Opel Astra

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Opel Astra

Manufacturer	General Motors
Production	1991–present
Predecessor	Opel Kadett Saturn Ion (United States, Canada)
Class	Small family car
Layout	FF layout

See also Vauxhall Astra and Holden Astra for the usage of the nameplate by other General Motors subsidiaries.

The Opel Astra is a small family car designed and manufactured by Opel, the European subsidiary of General Motors.

It is branded as an Opel in continental Europe, the Republic of Ireland, the Middle East, North Africa, Russia, South Africa, India and Taiwan, as Vauxhall Astra in the United Kingdom, as Holden in Australasia, as Chevrolet Astra in Latin America and as Saturn in the United States and Canada.

The Astra is now built in Germany, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Brazil, South Africa, Poland and Ukraine, as well as being assembled in complete knock down (CKD) kits in other countries.

The Astra name plate was adopted from Vauxhall Motors who had marketed earlier cars as Vauxhall Astras that were marketed as Opel Kadett by Opel in Continental Europe.

Contents 1 Naming convention 2 Astra F/A 3 Astra G/B 3.1 Astra DTM 3.2 Astra XTreme 4 Astra H/C 4.1 Astra OPC/VXR 4.2 Astra TwinTop 4.3 Saturn Astra 5 Astra I/D 6 Gallery 7 Motorsport 8 References 9 External links

[edit] Naming convention

As of 2006, there have been three generations of the vehicle. In a fashion typical for Opel models, they are designated with subsequent letters of the Latin alphabet. Opel's official convention is to continue the Opel 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/A

Astra F/A

Also called	Vauxhall Astra Opel Astra Classic Holden TR Astra Chevrolet Astra Saturn Astra Opel Optima Opel Kadett (South Africa, hatchback only) Opel Astra II (Denmark, 1998-99) [citation needed]
Production	1991–2002
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 1.6L I4 1.8L I4 2.0L I4 1.7L Diesel I4
Related	Opel Vectra

The 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 for name Astra Classic for 1998 to 2002. The Astra F finished production in 2002.

The model was launched in South Africa in 1992, where 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 200tS which was produced in limited numbers in both sedan and hatchback guise. The engine (C20LET) in the 200tS was sourced from the Calibra 2.0 L turbo 4wd found on European markets, but local engineers converted the 6 speed drivetrain to front wheel drive only and as such was unique to that market. Sedan 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 decilitres, 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 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 the mid-1980s.

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 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 200TS, the lead model was the GSi — a 2.0 L I4 16v petrol injected model with 147 bhp (110 kW), available as a 3-door only. However, this was substituted between 1995 - 1996 and was renamed the ASTRA SPORT, although only a limited number were produced. It also featured sports bodykit and interior. The GSi too was updated in 1997, with the engine being replaced for a lower-powered but more modern 'Ecotec' version.

