Autopedia
Register
Advertisement

Opel-Astra-2022-1024-01
General Motors Astra
Vauxhall / Opel / Holden / Saturn
aka Saturn Astra
Production 1991>
1996-2009 (Aust)
Class Small family car
Body Style 3 dr-5 dr Hatchback, Wagon, Coupe-Convertible
Length
Width
Height
Wheelbase
Weight
Transmission 5 speed Manual
6 speed Manual
4 speed Automatic, FWD
Engine 1.8L Ecotec 4 cylinder
1.9L CDTI
Power N/A hp @ N/A rpm
N/A lb-ft of torque @ N/A rpm
Similar Volkswagen Golf
Mazda3
Ford Focus
Peugeot 307
Designer Designer (lead designer if it was a team effort)

General Motors Astra, also known as, Vauxhall Astra in United Kingdom, Opel Astra in Europe, Holden Astra in Australia, Chevrolet Astra in Latin America and Saturn Astra in North America, is a hatchback style automobile which was produced from 1991 - 2009

Recent Changes[]

  • On June 16, 2010, Opel and Vauxhall unveiled the Astra Sports Tourer on the internet, ahead of its 2010 Paris Motor Show debut on October 2. Essentially a station wagon (estate) version of the Astra, the ST increases cargo load length to 1835 mm and overall cargo space to 75 litres. In Europe, the Astra Sports Tourer's powertrain line-up will comprise of eight gasoline and diesel engines, ranging in power from 95HP to 180HP, including a new 1.4-liter Turbo petrol with 140-horsepower and a 2.0-liter turbo diesel with 160-horsepower that returns a combined fuel consumption of 5.1 lt/100km (equal to 46.1mpg US and 55.4mpg UK) with 134 g/km CO2 emissions. [1]

Opel Astra Sports Tourer

Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer

  • The 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show played host to the unveiling of the next-generation Astra. The new Golf rival takes styling cues from its bigger Insignia brother and is slated to go on sale in Europe by Autumn 2010.[2][3]
  • As early as April 9, 2009, images of the next-generation Astra was leaked on the internet. Unlike the official teasers, the new images show the new Astra in its entirety.[4]
  • On September 8, 2008, Vauxhall leaked a teaser image of the next-generation Astra ahead of its official 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show release. From the early sketches, it would seem that General Motors' designers drew inspiration from the Ford Fiesta and the Vauxhall & Opel Insignias. The new car will be based on GM's new Delta Platform and will arrive bristling with new technology such as the Front Camera System first seen on the Insignia, which combines traffic sign recognition with a lane departure system and the next generation Adaptive Front Lighting (AFL) that provides nine unique light beams to improve visibility. [5]
  • For 2008, Opel has released a unique version of the three-door Astra dubbed, the Opel Astra OPC Nurburgring Edition. The model celebrates Manuel Reuter's 2005 class-setting record run in the Astra OPC on the Nurburgring's “Green Hell”.[6][7]

Styles and Major Options[]

Certain vehicles come in different trim levels or body styles. Features and major options should be mentioned here.

Pricing[]

Add more fields as necessary.

MODEL Trims
Trim1 Trim2 Trim3 Trim4
MSRP
$Price1 $Price2 $Price3 $Price4
Invoice
$Price1 $Price2 $Price3 $Price4


Gas Mileage[]

Add more fields as necessary.

As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Trim
Trim1 Trim2 Trim3 Trim4
MPG
c/h c/h c/h c/h

Engine and Transmission[]

Specifications, details, graphs, pictures and other information regarding the powertrain is placed in this section.

Performance[]

Acceleration

0-60 km/h: 4.3 seconds (CDTI)

0-80 km/h: 7.2 seconds (CDTI)

0-100 km/h: 9.9 seconds (CDTI)

Braking

Stopping distance: 24.2 metres from 80 km/h. (CDTI)

Reliability[]

Astras have all stand to a test of time. Mechanically, they give a little trouble and the car holds well in terms of good build quality. Their bodies are zinc galvanised to minimise corrosion (rust) and the majority of all Astras are well looked after.

