It is branded as an Opel in continental Europe, the Republic of Ireland, the Middle East, North Africa, Russia, South Africa, India and Taiwan, as Vauxhall Astra in the United Kingdom, as Holden in Australasia, as Chevrolet Astra in Latin America and as a Saturn in the United States and Canada.

The Astra is now built in Germany, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Brazil, South Africa, Poland and Ukraine, as well as being assembled from complete knock down (CKD) kits in other countries.

During 2005 Opel introduced the OPC version of the Astra GTC (Astra VXR in the UK) which is powered by an updated version of the 2.0 L turbo ecotec engine producing 240 PS (177 kW) and 320 N·m (236 lb·ft) of torque. Standard features of the OPC version include sports bodykit and interior, a six-speed manual gearbox, xenon headlamps and 18" alloy wheels amongst others. This vehicle is sold in Australia and New Zealand as the HSV VXR. HSV VXRs are sold as standard with full leather trim and 19" alloy wheels.

This is from the OPC (Opel Performance Center) web site

With the Astra OPC, Opel advances into the territory of established sports cars. The coupé-like three-door model is powered by a 177 kW/240 hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that accelerates it from zero to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds, and has a top speed of 244 km/h. The Astra OPC’s fuel consumption of 9.2 liters per 100 kilometers highlights the powertrain’s efficiency. Power is transferred to the front wheels via a sporty six-speed manual transmission.

The Astra OPC’s striking looks clearly identify it as the top model in its line. The body design with front apron pulled down low, central air intake and large 18-inch wheels in characteristic OPC six-spoke design (tires 225/40) showcases the car’s dynamic potential, as does the rear with its centrally positioned trapezoidal tailpipe. In the interior, Recaro sport seats, sports instruments in OPC design and aluminum pedals all contribute to the high-class sporty ambience.

The attribute “high-tech” also applies to the Astra OPC’s chassis. This features IDSPlus2 (Interactive Driving System) as standard, which was previously only found in the limited edition Astra OPC Nürburgring Edition. IDSPlus2 electronically networks and coordinates driving dynamics systems such as the Electronic Stability Program ESPPlus, Traction Control TCPlus, and various functions of the 17-inch high-performance brake system. An element in this network is the electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC). The IDSPlus2 system ensures that damping characteristics are automatically and continuously adapted to prevailing road conditions, vehicle movements and individual driving style. Additionally, the driver can select an even sportier setting by pushing the SportSwitch, which also provides more direct steering and pedal response.

Astra Family Broshyr

These pictures are of my Astra with the winter tires..