Common Engine Lineup for Astra F

Engine Model	Displ.	Power	Torque	Fueling System	Valvetrain	Compression Ratio
1.4i	1389 cc	44 kW (60 PS; 59 hp) @ 5200 rpm	103 N·m (76 lb·ft) @2800 rpm	MPi	SOHC	9.4:1
14NV	1398 cc	55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) @5800 rpm	110 N·m (81 lb·ft) @3000 rpm	Carb	SOHC	9.4:1
14SE	1398 cc	60 kW (82 PS; 80 hp) @5600 rpm	115 N·m (85 lb·ft) @3400 rpm	MPi	SOHC	9.8:1
20SEH (South Africa)	1998 cc	95 kW (129 PS; 127 hp) @5600 rpm	180 N·m (133 lb·ft) @3400 rpm	MPi	SOHC	9.8:1
20XE-LN (South Africa)	1998 cc	110 kW (150 PS; 148 hp)	200 N·m (148 lb·ft)	MPi Sequential	DOHC	9.8:1
20LET (South African)	1998 cc	160 kW (218 PS; 215 hp)	280 N·m (207 lb·ft)	MPi Turbocharged	DOHC	8.8:1
C14NZ	1398 cc	44 kW (60 PS; 59 hp) @5200 rpm	103 N·m (76 lb·ft) @2800 rpm	SPi	SOHC	9.4:1
X14NZ	1398 cc	44 kW (60 PS; 59 hp) @5200 rpm	103 N·m (76 lb·ft) @2800 rpm	SPi	SOHC	9.4:1
C14SE	1389 cc	60 kW (82 PS; 80 hp) @5800 rpm	113 N·m (83 lb·ft) @3400 rpm	MPi	SOHC	10.0:1
C16NZ and X16SZR	1598 cc	55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) @5200 rpm	125 N·m (92 lb·ft) @2800 rpm	SPi	SOHC	9.2:1
C16SE	1598 cc	74 kW (101 PS; 99 hp) @5800 rpm	135 N·m (100 lb·ft) @3400 rpm	MPi	SOHC	9.8:1
X16SZ	1598 cc	52 kW (71 PS; 70 hp) @5000 rpm	128 N·m (94 lb·ft) @2800 rpm	SPi	SOHC	10.0:1 (9.6:1 for X16XZR)
C18NZ	1796 cc	66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) @5400 rpm	145 N·m (107 lb·ft) @3000 rpm	SPi	SOHC	9.2:1
C20NE	1998 cc	85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp) @5400 rpm	170 N·m (125 lb·ft) @2600 rpm	MPi	SOHC	9.2:1
X14XE(Ecotec)	1398 cc	66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) @6000 rpm	125 N·m (92 lb·ft) @4000 rpm	MPi	DOHC	10.5:1
X16XEL(Ecotec)	1598 cc	74 kW (101 PS; 99 hp) @6200 rpm	148 N·m (109 lb·ft) @3500 rpm	MPi	DOHC	10.5:1
C18XE	1794 cc	92 kW (125 PS; 123 hp) @5600 rpm	168 N·m (124 lb·ft) @4800 rpm	MPi	DOHC	10.8:1
C18XEL (Ecotec)	1798 cc	85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp) @5400 rpm	168 N·m (124 lb·ft) @4000 rpm	MPi	DOHC	10.8:1 (9.9:1 for C18SEL)
X18XE (Ecotec)	1794 cc	85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp) @5400 rpm	170 N·m (125 lb·ft) @3600 rpm	MPi	DOHC	10.8:1
C20XE	1998 cc	110 kW (150 PS; 148 hp) @6000 rpm	196 N·m (145 lb·ft) @4600 rpm	MPi	DOHC	10.5:1
X20XEV (Ecotec)	1998 cc	100 kW (136 PS; 134 hp) @5400 rpm	185 N·m (136 lb·ft) @4000 rpm	MPi	DOHC	10.8:1
17D	1699 cc	42 kW (57 PS; 56 hp)	unknown torque data*	Bosch injection pump	SOHC	23:1
17DR	1699 cc	44 kW (60 PS; 59 hp)	unknown torque data*	Bosch injection pump	SOHC	23:1
X17DTL	1700 cc	50 kW (68 PS; 67 hp)	132 N·m (97 lb·ft) @2400 rpm	Bosch injection pump	SOHC	22:1
X17DT	1686 cc	60 kW (82 PS; 80 hp)	168 N·m (124 lb·ft) @2400 rpm	Bosch injection pump	SOHC	22:1

[edit] Astra G/B

Astra G/B

Also called	Chevrolet Astra Chevrolet Viva Opel Astra Classic Holden Astra Holden Astra Classic Vauxhall Astra
Production	1998–Present
Assembly	Bochum, Germany Antwerp, Belgium São Caetano do Sul, Brazil Straundale, Port Elizabeth, South Africa Gliwice, Poland Togliatti, Russia Zaporoshje, Ukraine Ellesmere Port, England
Body style(s)	2-door convertible 2-door coupé 3-door hatchback 4-door saloon 5-door hatchback 5-door estate
Platform	GM GM2700/3000 platform
Engine(s)	1.4L 1.6L 1.8L 2.0L 2.2L I4
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	2614 mm (102.9 in)
Length	Hatchback: 4199 mm (165.3 in) Saloon: 4342 mm (170.9 in)
Width	1753 mm (69 in)
Height	Hatchback: 1431 mm (56.3 in) Saloon: 1425 mm (56.1 in)
Related	Opel Zafira

