Opel Astra F (Also Known as Astra 1) – A 90s Icon

The Opel Astra F was one of those cars that just felt right in the 90s. Launched in 1991, it was Opel’s way of moving on from the Kadett, and honestly, they did a great job. It had something for everyone—whether you wanted a simple daily car, a family wagon, or even a sporty little number like the GSi.

Why was it such a great car? Well, for starters, it came in a bunch of different body styles—three-door, five-door, sedan, wagon, and even a cabriolet. It had reliable engines, decent fuel economy, and for those who wanted a bit more power, the GSi was a solid choice with its 2.0L engine putting out 150 horsepower.

Compared to the old Kadett, the Astra F had more space inside, thanks to a few design tweaks like moving the windshield forward. It also felt more modern, with better rust protection, which is probably why you still see some of them on the roads today.

The facelift in 1994 made it even better, with a refreshed grille, clear indicators, and new door mirrors. Opel also introduced their Ecotec engines around this time, making them a bit more efficient and cleaner.

Now, let’s talk about the engines. You had the basics like the 1.4L and 1.6L for everyday use, and then the 1.8L and 2.0L if you wanted a bit more punch. The GSi was the star of the show, with its 150 horsepower engine making it a proper hot hatch. In South Africa, they even had a turbocharged 200tS version with 200 horsepower—pretty wild for the time.

There were diesel options too, with a 1.7L engine that was all about economy. Not the fastest thing on the road, but it got the job done.

Even though the Astra F was replaced in 1998 by the next-gen Astra G, it stuck around in some markets for a few more years under the name Astra Classic.

For me, the Astra F was just a solid all-rounder. It wasn’t flashy, but it was practical, reliable, and had some fun versions if you wanted them. The GSi, in particular, was a dream for young drivers back in the day. If you ever spot one of those in good condition, you’re looking at a piece of 90s history.

Models and Specs List:

Body Styles:

• 3-door hatchback
• 5-door hatchback
• 4-door sedan
• 5-door wagon (Caravan)
• 2-door convertible
• 3-door sedan delivery (panel van)

Engines:

Petrol:

• 1.4L Family 1 I4
• 1.6L Family 1 I4
• 1.8L Family II I4
• 2.0L Family II I4
• 2.0L Family II turbo I4 (South Africa – 200tS)

Diesel:

• 1.7L Family II I4
• 1.7L Isuzu 4EE1 I4

Transmissions:

• 5-speed manual
• 6-speed manual
• 4-speed automatic