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Vauxhall Astra

8 generations, over 4 million Ellesmere Port Astras, and a 276 hp VXR.12

Researched October 26, 2026 from 29 sources

Also called

  • Champion EditionThe 1990 Leather Edition gained this alias after receiving decals in GM racing colors.3
  • Get some insuranceA joking expansion of the Mk3 GSi badge, inspired by its pace and appeal to joyriders.1

At a glance

Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive3
Gearbox
2019: 6-speed manual, 9-speed auto or CVT; 2026: 6/7/8-speed auto79
Built at
Ellesmere Port, UK (1981–2022); Rüsselsheim, Germany13
Units built
Over 4 million at Ellesmere Port, 1981–20221

The story

Launched in 1980 to replace the Viva, the Astra was Vauxhall's first front-wheel-drive car. Across eight generations, it went from a rebadged Opel Kadett to a name Opel adopted in 1991.3

1980: Vauxhall goes front-wheel drive19801985: Mk2 wins European Car of the Year19851988: 156 hp from the red-top GTE 16v19882010: 500-car Arctic Edition send-off20102012: 276 hp, with hydraulic steering20122016: Astra K wins European Car of the Year20162019: Three cylinders and a nine-speed auto20192022: Germany takes over with the Mk820222026: 192 hp and a 17.2 kWh PHEV battery2026 Vauxhall Viva (HA / HB / HC): 1963–1979HA / HB / HCVauxhall Chevette: 1975–1984Vauxhall Astra Mk1 (Mk1): 1980–1984Mk1Vauxhall Astra Mk2 (Mk2): 1984–1991Mk2Vauxhall Astra Mk3 (Mk3): 1991–1998Mk3Vauxhall Astra Mk4 (Mk4): 1998–2006Mk4Vauxhall Astra Mk5 (Mk5): 2004–2010Mk5Vauxhall Astra Mk6 (Mk6): 2009–2015Mk6Vauxhall Astra Mk7 (K): 2015–2022KVauxhall Astra Mk8 (Mk8): 2022–presentMk8 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones123789131920
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1963–1979Vauxhall Viva (HA / HB / HC)
1975–1984Vauxhall Chevette
1980–1984Vauxhall Astra Mk1 (Mk1)
1984–1991Vauxhall Astra Mk2 (Mk2)
1991–1998Vauxhall Astra Mk3 (Mk3)
1998–2006Vauxhall Astra Mk4 (Mk4)
2004–2010Vauxhall Astra Mk5 (Mk5)
2009–2015Vauxhall Astra Mk6 (Mk6)
2015–2022Vauxhall Astra Mk7 (K)
2022–presentVauxhall Astra Mk8 (Mk8)
1980Vauxhall goes front-wheel drive
1985Mk2 wins European Car of the Year
1988156 hp from the red-top GTE 16v
2010500-car Arctic Edition send-off
2012276 hp, with hydraulic steering
2016Astra K wins European Car of the Year
2019Three cylinders and a nine-speed auto
2022Germany takes over with the Mk8
2026192 hp and a 17.2 kWh PHEV battery
  1. 1980

    Vauxhall goes front-wheel drive

    Replacing the Viva, the Astra paired Opel Kadett D origins with Vauxhall's first front-wheel-drive layout.3

  2. 1985

    Mk2 wins European Car of the Year

    Launched in October 1984, the Mk2 kept its predecessor's engines and running gear beneath a more aerodynamic body, then took Europe's award.3

  3. 1988

    156 hp from the red-top GTE 16v

    A twin-cam 16-valve engine brought the GTE 156 hp; its red spark-plug cover inspired the red-top name.34

  4. 2010

    500-car Arctic Edition send-off

    With no mechanical changes, the outgoing VXR's Arctic Edition kept its 237 hp 2.0-liter turbo and its taste for torque steer.5

  5. 2012

    276 hp, with hydraulic steering

    The VXR's 2.0-liter turbo drove through a Drexler limited-slip differential; HiPerStrut front suspension tackled torque steer.26

