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Vauxhall Astra I (D) gallery (1979–1984)

The first-generation front-wheel-drive Vauxhall Astra, introduced to replace the rear-wheel-drive Viva as GM's compact contender.

All photos 174 I (D) 0 1979–1984 II (E) 5 1984–1991 III (F) 0 1991–1998 IV (G) 19 1998–2004 V (H) 63 2004–2009 VI (J) 87 2009–2015 VII (K) 0 2015–2021 VIII (L) 0 2021

The first-generation Vauxhall Astra (Mark 1) was launched in the UK in March 1980, marking Vauxhall's breakthrough transition to front-wheel drive and transverse engine architecture under General Motors' global T-Car platform. Mechanically identical to the continental Opel Kadett D, the Astra was offered as a three-door and five-door hatchback, a three-door and five-door estate, and a car-derived panel van branded the Astravan. The powertrain lineup featured 1.2-litre pushrod OHV engines alongside modern 1.3-litre and 1.6-litre Family II SOHC petrol engines with overhead camshafts. In 1982, a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre diesel was added to the range, while 1983 brought the performance-oriented Astra GTE equipped with a 1.8-litre fuel-injected engine delivering 115 bhp via Bosch LE-Jetronic injection. Transmissions included 4-speed and 5-speed manuals alongside an optional 3-speed automatic. Built at Ellesmere Port in Cheshire as well as GM's plant in Bochum, Germany, the Astra D was engineered primarily for the British market. Compared to the outgoing Viva, it offered dramatically improved packaging, better fuel economy, and sharp handling dynamics courtesy of front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion-beam axle.