The Opel Astra F is the first of its kind in Europe and made its world debut in 1991. It was the successor to the Opel Cadet e, which was already sold as Voxhall Astra in the UK. The Astra F is a big step for the German manufacturer in terms of safety and interior space. With over 4 million units sold, it is still the best-selling Opel model in the brand’s history.
Model of change
In early 1991, we talked about the importance of low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, while customer expectations have moved toward greater comfort and safety. The Opel Astra F was the perfect match for Opel to enter a new era.
It was the same size as the Cadet E, but more spacious and safer for its time, with double steel bars on the doors for side attack protection, support plates on the seats to prevent passengers from slipping under the seat belts, and seat belt tensioners that stopped the body in the forward collision. In 1994 there were even driver and passenger airbags.
Aerodynamics and Dynamics
Like other 1990s Opel, including the Calibra coupe, this new Astra was highly streamlined for its time, with a CX value of 0.30. That too contributed to lower consumption. But most important are the new generation 1.4, 1.6 petrol engines; Size 1.8 and 2 liters, all atmospheric.
The largest machine was the famous Opel Astra GSI, which is still preferred by enthusiasts. The chassis may not have been on par with some of the competitors, but the 150hp two-liter boom is still there. With the international success of the Opel team for Belgium with the famous drivers Bruno Tri and Freddie Lois, GSI also laid the foundation for various competing models, including the parade. Finally, there was a diesel engine in the range, with or without the turbo 1.7 liters from Isuzu.
Absolute range
One of the strengths of the Opel Astra F is its complete range of less than 5 variants: 3- and 5-door saloon, 4-door saloon (sedan), station wagon (sister caravan) and convertible, Italian bodybuilder Bertone. In total, less than 4.13 million Astra F was sold between 1991 and 1997, which still exists today.
Innovative
The Opel Astra F stands out in its technical approach, including a ‘multi-info display’ on top of the center console. A World First, it combines radio footage, on-board computer and vehicle controls into a screen driver’s field of vision. The Astra is also the first small medium car to have a pollen, dust and particle filter called the ‘Clean Air System’.
More than 30 years ago, the environment was considered to have a high proportion of recyclable or recyclable materials for some areas, while the electric drive for the Opel Astra Impulse III, which covered a distance of 350,000 km between 1993 and 1997, had already been tested. 5 units received a nickel cadmium battery with a capacity of 45 kW, while the others received a nickel sodium chloride battery of 42 kW. The Impulse III reached a top speed of 120km / h and 160km / h, almost no worse than current electric cars almost 30 years later. The CNG version of the Opel Astra caravan was made available in 1996 to some public services and local authorities.