Servicing[]

The cam timing belt for all Astras should be changed every 60,000 kilometres (37,500 miles).

Safety[]

This section should reference points on safety ratings and features of the vehicle.

Photos[]

Opel-Vauxhall-Astra-Sports-Tourer-15small

Astra Sports Tourer

2010 Astra

Astra Interceptor (UK)

Colors[]

List the colors that the particular <MODEL> is offered in.

Main Competitors[]

Hybrid Models[]

If there are hybrid versions of this vehicle manufactured, then please elaborate a little bit on it here.

Unique Attributes[]

If there are any features of this vehicle that sets it apart from other vehicles in its class, then mention those unique attributes here.

Interior[]

This section should include information on the interior's design, build quality, ergonomics, space (head and legroom, front and rear), features, stowage compartments and overall comfortability and livability. Add pictures wherever applicable and keep information in a third-person point of view.

Resale Values[]

Add more fields as necessary.

<MODEL> Year
Year X Year X-2 Year X-3 Year X-4
Resale Value
$ $ $ $

Criticisms[]

Please make sure to keep critiques in a third-person point of view. If using criticisms from a reputable automotive source, then please make sure to cite the quote.

Generations[]

Opel Astra

Fill in as many as appropriate. Add more if necessary and pictures wherever applicable.

Please make sure NOT to use copyrighted pictures.

Astra L (C02; 2021)[]

The sixth generation Astra was unveiled on 13 July 2021 and it went on sale on 12 November 2021. As the first Astra developed by PSA Group, it based on the third-generation of the EMP2 platform which made its wheelbase grow by 55 mm (2.2 in). Launched ten months after a merger of the FCA and PSA operations to form Stellantis, the vehicle has been offered as a hybrid for the first time and will unveil a 180-horsepower engine. The 225 horsepower version, taken from the Peugeot 508 and Peugeot 3008, will also be available on the GT version.

Astra K (B16; 2015)[]

Opel launched the Astra K at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2015 for the 2016 model year.

The Astra K is smaller (5 cm), and lighter (up to 200 kg) compared to Astra J. Although it is smaller on the outside, Opel claims it is bigger on the inside than the previous Astra J. Depending on the model and trim level it is up to 200 kilograms - at the very least 120 kilograms - lighter than its predecessor. The completely new vehicle architecture plays a major role in the weight reduction. Every component was checked for compact design and lightweight materials. The bodyshell weight alone was reduced by 20 percent from 357 to 280 kilograms. Additional, chassis-related measures resulted in another 50 kilograms of weight reduction; these include high-strength and ultra-high-strength low-weight steels, compact subframes as well as weight reductions to the front and rear axle. Rear suspension is torsion beam (only with Watts linkage on top engines), and MacPherson struts at the front.

Available engines are 1.0 3-cylinder, 1.4 4-cylinder petrol engines and 1.6-litre diesels. It will be available with new full-LED front light techniques, A screen in the dash which connect to Android or iPhone comes as standard. This system is already available, in both the Corsa E and Adam.

Facelift[]

A facelift of Opel Astra K released around the summer of 2019. Changes were minimal, both inside and outside; however the facelifted Astra sports a new front grille, new rear lights, as well as a new windscreen wiper mechanism, where both wipers are individually controlled as opposed to a linked setup as before.

Current Generation: (2009–present)[]

07-2010-opel-astrasmall

The Astra J is based on the General Motors' Delta II platform, debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany and went on sale in November 2009 as a 2010 model while the 2009 model year was entirely skipped. 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. Deliveries began in December 2009. Originally referred to as the "Astra I", it received the "Astra J" name instead to avoid confusing the letter I for the number 1.

The Astra was developed at Opel's 'International Technical Development Center' (ITDC) in Rüsselsheim and continues Opel's design language, ‘sculptural artistry meets German precision’ first introduced on the Insignia. The Astra features a torsion beam rear suspension with Watt's link. Infotainment and car navigation systems are supplied by Bosch.

