Just how British is the Vauxhall Astra

The Vauxhall Astra has become one of Britain’s most common cars – and something of a British point of pride, being produced in the Ellesmere Port factory in Cheshire. But rather than being more British than bubble and squeak, the first Astra marked the start of a German dominance in the Vauxhall/Opel partnership, and every one of the 8 revisions would be designed outside the UK. But the car, and the Astra name would become a British export success story. So, how has the Astra fared since it launched in 1979, and what’s next? Optional Extra Astra video: Music (from the YouTube audio library): American Idle - RKVC Mirror Mind - Bobby Richards