of the Opel Astra, which is badged as the Buick Excelle XT. This car went on sale in January 2010. Three engines have been announced: Ecotec D-VVT 1.6L, 1.8L and 1.6T. The Opel/Vauxhall Astra came third in the European Car of the Year award in 2010. The Astra was developed at Opel’s European Design Center in Rüsselsheim, continues the evolution of Opel’s design language, ‘sculptural artistry meets German precision’ first introduced on the Insignia and won the red dot Design Award 2010. [ edit ] Engines [ edit ] Petrol Model Engine Displacement Power Torque Note CO 2 emission (g/km) 1.4 Ecotec I4 1398 cc 87 PS (64 kW; 86 hp) @6000 rpm 130 N·m (96 lb·ft) @4000 rpm VVT 129 1.4 Ecotec I4 1398 cc 100 PS (74 kW; 99 hp) @6000 rpm 130 N·m (96 lb·ft) @4000 rpm VVT 129 1.4 Turbo Ecotec I4 1364 cc 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) @4900 rpm 200 N·m (148 lb·ft) @1850-4900 rpm VVT 138 1.6 Ecotec I4 1598 cc 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) @6000 rpm 155 N·m (114 lb·ft) @4000 rpm VVT 147 1.6 Turbo Ecotec I4 1598 cc 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) @5500 rpm 230 N·m (170 lb·ft) @2200-5400 rpm 159 [ edit ] Diesel Model Engine Displacement Power Torque Note CO 2 emission (g/km) 1.3 CDTI Ecotec I4 1248 cc 95 PS (70 kW; 94 hp) @4000 rpm 190 N·m (140 lb·ft) @1750 rpm 109 1.7 CDTI Ecotec I4 1686 cc 110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp) @3800 rpm 260 N·m (192 lb·ft) @1700-2500 rpm 124 1.7 CDTI Ecotec I4 1686 cc 125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) @4000 rpm 280 N·m (207 lb·ft) @2000-2700 rpm 119/124(depending on region) 2.0 CDTI Ecotec I4 1956 cc 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) @4000 rpm 350 N·m (258 lb·ft) @1750-2500 rpm 129 Engines are available with the 5-speed or 6-speed manual transmission. The only optional available automatic transmission is the 6-speed with active select mode, which can be ordered for the 1.4 turbo ecotec, 1.6 ecotec, 1.6 turbo ecotec and 2.0 CDTI ecotec depending on region. [ edit ] Motorsport Martin Johnson 's Astra that currently competes in the British Touring Car Championship . The Astra has been used in auto racing around the globe, in particular in touring car racing . Its highest success were achieved in the British Touring Car Championship (see BTC-T Vauxhall Astra Coupe ). The Astra Coupe soon became one of the most successful cars in Touring Car history after taking both 1st and 2nd in the BTCC in 2001, 2002, 2003 & 2004 with it also managing to take the Teams and Manufacturers Championships at the same time. During its 4 years in the hands of the works VXRacing team it was almost invincible. after 2004, it was decided that Vauxhall would retire the Astra Coupe and move on to the Mark 5 Astra Sport Hatch for the next two years. The newer cars struggled to match the coupe's pace and were beaten by the Hondas and SEATs on many occasions. Yvan Muller was runner-up and Colin Turkington sixth in 2005. Fabrizio Giovanardi finished fifth, Gavin Smith seventh and Tom Chilton eight the next season. For 2007, VX Racing dropped the Astra in favour of the Vectra C. Due to the reliability and speed fo the cars, they were used by many independent teams such as GA Motorsport, Collards Motorsport, Thurlby Motors and Arkas Racing for the next few years with one car entered this year by Martin Johnson. In 2002, 2003 and 2006, three different drivers were European Rallycross Champions in the Division 2 driving Astras. The 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2008 runner-ups also raced in that car. Christian Ledesma was 2004 TC 2000 champion with an Astra and Matías Rossi took that title in 2006 and 2007. The Astra has been used in the shape of silhouette racing cars as well. It was featured in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters from 2000 to 2003 ( Manuel Reuter was runner-up in 2000) and the Stock Car Brasil from 2004 to 2008 (Giuliano Losacco won the tournament in 2004 and 2005). In 2009, the Astra B body was replaced Stock Car Brasil by a Vectra , which is in fact the same as the European Astra C. [ edit ] References ^ "Opel. Opel In South Africa" . Car-cat.com . http://car-cat.com/firm-1388.html . Retrieved 2010-10-02 .   ^ "Opel. Opel In Italy" . Car-cat.com . http://car-cat.com/firm-674.html . Retrieved 2010-10-02 .   ^ "UkrAVTO Corporation. ZAZ" . Ukravto.ua . http://www.ukravto.ua/eng/production_zaz.htm . Retrieved 2010-11-30 .   ^ [1] [ dead link ] ^ "Ediciones Especiales - El Mercurio" . Edicionesespeciales.elmercurio.com . http://www.edicionesespeciales.elmercurio.com/hoy/detalle/index.asp?idnoticia=0110012006021X0060060&idcuerpo=485 . Retrieved 2009-05-01 .   ^ a b c "Expert online, March 19, 2008" . Expert.ru . http://www.expert.ru/news/2008/03/18/gmavto/ . Retrieved 2010-10-02 .   ^ "Autoreview, No. 3, 2008" . Autoreview.ru . http://www.autoreview.ru/archive/2008/03/stat/ . Retrieved 2010-10-02 .   ^ "Newsru.com, July 29, 2005" . Newsru.com. 2005-07-29 . http://www.newsru.com/arch/finance/29jul2005/avaz.html . Retrieved 2010-10-02 .   ^ Satyam. "Welcome to GMArabia.com" . Gmegypt.com . http://www.gmegypt.com/content_data/LAAM/ME/en/GBPME/999/EG/gm_history.html?cntryCd=EG# . Retrieved 2010-10-02 .   ^ Homola, Peter (2007-08-23). "GM Launches Opel Astra Sedan Output in Poland" . WardsAuto.com . http://wardsauto.com/ar/astra_output_poland/ . Retrieved 2008-01-30 .   ^ Motoring: OPEL ASTRA 4-DOOR FOR YOUR EYES ONLY Sunday Mirror March 9, 2008 ^ "Autoreview, March 2008" . Autoreview.ru . http://www.autoreview.ru/news/index.php?ELEMENT_ID=15956 . Retrieved 2010-10-02 .   ^ "Saturn's next Opel: 2008 Astra" . AutoWeek . http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061207/FREE/61207008/1063/PROMOBLOG01 . Retrieved December 7, 2006 .   ^ "Inside Line: 2007 Chicago Auto Show: Saturn Takes the Wraps off Euro-Flavored 2008 Astra" . Edmunds.com . http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=119466 . Retrieved February 8, 2007 .   ^ Gastelu, Gary (2008-05-08). "2008 Saturn Astra 3-Door XR" . Fox News . http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,354437,00.html . Retrieved 2008-05-08 .   ^ "Saturn Astra XR" . Autoweek . http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071113/FREE/71113001/1005/FREE . Retrieved December 28, 2007 .   ^ "IIHS-HLDI: Saturn Astra" . Iihs.org . http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=650 . Retrieved 2009-05-01 .   ^ "2009 Saturn Astra Specs and Features - MSN Autos" . MSN Autos. 2009-08-11 . http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Spec_Glance.aspx?year=2009&make=Saturn&model=Astra&trimid=-1 . Retrieved 2009-08-11 .   ^ "GM Media Online" . Media.gm.com. 2009-01-05 . http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet?target=http://image.emerald.gm.com/gmnews/viewpressreldetail.do?domain=2&docid=51161 . Retrieved 2009-05-01 .   [ dead link ] ^ "GM Media - United States - News" . media.gm.com. 2010-01-05 . http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_gm.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/Jan/0105_Dec_Sales . Retrieved 2010-02-25 .   ^ "GM Media Online: All-new Astra Set to Take Compact Class by Storm in 2009" . General Motors. 2008-09-08 . http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet?target=http://image.emerald.gm.com/gmnews/viewmonthlyreleasedetail.do?domain=563&docid=48382 . Retrieved 2008-10-21 .   [ dead link ] ^ "Car News Blog: 2010 Opel Astra to debut at Frankfurn" . Automobile mag. 2008-09-08 . http://blogs.automobilemag.com/6277825/car-news/2010-opel-astra-to-debut-in-frankfurt/ . Retrieved 2008-10-21 .   [ edit ] External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Opel Astra This article's use of external links may not follow Wikipedia's policies or guidelines . Please improve this article by removing excessive and inappropriate external links. (August 2010) Official Astra website at opel.ie Vauxhall Astra page Official Astra website at saturn.com Glossary of Technology and Innovations pertaining to the Astra TwinTop Vauxhall Owners Network (VxON) - All things Vauxhall, Opel and Holden Chevrolet Viva produced by GM-AVTOVAZ Astra Owners Club(AOC) Astra Forum Romania Astra TwinTop specifications v   •   d   •   e « previous — Opel road car timeline, 1980s–present Type 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 