Opel Astra History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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Model history available. Detailed year guides are not published for this model.
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The Astra launched in September 1991 as the direct successor to the Opel Kadett, carrying the nameplate that had already been used in the UK for the Kadett-based Vauxhall Astra since 1980. The first-generation Astra F sold over 4.13 million units between 1991 and 1998 — Opel's bestselling model to that date.
Subsequent generations (G, H, J, K, and the current L) kept the Astra at the heart of Opel's range, consistently offering one of Europe's most complete compact-car lineups with hatchback, sedan, estate, coupe, and convertible body styles. A high-performance OPC variant debuted with the Astra H and continued through subsequent generations. The sixth-generation Astra L, introduced in 2021, is available as a plug-in hybrid.
Generations
Astra F
Kadett successor and Opel's bestselling model — over 4.13 million sold in seven years.
Astra H
Introduced the performance Astra OPC and a convertible variant; also sold as the Saturn Astra in North America.
Astra L
Current generation — available as a plug-in hybrid; built on Stellantis EMP2 platform.
Body styles
- Hatchback
- Sedan
- Estate
- Coupe
- Convertible
Notable special editions & performance variants
Astra OPC / GSi
High-performance compact hot-hatch derivatives — Astra H OPC made 240 hp; the J OPC made 280 hp; later continued as GSi.
Related models
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