Vauxhall Astra Mk2/GTE 16v Steel Grey from Corgi's Vanguards range.
The ultimate incarnation of GM’s ‘teardrop’ Mk2 Astra was the 1988 16 valve GTE, modelled here. It was a fiercely fast hot-hatch, loud and raw, whilst VW’s rival Golf GTI 16v was polished and sophisticated. The GTE appealed to buyers who liked their steak rare and their dashboard digital. The 2-litre ‘Family 2’ engine was fitted with a Cosworth developed 16 valve twin-cam cylinder-head to become the ‘KBA’, or ‘red-top’, and meant this lightweight (1006kg) had blistering real-world pace, especially above 4000rpm, that eclipsed its on paper figures. Severe torque steer and brakes that could barely match the performance just added to the fun of the hottest of the hot-hatches.
- Scale: 1:43
Original vehicle specifications:
- Engine: 1998cc 16v DOHC
- Power: 148bhp@6000rpm
- Maximum speed: 132mph
- 0–60mph: 7.5secs
A detailed die-cast scale model for the adult collector. Not suitable for children under 14 years.