The Astra 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/B 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/B continued at GM's Gliwice plant in Poland after the debut of the next-generation Astra H/C, with the older model being branded as Astra Classic in a similar fashion to its predecessor, catering to the lower end of the market. 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/B 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) @ 5.200 rpm.

A taxi version of the Brazilian sourced model, powered with gasoline 2.0 engine was sold in Chile as the Chevy Urban.^[1][2]

In 2004, GM's Russian joint venture, GM-AvtoVAZ, launched the 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 1.8L with above-average trim level, placing Viva price above Toyota Corolla.^[3] A project costing $340 million was selling less than a thousand cars annually^[3] (801 car in 2007);^[4] rumours of shutting down Chevy Viva production circulated as early as summer of 2005.^[5] GM-AvtoVAZ shut down small-scale production of Viva in March 2008.^[3]

[edit] Astra DTM

The Astra G series was also the basis for the Astra touring car, raced in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) series. Although several cars were entered in the races, only one, driven by Manuel Reuter, placed significantly; it took second in 2000. The car's bodywork featured gull-wing doors that were each supported by two gas struts. The race cars were mostly powered by 4.0L V8 engines with nearly 500 hp (370 kW).

[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 H/C

Astra H/C

Also called	Chevrolet Astra Holden Astra Vauxhall Astra Saturn Astra Chevrolet Vectra Chevrolet Vectra GT
Production	2004-present
Assembly	Bochum, Germany Antwerp, Belgium Gliwice, Poland São Caetano do Sul, Brazil Struandale, Port Elizabeth, South Africa St. Petersburg, Russia Zaporizhia, Ukraine Ellesmere Port, England
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)
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 6-speed manual 4-speed automatic 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase	Estate: 2703 mm (106.4 in) Cabriocoupe & Hatchback: 2614 mm (102.9 in)
Length	Estate: 4515 mm (177.8 in) Cabriocoupe: 4476 mm (176.2 in) Hatchback: 4331 mm (170.5 in)
Width	Estate: 1753 mm (69 in) Cabriocoupe: 1759 mm (69.3 in) Hatchback: 2032 mm (80 in)
Height	Estate: 1500 mm (59.1 in) Cabriocoupe: 1411 mm (55.6 in) 5-door Hatchback: 1458 mm (57.4 in) 3-door Hatchback: 1418 mm (55.8 in)
Related	Chevrolet Cobalt Opel Zafira

GM Europe launched Astra H/C 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/C 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.

In Latin America, GM (Chevrolet) decided at first not to produce the Astra H/C, but instead gave the previous model a facelift. The exceptions were Mexico and Chile (since 2006), that received the newer Delta-based model from Europe. In 2005, GM Brazil developed a sedan version of the Astra C on top of the Zafira's longer wheelbase platform and launched it as the Chevrolet Vectra, to replace the aging Vectra B. 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.^[6] At that time, a 3-door van variant of the wagon was introduced by Vauxhall in Britain. In September 2007, GM Brazil announced the availability of a 5-door Astra C hatchback, marketed as Chevrolet Vectra GT to differentiate from the already existing Astra G/B, which remains in production with a lower pricepoint.

The Astra sedan was launched in Ireland as the Opel Astra Saloon in 2008, the only country in Western Europe where it was sold, and also the first right hand drive market for the model. ^[7]

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.^[8]

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.

[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 producing 240 PS (177 kW) and 320 N·m (236 lb·ft) of torque. Standard features of the OPC version include sports bodykit and interior, a six-speed manual gearbox, xenon headlamps and 18" alloys wheels amongst others. This vehicle is sold in Australia and New Zealand as the HSV VXR.

