Astra Gsi

The Astra brand of cars are manufactured by Vauxhall, the British subsidiary of General Motors (GM). These cars are technically identical to the vehicles produced by GM's German subsidiary Opel in most European countries. The name Astra was first used with the Vauxhall’s 1979 model. The name referred to the right-hand drive versions of the Opel Kadett, which was designed and built in Germany.

These cars were equipped with a unified engine for both Vauxhall and Opel with an all-aluminium head, overhead camshaft and hydraulic valve lifters. The unified engine was a radical development from the usual small engines that were used in the earlier generations of Vauxhall and Opel cars. This new engine gave these cars advantages in terms of power, economy and overall performance. The first model of Vauxhall Astra was made in three different body styles, namely hatchback, saloon and estates. It came in two-door hatchback or four-door hatchback versions. However, not all trim models were available with these different body styles.

The latest Vauxhall Astra GSI turbo is a truly capable hot hatch that derives its power from the 2-litre ECOTEC unit that delivers up 10 BHP to 197 BHP. The GSI can zoom from 0 to 60 MPH in just about 7 seconds and the top speed of 150 MPH. It features a carefully built fast hatch, with square-edged front and rear aprons, projector spot lamps and six-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels.