Segment:
Compact family car
Brand Perception 1980:
Reputation for solid engineering and value for money in its class
Key Competitors:
Ford Escort, Volkswagen Golf, Fiat Strada, Renault 14
Platform Sharing:
Built on GM's T-Car platform, shared with models like Chevrolet Chevette and Isuzu Gemini
Design Philosophy:
Front-wheel drive architecture, efficient packaging, and a focus on practicality
Geographical Coverage:
Primarily European markets (Vauxhall in the UK, Opel in continental Europe)
Model Variants Covered:
All models and derivatives of the 1980 Vauxhall/Opel Astra Mk1
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds of pages (as stated, specific count not provided)
Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Language:
English (assumed based on product description language)
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, diagnosis, timing, cooling, lubrication
Engine Management:
Ignition system, fuel injection (if applicable for the year/models), carburetion diagnosis
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, clutch system, driveshafts
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, disc/drum brake inspection and repair, parking brake
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system, wheel alignment
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, instrumentation, auxiliary systems
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, interior trim, glass, doors, seat mechanisms
Heating And Ventilation:
HVAC system components, blower motor, heater core
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, belt adjustments, spark plug replacement
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step fault finding for common and complex issues
Component Removal Installation:
Detailed instructions for removing and reinstalling all major components
Rebuilding And Overhaul:
Comprehensive rebuild procedures for engines, transmissions, and other sub-assemblies
Torque Specifications:
Essential torque values for critical fasteners
Electrical Component Testing:
Methods for testing alternators, starters, ignition coils, sensors, etc.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic adjustments to full engine and transmission rebuilds
Accuracy:
Highly detailed, factory-level information
Diagrams And Illustrations:
Includes exploded views, wiring diagrams, and step-by-step photographic/line art illustrations (as typical for manuals of this era)
Engine Code Example:
13N (1.3L OHV), 16N (1.6L OHV)
Displacement Range:
1.3L to 1.6L (petrol)
Cylinder Configuration:
Inline-4
Valve Train:
Overhead Valve (OHV) for most early models
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 60-75 bhp (depending on engine variant)
Torque Range:
Approximately 95-110 Nm (depending on engine variant)
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor (e.g., Zenith, Solex) or early Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection on some later or higher-spec models
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (as regulations began to shift)
Body Styles:
3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback, 4-door saloon, 5-door estate/wagon (often badged 'Caravan')
Wheelbase Approx:
2430 mm (95.7 in)
Length Approx:
3990 mm (157.1 in) for hatchback
Width Approx:
1620 mm (63.8 in)
Height Approx:
1390 mm (54.7 in) for hatchback
Curb Weight Approx:
850 - 950 kg (1874 - 2094 lbs) depending on body style and engine
Era Safety Standards:
Met standards of the late 1970s/early 1980s; lacking modern safety features
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes
Steering:
Rack and pinion, unassisted
Seatbelts:
Lap and diagonal seatbelts (front), lap belts (rear, typically)
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage construction (common for the era)
Oil Change Interval Approx:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months
Major Service Interval Approx:
Every 20,000-30,000 miles (including timing belt check/replacement if applicable, although many early models used chains)
Engine Oil Type Approx:
API SF/SG, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (depending on climate)
Coolant Type Approx:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with water
Brake Fluid Type Approx:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Transmission Fluid Manual Approx:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90)
Transmission Fluid Automatic Approx:
Dexron II
Common Wear Items:
Exhaust systems, brake components, suspension bushes, clutch wear, ignition system components (distributor, points, condenser)
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, sills, floor pans, rear valence (typical for cars of this era)
Engine Specific:
Potential for oil leaks, carburation tuning issues, timing chain wear on high-mileage engines
Vauxhall Heritage:
Long-standing British automotive manufacturer with a history of popular family cars
Opel Heritage:
German automotive manufacturer, part of GM, known for engineering and innovation
First Generation:
Launched in 1979 as the first front-wheel-drive Vauxhall/Opel hatchback in this segment.
Design Influence:
Marked a significant shift for GM's European offerings, moving away from rear-wheel-drive platforms for this class.
Production Period Mk1:
1979-1984
Manufacturing Locations:
Ellesmere Port, United Kingdom (for Vauxhall), Bochum, Germany (for Opel), and other GM plants globally