The station wagon 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 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 standard equipment. The adoption of the "Sports Tourer" name finally brought to an end Opel's traditional "Caravan" designation for its station wagon derivatives.

The pre-facelift Astra J was briefly sold in Australia under the Opel brand, with its introduction into the Australian market in 2012. However, the Opel brand and nameplate subsequently pulled out of the Australian market in 2013 due to poor sales, and later versions of the Astra J, namely the OPC and GTC variant, were sold under the Holden brand name from 2013 onwards.

The saloon version of the Astra was first presented at the 2012 Moscow International Automobile Salon. The 4-door saloon has a number of names depending on market: Buick Excelle GT in China, Buick Verano in North America and Opel Astra sedan/saloon elsewhere. This version is not sold in the United Kingdom, although it is available in some other right hand drive markets, such as Ireland (as the: Astra Saloon),[51] Malta,[52] and South Africa.[53] Production for the saloon version continues after the Astra K was released to supply several markets where saloons are popular, including Turkey.

GTC[]

A 3-door version dubbed Astra GTC was introduced in July 2011. Externally, it retains very few design elements of the old 5-door model. It has a sportier appearance, with a much more 'sculpted' chassis. It features a HiPerStrut front suspension from the Opel Insignia OPC which helps alleviate torque steering. A Watt's linkage is present in the rear suspension, to minimize lateral movement of the axle. The wheelbase is enhanced to accommodate wider low-profile tyres. Similarly to the Astra H GTC, a 'panoramic windscreen' option is available. The Astra GTC was awarded a 5 star rating for its performance under Euro NCAP safety tests. In late 2013, a new 1.6 Turbo EcoTec engine with 200PS output replaced the older 180PS engine of the same capacity, meaning the 1.6 Turbo replaces the BiTurbo Diesel as the fastest non-OPC model in the range.

OPC[]

The OPC trim of the Astra GTC has been available since 2012. This car features a turbocharged 2.0 L direct injection engine with a power of 206 kW (280 PS; 276 hp) and torque of 400 N⋅m (295 lbf⋅ft), HiPerStrut front suspension, a mechanical limited slip differential, an electronically controlled FlexRide active suspension, and Recaro-style sport seats, OPC badge on gear knob, steering wheel, and on instrument dials and different and distinctive front and rear bumper, rear standard spoiler as well as optional OPC spoiler compared to GTC version. It comes with 19 inch alloy rims as standard and optional 20-inch alloy rims which are lighter than those 19-inch. The 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time is 6 seconds and top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).

Fourth generation (H/C)(2004-2010)[]

Astra twintop exblak lo 011

The Astra H was launched in March 2004 as a five-door hatchback, whilst a five-door estate launched late 2004 and a sporty three-door hatchback, designated the GTC (Gran Tourismo Compact) for European markets, Sport Hatch in the UK and the Coupé in Australia, launched in 2005. 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. Based on the new Delta platform, its size was increased compared to the previous version. Production came until the end of 2009, excepting the TwinTop which continued to be manufactured until November 2010.

The ageing Vectra B was replaced in Brazil with a sedan version of the Astra H, named Chevrolet Vectra, until it was replaced by the Chevrolet Cruze in 2009. The model was matched with the other models offered in Brazil. This version was offered as an Opel in some Eurasian markets in 2006, following a debut at the international auto show in Istanbul, Turkey, including Ireland in 2008. This was manufactured in Gliwice, Poland. Also in 2006, the Astravan, a 3-door van variant of the estate, was launched. In September 2007, a version of the 5-door Astra was launched in Brazil, marketed as Chevrolet Vectra GT to differentiate from the already existing Astra, which was replaced by the Chevrolet Cruze hatchback in 2011.

The Opel Astra was revised in January 2007, with the introduction of different colors of the posterior lighthouses and a new front.

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.

