Opel Astra

Opel Astra
Overview
Manufacturer	Adam Opel GmbH
Production	1991–present
Body and chassis
Class	Small family car
Layout	FF layout
Chronology
Predecessor	Opel Kadett

The Opel Astra is a small family car engineered and manufactured by Opel.

It is branded as Vauxhall Astra in the United Kingdom, as Buick Excelle in China, and as Chevrolet Astra and Çhevrolet Vectra in Latin America.

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.

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 vehicle (six if the two earlier Vauxhall badged generations of the Kadett are included). In a fashion typical for Opel models, 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.

Astra F/A

Astra F/A
Overview
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)
Production	1991–2002
Assembly	Bochum, Germany Antwerp, Belgium Straundale, Port Elizabeth, South Africa Zaporizhia, Ukraine Szentgotthárd, Hungary Gliwice, Poland Ellesmere Port, England
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door convertible 3-door hatchback 4-door saloon 5-door estate 5-door hatchback
Platform	T-body
Related	Opel Vectra
Powertrain
Engine	1.4L I4 1.6L I4 1.8L I4 2.0L I4 1.7L Diesel I4

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 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 centilitres, so the Astra and Kadett ranges featured 140, 160i, 180i and 200i models.

An early Vauxhall Astra F

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 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 . 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.

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 Africa)	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)	105 N⋅m (77 lb⋅ft) @2400 rpm	Bosch injection pump	SOHC	23:1
17DR	1699 cc	44 kW (60 PS; 59 hp)	105 N⋅m (77 lb⋅ft) @2400 rpm	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

Astra G/B

Astra G/B
Overview
Also called	Chevrolet Astra GM-AvtoVAZ Chevrolet Viva Holden Astra Holden Astra Classic Opel Astra Classic II 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 and chassis
Body style	2-door convertible 2-door coupé 3-door hatchback 4-door saloon 5-door hatchback 5-door estate
Platform	GM GM2700/3000 platform
Related	Opel Zafira
Powertrain
Engine	1.4L 1.6L 1.8L 2.0L 2.2L I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
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)

Opel Astra Sport 1.6 16V

A Vauxhall Astra for the British Market

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 Opel'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. 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.

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. A project costing $340 million was selling less than a thousand cars annually (801 car in 2007); rumours of shutting down Chevy Viva production circulated as early as summer of 2005. GM-AvtoVAZ shut down small-scale production of Viva in March 2008.

By 2010 MSN Cars had ranked this car the third most stolen in England and Wales.

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.

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.

Astra H/C

Astra H/C
Overview
Also called	Chevrolet Astra Opel Astra Classic III Holden Astra Vauxhall Astra Saturn Astra (2008-2009) Chevrolet Vectra Chevrolet Vectra GT
Production	2004-present
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
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupé convertible 3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door estate 5-door hatchback
Platform	GM Delta platform
Related	Chevrolet Cobalt Opel Zafira
Powertrain
Engine	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	5-speed manual 6-speed manual 4-speed automatic 6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Estate: 2,703 mm (106.4 in) Cabriocoupe & Hatchback: 2,614 mm (102.9 in)
Length	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: 2,032 mm (80.0 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)

Opel launched Astra H/C in March 2004. Based on the then-new Delta platform, its size was increased compared to the previous version. Each engine is provided with its own Lotus-tuned suspension settings.

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.

The Vauxhall Astra is popular with various British Police forces.

The current Chevrolet Vectra sedan in Brazil is a twin of the Opel Astra C sedan

In 2005, GM Brazil replaced the aging Vectra B by developing a Astra H/C'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. At that time, a 3-door van variant of the wagon was introduced by Vauxhall in Britain.

In September 2007, GM Brazil lauched a version of 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.

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.

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.

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" alloy wheels amongst others. This vehicle is sold in Australia and New Zealand as the HSV VXR. HSV VXRs are sold as standard with full leather trim and 19" alloy wheels.

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.

Saturn Astra

2008 Saturn Astra XR 3-door

Intended to replace the Ion as the company's smallest model, the Saturn Astra is a captive import built in Antwerp, Belgium. 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 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.

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.

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.

Due to a large number of unsold 2008 & 2009 remaining on dealer lots, GM announced it would end production of the Saturn Astra. Fewer 2009 model Saturn Astras were imported to the United States, although majority of the final Saturn Astras were imported to Canada. On June 5, 2009, GM announced it was selling the Saturn Corporation to Penske Automotive Group. Under the terms of the sale GM will continue to produce Saturn Aura, Vue, and Outlook models for two years, expressly excluding the Astra. Production of the Saturn Astra effectively ended.

Calendar Year	Total American sales
2008	11,968

Astra J/D

Astra J

Astra J

A Vauxhall Astra on a forecourt in England.

The next-generation Astra is based on the Delta II platform and debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show (September 17–27, 2009). 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.

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.

Engines

Petrol

Model	Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque	Note	CO2 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		129
1.4 Ecotec	I4	1398 cc	101 PS (74 kW; 100 hp) @6000 rpm	130 N⋅m (96 lb⋅ft) @4000 rpm		129
1.4 turbo Ecotec	I4	1398 cc	141 PS (104 kW; 139 hp) @4900 rpm	200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) @1850-4900 rpm		138
1.6 Ecotec	I4	1598 cc	116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp) @6000 rpm	155 N⋅m (114 lb⋅ft) @4000 rpm		147
1.6 turbo Ecotec	I4	1598 cc	181 PS (133 kW; 179 hp) @5500 rpm	230 N⋅m (170 lb⋅ft) @2200-5400 rpm		159

Diesel

Model	Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque	Note	CO2 emission (g/km)
1.3 CDTI Ecotec	I4	1248 cc	96 PS (71 kW; 95 hp) @4000 rpm	190 N⋅m (140 lb⋅ft) @1750 rpm	N/A as a Vauxhall until mid-2010	109
1.7 CDTI Ecotec	I4	1686 cc	111 PS (82 kW; 109 hp) @3800 rpm	260 N⋅m (192 lb⋅ft) @1800 rpm		124
1.7 CDTI Ecotec	I4	1686 cc	125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) @4000 rpm	280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) @2300 rpm		124
2.0 CDTI Ecotec	I4	1956 cc	161 PS (118 kW; 159 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 turbo ecotec and 2.0 CDTI ecotec.

Gallery

• 
  Opel Astra F Hatchback 5 Doors
• 
  Opel Astra F 3 Doors
• 
  Opel Astra F Sedan
• 
  Opel Astra F Caravan
• 
  Vauxhall Astra F Van
• 
  Opel Astra F Cabrio
• 
  Opel Astra F GSI
• 
  Opel Astra G Hatchback 3 Doors
• 
  Opel Astra G Hatchback 5 Doors
• 
  Opel Astra G Sedan
• 
  Opel Astra G Caravan
• 
  Opel Astra G Van
• 
  Opel Astra G Bertone
• 
  Opel Astra H GTC
• 
  Opel Astra H Hatchback
• 
  Opel Astra H Caravan

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 fo 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.

External links

• 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