  6. 2016

    Astra K wins European Car of the Year

    The Mk7 Astra K won the title, matching the Mk2's 1985 achievement.37

  7. 2019

    Three cylinders and a nine-speed auto

    Three-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines arrived; the 1.4-liter gasoline unit used a CVT and the stronger 1.5-liter diesel offered a nine-speed auto.7

  8. 2022

    Germany takes over with the Mk8

    Over 4 million Astras left Ellesmere Port in 1981–2022 before production moved to Germany; the Mk8 PHEV used a 12.4 kWh battery.18

  9. 2026

    192 hp and a 17.2 kWh PHEV battery

    The facelift lifted PHEV output from 178 to 192 hp with a 17.2 kWh battery, while the electric Astra gained about 35 km of range.9

Every generation

  • Vauxhall Viva
    HA / HB / HC1963–1979
  • Vauxhall Chevette
    Vauxhall Chevette1975–1984
  • Vauxhall Astra Mk1
    Mk11980–1984
  • Vauxhall Astra Mk2
    Mk21984–1991
  • Vauxhall Astra Mk3
    Mk31991–1998
  • Vauxhall Astra Mk4
    Mk41998–2006
  • Vauxhall Astra Mk5
    Mk52004–2010
  • Vauxhall Astra Mk6
    Mk62009–2015
  • Vauxhall Astra Mk7
    K2015–2022
  • Vauxhall Astra Mk8
    Mk82022–present

Power over the years

From 115 hp to 276 hp in 29 years.

0100200300 1990200020102020 hp 1983 · 115 hp · Mk1 GTE 1.81984 · 115 hp · Mk2 GTE 1.81987 · 124 hp · Mk2 GTE 2.0 8v1988 · 156 hp · GTE 16v red-top2002 · 197 hp · GSi2010 · 237 hp · VXR Arctic Edition2012 · 276 hp · VXR 2.0 Turbo2019 · 143 hp · Facelift 1.2 Turbo2022 · 128 hp · 1.2 Turbo GS Line2025 · 222 hp · GSe plug-in hybrid2026 · 143 hp · Hybrid 1452026 · 192 hp · 1.6 Plug-in Hybrid 276 hp VXR 2.0 Turbo 115 hp Mk1 GTE 1.8
23457891011
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1983115Mk1 GTE 1.8
1984115Mk2 GTE 1.8
1987124Mk2 GTE 2.0 8v
1988156GTE 16v red-top
2002197GSi
2010237VXR Arctic Edition
2012276VXR 2.0 Turbo
2019143Facelift 1.2 Turbo
20221281.2 Turbo GS Line
2025222GSe plug-in hybrid
2026143Hybrid 145
20261921.6 Plug-in Hybrid

Versions

9 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    Mk8 GS (petrol)

    2026

  • TwinTop

    Standard

    TwinTop

  • Standard

    Mk2 Bertone Cabriolet

    1987–1993

    6,764 built

  • Mk3 GSi

    Performance

    Mk3 GSi

  • Performance

    GTC BiTurbo

    192 hp
  • GSe plug-in hybrid

    Performance

    GSe plug-in hybrid

    222 hp

  • Limited

    VXR Arctic Edition

    2010

    237 hp

  • Limited

    Mk2 GTE Champion / London / Leather Edition

    1990

  • Limited

    Triple Eight 888 Coupé

    189 hp

    100 built

How to spot one

Look for

  • Mk1: crisp, boxy panels, slim bumpers and narrow upright taillights.13
  • Mk2: teardrop profile, a hood dipping between the headlights and deep plastic bumpers.1318
  • Mk5: diamond-shaped front and rear lights, with a chrome strip spanning the tailgate.13
  • Mk7: floating-roof C-pillar treatment and rear quarter glass inside the rear door.1318
  • Mk8: strong body lines accompany Vauxhall's Vizor front-end design.79