The Chevrolet Astra was withdrawn from Mexico in 2008 as a result of the withdrawal of Opel products from the brand, replaced by the Chevrolet Cruze sedan for the 2010 model year.

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 electronically controlled chassis (IDS+) and AFL (Adaptive Forward Lighting).

The Opel Astra Classic III from Bochum was offered for sale as a 5-door hatchback and estate in some Eastern European markets.

At the end of 2012, the Astravan was replaced by the new Opel Combo D (whom the Astra H had already ended).


Overall dimensions

Length: 4249 mm

Width: 1753 mm

Height: 1460 mm

Wheelbase: 2614 mm

Holden Astra AH[]

This is the third and final series Astra on sale in Australia. The range started off with the CD and CDX all in hatchback form with C18SE engine connected either a manual or an automatic with the staring price for the CD Manual costing $21,990 plus on-road costs. The sedan version was dropped and the 3 door coupe and wagon versions then followed in 2005 all with the same models as the current hatchback. The Astra wagon was unique to the market because it's one of the few small wagons in the Australian market along with wagon versions of the Holden Viva and the Peugeot 307.

2006 saw the inroduction of the new diesel version (called the CDTi) which comes with a 6 speed Manual transmission returning fuel economy of 6 litres/100 kilometres. There is also a 6 speed Automatic option but it's less powerful than the manual version. Also, two new petrol engines have been made availaible such as a direct-injected 2.2 litre engine for all SRi models and a turbocharged 2 litre engine for an SRi Turbo. The new Twin Top model is available to take on the new foldable hardtop convertibles with strong sales in Australia. It comes with the 2.2 litre engine driving the 6 speed Manual or a $2000 4 speed Automatic option. It's equipped with a reasonable amount of features such as leather appointed seats, 6 disc CD system, rear parking sensors and climate control air conditioning as standard. For safety, it comes with dual front and side airbags, ABS brakes and electronic stability control. The Astra Twin Top is the cheapest 4 seater convertible at $45,490 for the manual version and it offers the most room for all of its passengers compared to its rivals.

2007 saw the upgrade for the C18SE engine. Sales were strong but however in 2009, exchange rates had increased and that had put pressure on sales since the Global Finanicial Crisis struck General Motors hard. The Astra as we know it would be less competitive in the market today with the upcoming Astra expected to be priced as little as $22,990. The Astra was then dropped and replaced with the new more price competitive Cruze.

See Prices for 2004-2009 AH Astra and Trim levels for Holden AH Astra.

Third generation (G/B)(1998–2004)[]

Holden Astra 1998 350x240

Holden Astra TS[]

The newly improved G/B Astra dubbed the TS went on sale in 1998 and production moved to Belgium so the car was better value for money. The 1.6L engine has been discontinued so the 1.8L engine became the mainstream engine throughout the range. The trim model line-up was re-calibrated and now consisted with the City, CD and the SRi (replacing the GSi).

The City adds dual airbags, 6 speaker stereo system with CD player, remote central locking, enigne immobiliser and a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel. It also has a fold-down armrest for backseat passengers, body coloured bumpers and side body mouldings and is valued at $20,990 AUD (Auto $1,500 extra). The CD adds alloy wheels, cruise control, electric mirrors and front and rear electric windows along with valour trim with the starting price of $22,990 AUD (Auto $1,950 extra) and both models come with air conditioning and metallic paint as optional extras. Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) are optional in the CD model.

The SRi, released in 2001 gets the new 2.2L X22SE engine, it also adds 16 inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, white-faced gauges, fog lamps, leather wrapped steering wheel, metallic finishes on the dashboard and gearknob, electric windows, cruise control, traction control and the front and rear spoilers valued at $28,065 AUD (Auto $1,850 extra) and is only available in 3 door hatchback form and is also available with metallic paint optional. 2001 also saw the introduction of the new 3 door hatchback codenamed SXi and the convertible version available in the Astra range. The convertible was offered with a 2.2L engine, 16 inch alloy wheels, ABS, air conditioning, CD player, dual front and side airbags, cruise control, traction control, automatic stability control, power steering and power windows and is priced at $44,990 AUD (Auto $,1950 extra) and metallic paint is optional.

