Vauxhall Astra Mk2 (1984 – 1993) Review
Vauxhall Astra Mk2 (1984 – 1993) At A Glance
Improved aerodynamics made it a refined motorway cruiser, much better rust protection than the Mk1.
Power steering was a rare luxury on early models, interior plastics could feel a little brittle, hard to find a good one.
If the Astra Mk1 was the car that brought Vauxhall into the modern era of front-wheel drive packaging, the Mk2 was the one that proved Luton could out-style and out-wind-tunnel the competition. Launched in September 1984, the Astra Mk2 (internally known as the Kadett E) arrived with a teardrop silhouette that boasted a drag coefficient of just 0.30 — an aerodynamic feat that made the rival Ford Escort look instantly dated.
It wasn't just about the looks, though. This was a car designed to spearhead Vauxhall’s assault on the fleet market, offering a blend of efficiency, space and a broad range of body styles that eventually included the Belmont saloon and a Bertone-designed convertible.
Underneath the slippery skin, the Mk2 carried over the excellent Family II overhead-cam engines that had debuted in its predecessor, but with further refinements for fuel economy and smoothness. The 1.3 and 1.6-litre units remained the bread-and-butter of the range, providing the kind of dependable, punchy performance that earned the Astra a loyal following among both family buyers and high-mileage sales reps.
While early critics suggested the steering was a little numb compared to the more tactile Mk1, the Astra Mk2’s real strength lay in its effortless ability to cover long distances.
It felt like a bigger car than it was, a trait that helped Vauxhall maintain its hard-won position as the UK's number two manufacturer. Today, the Mk2 has transitioned from a ubiquitous sight on every high street to a bona fide modern classic.
Finding a survivor that hasn't been modified or succumbed to the inevitable rear arch rot is becoming a challenge, but for those who find a good one, the Astra Mk2 remains a remarkably usable and charismatic slice of 1980s Britain.