Year by year

  1. 1984: Mk2 arrives

    Teardrop bodywork replaces sharp creases; the hood curves down between the headlights, above deep plastic bumpers.413

  2. 1991: Mk3 arrives

    More rounded body, slimmer headlights with clear indicators, body-colored grille and square rear light clusters.13

  3. Late 1994: Mk3 facelift

    V-shaped corporate grille arrives; a smoked-gray tailgate panel smooths the visual step between the rear lamp clusters.3

  4. 1997: GSi return

    Returning GSi has a vent-free hood, fluted skirts and a longer spoiler with a brake light; GSi16v badges disappear.3

  5. 1998: Mk4 arrives

    Bigger headlights sweep into the fenders and incorporate the indicators; the grille is integrated into the hood.1318

  6. 2015: Mk6 to Mk7

    Rear quarter glass moves from the body into the rear door; headlights meet the grille and rear light units become slimmer.13

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Vauxhall Astra
    Astra
    Photo of a Opel Kadett D
    Opel Kadett D

    Opel Kadett D

    Check the maker's badges: first-generation Astra and Kadett D differ only in badging and trim.3

Against its rivals

  • Renaultsport Mégane 265 Cup

    Astra vs Renaultsport Mégane 265 Cup

    Power

    Astra276 hp
    Renaultsport Mégane 265 Cup261 hp
    6
  • Honda Civic e:HEV Sport (2022)

    Astra vs Honda Civic e:HEV Sport (2022)

    0–100 km/h lower is better

    Astra9.7 s
    Honda Civic e:HEV Sport (2022)7.9 s
    8
  • Toyota Corolla 2.0 Hybrid GR Sport

