1993 OPEL Astra Cabriolet 1.6i 5MT (71 HP)

Vehicle Overview

After the success recorded by Opel with the Kadett Cabriolet, the German carmaker tried to do a sequel for it in the form of the 1993 Astra Cabriolet.

Opel was happy with the new Astra when it introduced it in 1991, but apart from the closed-cabin versions, it needed an open-top one to increase its market image. Even though the convertible market was not very big, it had its customers, and the battle between the Golf and the Astra was taken on any grounds, even with the top down.

The German carmaker decided that it doesn’t have to have a dedicated assembly line for the Astra Cabriolet, so it hired Bertone in Italy to produce them. After all, they had a long relationship, and the small manufacturer was happy to have its production lines filled with a prestigious brand. The Astra Cabriolet featured the same front fascia as the rest of the family, but it was mostly based on the sedan platform, fitted with the lower half of the 3-door version. Unlike the Kadett, it didn’t require a safety arch over the C-pillars.

Bertone designed the car with the idea to completely hide the canvas top behind the rear seats. To do that, it had to push the rear seats forward, and thus the rear seat passengers didn’t have the same legroom as they had in the other Astra versions.

Under the hood, Opel installed a choice of three gasoline engines. A diesel-version was out of the question since it was considered too loud and too smelly for a leisure, open-top vehicle.