In 2003, the SRi is available with a turbocharged version and all models get 8 speakers for their stereo systems. They also get a drive-by-wire throttle and a multi-functional screen and varied price changes for every model. There are limited edition models as well including an Equipe City that adds 15 inch alloy wheels, air conditioning and electric mirrors over the regular City model. The Olympic model for the City and CD is released for the Sydney 2000 Olympic games. The limited edition models for the convertibles are the Limited Edition and the Linea Rossa. As the TS Astra closes to an end, the final limited edition Classic adds climate control air conditioning as one of the standard features and sells for $18,990 AUD for the manual until the end of 2005.

The TS Astra had won 3 Australia's Best Car awards 3 years in a row and is considered the best handling small car in its time.

See Autopedia's comprehensive General Motors G/B (TS) Astra Review.

Second generation (F/A)(1991–1998)[]

Holden Astra TR[]

Ever since Nissan Australia closed its Clayton plant in 1992, where the Pulsar was produced, Holden was left with the Corolla-rebadged Holden Nova. Holden have been looking for a small car to take place where the Holden Astra (originally a rebadged Nissan Pulsar) so they turned to GM's European arm Opel to import the F/A Vauxhall Astra built in England into Australia as a Holden.

The F/A Astra coined the TR came with three trim levels stating from City, GL and the GSi. It also came with a choice of a 5 door hatchback and sedan body styles and a choice of a 4 speed Automatic and a 5 speed Manual transmission both driving the front wheels. The City came with a 1.6L fuel-injected C16SE engine, power steering, driver's airbag, 6 speaker stereo system with radio and cassette player, intermittent wipers and central locking with the starting price of $19,990 AUD (Auto $1,500 extra). The GL comes with a 1.8L C18SE engine and adds body coloured bumpers, front fog lamps and electric mirrors at the price of $23,900 AUD (Auto $1,950 extra). As part of the optional extras for both the City and GL, they get air conditioning and an airbag for the front passenger. The range topping GSi comes with a 2L X20XEV engine, front and rear spoilers, 15 inch alloy wheels, front foglamps, 6 speaker stereo system with radio and cassette player, dual airbags, power steering, electric mirrors, alarm, central locking, engine immobiliser, leather steering wheel, sports seats, sports suspension and air conditioning optional at the cost of $33,390 AUD hatch and manual only. Cruise control and traction control were added in 1998.

The TR Astra proved to be the sales success and is sold alongside the budget-bound Nova. The TR came to an end in 1998 and is replaced with the new model Astra.

First Generation/Origins (YYYY–YYYY)[]

See Opel Kadett.

Variants[]

Astra Convertible[]

Astra TwinTop[]

Astra twintop exblak lo 011

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop

The Astra TwinTop is the new retractable hardtop convertible in the C/H Astra model range replacing the G/B convertible. The two advantages over the ordinary convertible Astra are an increase of security and reduction of wind noise but it comes with an extra cost of weight. The TwinTop is one of the convertibles to offer room for 4 passengers (including driver) and ensuring that space, the roof consists of three piece (2 pieces rooftop, 1 piece rear window) compared with two-piece roofed convertibles such as the Peugeot 206 CC, 207 CC, 307 CC, 308 CC and the Mitsubishi Colt CC as well as the Nissan Micra C+C.

Overall dimensions

Length: 4476 mm

Width: 2020 mm (including mirrors)

Height: 1411 mm

Wheelbase: 2614 mm

Kerb weight: 1590 kg (2.2L)


Worldwide[]

If the vehicle is sold in other markets worldwide, then this is the section to mention that information. Also, mention if the <MODEL> goes by another name in these other markets.

Design quirks and oddities[]

On Top Gear a show on the BBC a Vauxhall Astra Techline Diesel was used as the Reasonably Priced Car being the successor to the Kia Cee'd.