    Astra vs Toyota Corolla 2.0 Hybrid GR Sport

    Test model price lower is better

    Astra27,210 £
    Toyota Corolla 2.0 Hybrid GR Sport34,135 £
    8

Prices

Value today $5.2K–$39.0K427

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K 20052010201520202025 Value today: $5,200–$39,000 2002 · $24,743 · UK GSi; approx £1=$1.502008 · $39,396 · UK VXR Nürburgring; approx £1=$1.852010 · $36,572 · UK VXR Arctic; approx £1=$1.552012 · $37,802 · UK GTC Biturbo; approx £1=$1.582015 · $23,401 · UK Mk7 base; approx £1=$1.532020 · $24,173 · UK base; approx £1=$1.282022 · $33,740 · UK GS Line auto; approx £1=$1.242025 · $53,086 · UK GSe; approx £1=$1.272026 · $34,125 · UK base; approx £1=$1.30 2025 · $37,700 · 1984 GTE; approx £1=$1.30, Mathewsons2025 · $8,483 · 1985 Mk2 GTE 8v; approx £1=$1.30, Iconic Auctioneers2025 · $31,850 · 1983 GTE; approx £1=$1.30, Mathewsons2025 · $2,288 · 1991 GTE 8V; approx £1=$1.30, Anglia Car Auctions2025 · $4,680 · 1990 GTE Cabriolet; approx £1=$1.30, Hampson Auctions2026 · $32,053 · 1983 Mk1 GTE; approx £1=$1.30, Collecting Cars2026 · $24,700 · 1983 GTE; approx £1=$1.30, Mathewsons2026 · $24,863 · 1991 Mk2 GTE 16v; approx £1=$1.30, Iconic Auctioneers $37.7K Mathewsons, 2025
5789101114162728
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2002Price when new$24,743UK GSi; approx £1=$1.50
2008Price when new$39,396UK VXR Nürburgring; approx £1=$1.85
2010Price when new$36,572UK VXR Arctic; approx £1=$1.55
2012Price when new$37,802UK GTC Biturbo; approx £1=$1.58
2015Price when new$23,401UK Mk7 base; approx £1=$1.53
2020Price when new$24,173UK base; approx £1=$1.28
2022Price when new$33,740UK GS Line auto; approx £1=$1.24
2025Price when new$53,086UK GSe; approx £1=$1.27
2026Price when new$34,125UK base; approx £1=$1.30
2025Auction sale$37,7001984 GTE; approx £1=$1.30, Mathewsons
2025Auction sale$8,4831985 Mk2 GTE 8v; approx £1=$1.30, Iconic Auctioneers
2025Auction sale$31,8501983 GTE; approx £1=$1.30, Mathewsons
2025Auction sale$2,2881991 GTE 8V; approx £1=$1.30, Anglia Car Auctions
2025Auction sale$4,6801990 GTE Cabriolet; approx £1=$1.30, Hampson Auctions
2026Auction sale$32,0531983 Mk1 GTE; approx £1=$1.30, Collecting Cars
2026Auction sale$24,7001983 GTE; approx £1=$1.30, Mathewsons
2026Auction sale$24,8631991 Mk2 GTE 16v; approx £1=$1.30, Iconic Auctioneers
2026Value today$5,200–$39,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 9 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “24 hours at about 201 km/h”
    • “25 wins in 26 races; four BTCC titles”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 10 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 29 sources
  1. Modern classic: the Vauxhall Astra | Lancaster Insurance lancasterinsurance.co.uk
  2. Used Vauxhall Astra buying guide: 2004-09 (Mk5) & 2009-15 (Mk6) | Carbuyer carbuyer.co.uk
  3. Vauxhall Astra - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. Vauxhall Astra GTE Mk1 and Mk2 (1983–1991) | British Classic Cars britishclassiccars.co.uk
  5. Vauxhall Astra VXR Arctic Edition review | evo evo.co.uk
  6. Vauxhall Astra VXR vs Renaultsport Megane 265 vs Ford Focus RS | evo evo.co.uk
  7. Used Vauxhall Astra (Mk7, 2015-2022) review and buyer's guide | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  8. Honda Civic vs Toyota Corolla vs Vauxhall Astra: 2022 group test review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  9. Vauxhall Astra review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  10. Vauxhall Astra GSI 2002 review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  11. Vauxhall Astra GSe 2025 review – a hybrid you'd live with rather than live for | evo evo.co.uk
  12. Vauxhall Astra TwinTop, convertible roof problems | Roof repairs caymanautos.co.uk
  13. A spotter's guide to the Vauxhall Astra – Haynes Manuals United Kingdom uk.haynes.com
  14. 2012 Vauxhall Astra CTDI Biturbo review and pictures | evo evo.co.uk
  15. Vauxhall Astra GTC review, price and specs | evo evo.co.uk
  16. Vauxhall Astra | evo evo.co.uk
  17. Online Collections - Details Page britishmotormuseum.co.uk
  18. Magnificent Seven: Vauxhall Astra through the generations | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  19. Vauxhall Viva - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  20. Vauxhall Chevette - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  21. Vauxhall Astra GTE review - A 1980's British hot hatch icon | evo evo.co.uk
  22. Bye-bye to the Astra – TouringCarTimes touringcartimes.com
  23. Vauxhall Astra VXR - Fast Fleet | evo evo.co.uk
  24. Be The Next Star In A Reasonably Priced Car: Top Gear's 2013 Vauxhall Astra Is For Sale jalopnik.com
  25. Top Gear's Celebrity-Driven 'Reasonably Priced Car' Is Headed to Auction thedrive.com
  26. Celebrate British Automotive in Forza Horizon 6 forza.net
  27. Vauxhall Astra GTE For Sale & Price Guide | TCV theclassicvaluer.com
  28. 2019 Vauxhall Astra review: cleaner engines slash running costs motoringresearch.com
  29. Used Vauxhall Astra prices — UK market data | Torq gettorqing.com
  • lancasterinsurance.co.uk
  • carbuyer.co.uk
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • britishclassiccars.co.uk
  • evo.co.uk
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • caymanautos.co.uk
  • uk.haynes.com
  • britishmotormuseum.co.uk
  • touringcartimes.com
  • jalopnik.com
  • thedrive.com
  • forza.net
  • theclassicvaluer.com

Photo credits

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