Vauxhall Astra - First Generation (1979-1984)

First Generation (1979-1984)

The Astra name originated with Vauxhall's 1980 model, though the car had originally been 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 as a budget alternative 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. 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, 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, silver 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 Vauxhall'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.

This Astra was awarded What Car?'s: 'Car of the Year' for 1980.

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)