City car Agila A Agila B Supermini Corsa A Corsa B Corsa C Corsa D Compact car Kadett C Kadett D Kadett E Astra F Astra G Astra H Astra J Large family car Ascona B Ascona C Vectra A Vectra B Vectra C Insignia Signum Executive car Rekord E / Commodore C Omega A Omega B Luxury car Senator A / Monza Senator B Sports car Tigra Tigra TwinTop Manta B Calibra Speedster GT Mini MPV Meriva A Meriva B Compact MPV Zafira A Zafira B Large MPV Sintra SUV Frontera A Frontera B Antara Monterey LCVs Combo A Combo B Arena Vivaro Movano Movano v   •   d   •   e Saturn automobile timeline, 1991–2010 Type 1990s 2000s 2010s 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 Sport Compact Ion Red Line Compact S-Series S-Series Ion Astra Mid-size L-Series Aura Crossover Vue Vue Outlook Minivan Relay Roadster Sky v   •   d   •   e TC 2000 Championship 1979 • 1980 • 1981 • 1982 • 1983 • 1984 • 1985 • 1986 • 1987 • 1988 • 1989 • 1990 • 1991 • 1992 • 1993 • 1994 1995 • 1996 • 1997 • 1998 • 1999 • 2000 • 2001 • 2002 • 2003 • 2004 • 2005 • 2006 • 2007 • 2008 • 2009 • 2010 Current cars: Chevrolet Astra • Fiat Linea • Honda Civic Si • Toyota Corolla • Renault Mégane • Volkswagen Golf • Volkswagen Polo • Ford Focus • Peugeot 307 Current circuits: Córdoba • General Roca • Oberá • Jorge Ángel Pena • Río Hondo • Resistencia • Santa Fe • Buenos Aires • Centenario • Punta del Este ( Uruguay ) • Eduardo Copello • San Luis Former circuits: Bahía Blanca • Comodoro Rivadavia • Güemes • Curitiba ( Brazil ) • Interlagos ( Brazil ) • Paraná • Viedma || You aren't signed in Sign In Help Search · Everyone's Uploads Groups Flickr Members For a Location Applications Stuart Axe's Photostream Home The Tour Sign Up Explore Explore Page Last 7 Days Interesting Popular Tags Calendar Most Recent Uploads Video on Flickr Galleries Explore Analog Flickr Clock Getty Images World Map Places The Commons Creative Commons FlickrBlog code.flickr The App Garden Camera Finder Upload To take full advantage of Flickr, you should use a JavaScript-enabled browser and install the latest version of the Macromedia Flash Player . ☆ Favorite Actions ▾ Share this ▾ Newer Older Chelmsford VRO 1979-1984 Vauxhall Astra / Opel Kadett This car or one identically simular in this colour was the car i learnt to drive in and passed my driving test in on 25th August 1985 (1st time!). The only difference to this one is that it was badged Opel Kadett and it was a 1980 'W' registration and not a 1983 'A' registration as shown here. A landmark car in my history although i've never bought a Vauxhall or Opel in the time since. Comments and faves mark.mitchell.brown ( 22 months ago | reply ) Neato, don't think I've ever seen an estate learner's car before. Nice Peugeot back there. Plate is great for VW owners. Bobert's Photostream ( 22 months ago | reply ) Havn't seen one of these on the road for years. Rust buckets as I recall. greatgrowler ( 22 months ago | reply ) I loved these cars, and the Cavalier of the same style. ★ LiamCH , Michael Langertinger , saenjo , and Clover - Team CT added this photo to their favorites. Add your comment here... Want to format your comment? By Stuart Axe No real name given This photo was taken on November 26, 2006 . 1,406 views 3 comments 4 favorites 0 galleries This photo belongs to Stuart Axe's photostream (3,967) This photo also appears in CARS (Set) PICTURE`S OF THE CAR (Group) Transport In The Frame (Group) "Unlimited Photos: No Ru... (Group) Tags opel vauxhall vauxhall astra opel kadett car 1983 1980 1980s 80s driving test Show machine tags ( 0 ) Hide machine tags ( 0 ) License All Rights Reserved Request to license Stuart Axe's photos via Getty Images Privacy This photo is visible to everyone ◢◣ Photo license: All Rights Reserved Guest Passes let you share your photos that aren't public. Anyone can see your public photos anytime, whether they're a Flickr member or not. But! If you want to share photos marked as friends, family or private, use a Guest Pass. If you're sharing photos from a set, you can create a Guest Pass that includes any of your photos marked as friends, family, or private. 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