Awards[]

  • 1998 CarsGUIDE Car Of The Year
  • 2000 RACV Australia's Best Mid-Size Car Under $25,000 (Holden Astra)
  • 2001 RACV Australia's Best Mid-Size Car Under $25,000 (Holden Astra)
  • 2002 RACV Australia's Best Mid-Size Car Under $25,000 (Holden Astra)

See also[]

Opellogo
OPEL

General Motors Company


Buick | Cadillac | Chevrolet | GMC | Holden | Hummer | Opel | Vauxhall | Daewoo


Current

Passenger: Agila · Antara · Astra · Corsa · Meriva · Zafira · Insignia · Astra VXR · Ampera

LCV: Combo · Movano · Vivaro

Historic: Admiral · Ascona · Blitz · Calibra · Campo · Commodore · Diplomat · Frontera · GT · Kadett · Kapitän · Manta · Monterey · Monza · Olympia · Omega · Rekord · Senator · Super Six · GT · Signum · Sintra · Speedster · Tigra · Vectra

Concept: Aero GT · Antara GTC · CD · Diesel Rekordwagen · Eco Speedster · Frogster · Frua Diplomat · G90 · GT 2 · Insignia · Maxx · OPC X-Treme · Snowtrekker · Trixx · Gran Turismo · GT/W "Genève" · Corsa Spider · Twin · Signum Concept · Concept A · Concept M · GTC Geneve · E-Flex · Corsa Hybrid Concept · Flextreme Concept · Vivaro VPC Concept · Meriva Concept · Flexitreme GTE Concept · GTC Paris Concept · Vivaro e-Concept


Safetec


Adam Opel Corporate website A division of General Motors



image (between 170-190 pixels)
VAUXHALL

General Motors Company


Buick | Cadillac | Chevrolet | GMC | Holden | Hummer | Opel | Vauxhall | Daewoo


Current: VXR8 · Antara · Vectra · Agila · Astra · Corsa · Insignia · Astra VXR · Zafira · Meriva · Movano · Ampera

Historic: Chevette · Calibra · Victor · Belmont · Omega

Concept: · ·


Include notable internal links here


Alexander Wilson Corporate website A division of General Motors



2009-holden-commodore-wallpaper-preview
HOLDEN

General Motors Company


Buick | Cadillac | Chevrolet | GMC | Holden | Hummer | Opel | Vauxhall | Daewoo


Current: Barina · Caprice · Captiva · Combo · Commodore · Colorado · Statesman · Ute · Epica · Cruze · Barina Spark · Volt

Commodore Variants: VS · VB · VC · VH · VK · VL · VN · VP · VR · VT · VX · VY · VZ · VE

Historic: Adventra . Apollo · Astra · Belmont · Brougham · Calibra · Camira · Crewman . Holden Cruze AWD · Drover · EH · FB · Frontera · FJ · FX · Gemini · Jackaroo · Kingswood · Monaro · Nova · One Tonner . Piazza · Premier · Rodeo · Sandman · Scurry · Shuttle · Special · Standard · Suburban · Sunbird · Tigra · Torana · Vectra · Zafira · Viva · Barina · Omega

Concept: ECOmmodore · EFIJY · Torana GTR-X Concept · Nations Cup Monaro Concept · Sandman Concept · SST Concept · SSX Concept · Torana TT36 Concept · UTEster Concept · Coupe 60 Concept · Hurricane Concept


Holden Special Vehicles · Statesman


James Alexander Holden Corporate website A division of General Motors



260-2609147 blue-saturn-sky-redline
SATURN

General Motors Company


Buick | Cadillac | Chevrolet | GMC | Holden | Hummer | Opel | Vauxhall | Daewoo


Historic

Astra · L-Series · ION · Relay · S-Series · Aura · Sky · VUE · Outlook

Concept

Sky Concept · Curve ·


Include notable internal links here


Roger Smith, former GM CEO Corporate website defunct



External Links[]

Advertisement