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Car Culture

Opel Compacts Since 1962

With the launch of the new OpelOpelGermany, 1863 > present85 models
5151 photos
8 videos
AstraOpel AstraGermany, 1991 > present5 series
408 versions
739 photos
1 video
sedan at the Moscow Auto Salon (August 29 – September 9, 2012) approaching, it is a good moment to look back at the genealogy of the model. Since the early 1960s, the brand from Rüsselsheim has produced soome very popular compact sedans, beginning in 1962 with the Kadett A. The compacts of the period make mobility affordable to a growing middle class.

From the 1962 Kadett A to the Kadett B (1965 – 1973) that became known for its advertising slogan “Opel Kadett: Das Auto” through to the current Astra line-up, there has always been a sedan variant in the Opel compact segment. The only exception is the Kadett D line (1979 – 1984) which was the first front-wheel drive car at Opel but was launched without a notchback variant. However, this gap was filled in 1985 with the arrival of the next model generation. Since then, Opel has maintained this body style as a four-door variant in its portfolio.

But see for yourself, by browsing the image gallery from 1962 until today:

50 years of Opel compact sedans

Fifty years separate the Opel Kadett A (left) from the four-door Astra sedan. Both cars stand in Opel’s tradition of building compact sedans. The new four-door Astra is launched at the 2012 Moscow Auto Salon, while in 1962 the Kadett A laid the foundations for the brand’s career in the compact sedan segment.

Kadett A (1962-1965)

1962 sees the launch of the Kadett A. It is offered as a two-door sedan, two-door coupé and three-door Caravan. In the early sixties, four-door Opel compacts cars are not envisaged yet. The economic miracle permits for the first time, that average income families can afford a car. With their new mobility, many of them head to southern Europe for their holidays.

Kadett B (1965 – 1973)

The Type B (here the two-door variant) is the first Kadett that is designated as a five-seat model. It offers more room for family oriented people. Between 1965 and 1973, around 2.6 million units were built. The Kadett B sedan has grown by additional 18 cm in length and 10 centimetres in width compared to its predecessor. It is also available as a four-door variant.

Kadett C (1973 – 1979)

The rear-wheel drive Kadett C made its debut in August 1973 with a newly designed body and a new double-wishbone front axle. The four-door sedan is especially popular with families. A total of 18 different body and engine variants were available at launch in 1973, including a two-door sedan version. Between 1973 and 1979, some 1.7 million Kadett C cars were built.

Kadett D (1979 – 1984)

In 1979 Opel’s first front-wheel drive model debuted as the Kadett D. There is no sedan version this time. The model portfolio includes five and three door hatchback body styles as well as a Caravan station wagon. Until 1984, a total of 2.1 million hatchback and station wagon models of this series were produced.

Kadett E (1984 – 1991)

The second Kadett with front-wheel drive was named „Car of the Year 1984“. Having sold around 3.8 million times, it broke all previous Opel sales records. With a drag coefficient of CD 0.30, the Kadett E GSi innovates in terms of aerodynamics and the rear spoiler gives the four-door sedan a sporty driving feel.

Astra F (1991 – 1997)

Some 4.13 million Astra Fs were built between 1991 and 1998, making it the bestselling Opel model so far. Starting early 1992 the four-door sedan was added to the Astra line-up The safety package on the Astra F marked a major step forward. The safety package comprised of, side-impact protection, support ramps in the seats under the safety belt, and seat belt tensioners. Driver and front-passenger airbags and ABS were also available.

Astra G ( 1998 – 2004)

In the Spring of 1998 a completely new second generation Astra was launched as a three and five-door sedan as well as a Caravan station wagon. Already in the fall of 1998 the four-door sedan is added to the line-up. Progressive independent design, dynamic chassis, powertrain technology, nearly twice the torsional and flexural rigidity of its predecessor, a wheelbase with an added ten centimeters were characteristics of the second generation Astra.

Astra H (2004 – 2009)

The third Astra generation is launched in March 2004. The sedan celebrates its world premiere in Istanbul and has its sales debut in the fall of 2007.