[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 1.9CDi diesel.

[edit] Saturn Astra

Intended to replace the Ion as the company's smallest model, the Saturn Astra is a captive import built in Antwerp, Belgium.^[9] It is available in three and five-door hatchback body styles, with sales starting on January 2, 2008 and is available with one engine only: 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 is available only on the five-door hatchback bodystyle version; this is the basic trim level for the 2008 Saturn Astra. The XR version is the more upmarket trim level of the Saturn Astra. This is the only trim level for the three-door version, and is also available on the five-door hatchback. It has 17-inch (430 mm) alloy wheels.^[10]

In IIHS crash tests the Astra earns a Good overall score in frontal impacts, while in side impacts it receives a Marginal overall rating. Front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags are standard.^[11]

General Motors were predicting sales of between 30,000–40,000 vehicles a year in the United States. The Saturn Astra debuted during the 2007 Chicago Auto Show.^[12][13]

GM announced that there will be no 2009 production of the Saturn Astra, due to slow sales of the 2008 model. On June 5, 2009, GM and Penske reached a deal with the Saturn brand. When Penske buys Saturn, only three vehicles, the Aura, VUE, and Outlook will remain in production. The Saturn Astra will not restart production

Calendar Year	Total American sales
2008[14]	11,968

[edit] Astra I/D

The next-generation Astra will be based on the Delta II platform, and is scheduled to debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show^[15][16] (September 17–25, 2009). The car has taken most of its styling from the new Vauxhall Insignia, with many of the higher options fitted as standard. Full production is due to come on line at Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port Plant at the end of September 2009.(Pictures)

[edit] Gallery

Opel Astra F Sedan	Opel Astra F Caravan	Opel Astra F Cabrio	Opel Astra-G Sport
Opel Astra G 2001	Opel Astra G 5P	Opel Astra G Caravan	Opel Astra G Bertone
Opel Astra H OPC	Opel Astra H TwinTop	Opel Astra H Caravan	Opel Astra H Sedan

[edit] Motorsport

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). Astra drivers took the first four ranking spots in 2001, the first three spots in 2002 and the first two in 2003 and 2004, thereby conquering the manufacturer's championship those four years. The next two years, the Astra were beaten by the Hondas and SEATs. 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.

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

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Opel Astra

• 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)

v • d • e « previous — Opel, a subsidiary of General Motors, road car timeline, 1980s–present
Type	1980s										1990s										2000s
	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
Supermini				Corsa A										Corsa B								Corsa C						Corsa D
Small family car	Kadett C	Kadett D					Kadett E						Astra F							Astra G						Astra H				Astra I
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																						Agila A							Agila B
																							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

v • d • e TC 2000 Champion drivers 1979 Osvaldo López · 1980-82 Jorge Omar del Río · 1983 Rubén Luis di Palma · 1984 Mario Gayraud · 1985 Rubén Daray · 1986, 1988, 1990-93, 1995 Juan María Traverso · 1987 Silvio Oltra · 1989 Miguel Ángel Guerra · 1994 Guillermo Maldonado · 1996 Ernesto Bessone · 1997 Henry Martin · 1998 Omar Martínez · 1999 Juan Manuel Silva · 2000 Daniel Cingolani · 2001, 2003, 2005 Gabriel Ponce de León · 2002 Norberto Fontana · 2004 Christian Ledesma · 2006-07 Matías Rossi · 2008 José María López Cars Chevrolet Astra · Fiat Linea · Honda Civic · Toyota Corolla · Renault Mégane · Volkswagen Bora · Volkswagen Polo · Ford Focus · Chrysler Neon Circuits Current (2008) Paraná · Salta · General Roca · Santa Fe · San Juan · Resistencia · Córdoba · Buenos Aires · Oberá · Río Hondo · Viedma · San Martín · San Luis · Punta del Este (Uruguay) Former Bahía Blanca · Comodoro Rivadavia · Curitiba (Brazil) · Interlagos (Brazil) · San Rafael