| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1979 |
| Production Years: | 1979 - 1984 discontinued in 1984 |
The Vauxhall Astra CC, produced from 1979 to 1984, marks the initial generation of the Vauxhall Astra lineup as a compact hatchback vehicle. Designed to replace the Vauxhall Viva, the Astra CC introduced a modern approach to the British compact car segment with its practical 3-door hatchback body style. Although specific dimensional data like length, width, and height can slightly vary depending on the exact model and trim, the Astra CC generally measured approximately 3.9 meters (about 154 inches) in length, around 1.6 meters (63 inches) in width, and close to 1.3 meters (51 inches) in height. This size places it firmly within the subcompact class, ideal for urban driving and easy maneuverability. The hatchback format provided versatility and more cargo space compared to traditional sedans, making it a popular choice among drivers seeking economy and practicality. Weighing roughly between 900 and 950 kilograms (1980 to 2090 lbs), the Astra CC was relatively light, contributing to its agile handling and fuel efficiency relative to contemporaries. Its production spanned key years when hatchbacks were gaining popularity across Europe, and the Astra CC became a known competitor against cars like the Ford Escort and Volkswagen Golf of the era. Overall, the 1979-1984 Vauxhall Astra CC represents a classic British compact hatchback with balanced dimensions for city use, combining economical size with functional design.
Discover the standout features that make the 1979 Vauxhall Astra CC a leader in its class
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The Vauxhall Astra CC (1979-1984) hatchback features a compact design typical of late 1970s compact cars. Its length measures approximately 3950 mm (155.5 inches), width is about 1655 mm (65.2 inches), and height stands around 1370 mm (53.9 inches). These measurements provided a balanced and practical size for both urban and suburban driving, allowing for comfortable interior space while maintaining maneuverability. The hatchback profile also contributed to maximizing cargo space within this compact footprint.
The Vauxhall Astra CC from 1979 to 1984 weighs approximately 900 to 1000 kg (1984 to 2205 lbs), depending on the specific model and equipment. This relatively lightweight contributed positively to fuel efficiency and nimble handling in city conditions. The moderate weight allowed the modest engine options to deliver adequate performance for everyday driving while ensuring better fuel economy compared to heavier vehicles. It helped the Astra CC stand out as an economical choice in its class during its production years.
The wheelbase of the Vauxhall Astra CC (1979-1984) is approximately 2460 mm (96.9 inches). A wheelbase of this length generally offers a good balance between ride comfort and handling agility. It helps in providing stable straight-line driving and smoother ride quality over uneven road surfaces while keeping the car's turning radius compact for easier maneuverability in tight spaces. This dimension aligns with its compact hatchback classification, making it suitable for both city and highway driving.
The interior of the Vauxhall Astra CC was designed to maximize space within a compact shell. While exact passenger space dimensions vary slightly by trim, headroom and legroom in both front and rear seats offered reasonable comfort for adults typical of small hatchbacks of the era. The two-door design prioritized slightly more front legroom and comfort. Its compact footprint meant rear passenger space was adequate but not spacious, suitable for short to medium length trips. Cargo space was expanded by folding rear seats, adding practicality.
Yes, the Vauxhall Astra CC comfortably fits into a standard garage. With its length at around 3950 mm (155.5 inches) and width close to 1655 mm (65.2 inches), it is compact enough to park in most residential garages designed for standard passenger vehicles. Standard UK or European single-car garages typically measure about 2400 to 3000 mm (94.5 to 118 inches) wide and roughly 4800 mm (189 inches) deep, so the Astra CC’s relatively modest size allows for easy access and maneuvering inside typical garages without spatial constraints.
The Astra CC (1979-1984) was effectively the first generation Astra, succeeding the Vauxhall Viva as Vauxhall’s primary small hatchback. Compared to the Viva, which was slightly shorter and had a less aerodynamic style, the Astra CC brought a more modern, efficient design with a marginally longer wheelbase and overall length, enhancing interior space and comfort. Its successor, the second-generation Astra introduced in 1984, was slightly larger in length and width, focusing even more on space optimization and modern styling. Thus, the Astra CC marked a step up in size and sophistication from its predecessor and set a baseline for further growth in the next generation.
When compared to contemporaries like the Ford Escort Mk3 or the Volkswagen Golf Mk1, the Vauxhall Astra CC held similar ground in terms of dimensions. The Astra’s length around 3950 mm (155.5 inches) was slightly shorter than the Golf Mk1’s approximately 3995 mm (157.3 inches), but similar to the Escort’s length near 4100 mm (161.4 inches). Its width of 1655 mm (65.2 inches) was comparable to competitors, offering a typical compact hatchback footprint. The Astra’s dimensions made it competitive in the European market, offering a practical balance of interior space, maneuverability, and parking ease relative to rivals of its time.
The Vauxhall Astra CC was offered with a range of four-cylinder petrol engines, typically ranging from 1.3 to 1.6 liters in displacement. These engines produced between approximately 60 to 75 horsepower, complementing the car’s relatively light weight of about 900 to 1000 kg (1984 to 2205 lbs). The combination allowed for efficient fuel consumption and adequate everyday performance. This made the Astra CC appealing for drivers seeking a reliable and economical car that maintained good handling and city-friendly dynamics consistent with its compact size.
The Vauxhall Astra CC is a two-door hatchback, a popular body style choice for small family cars during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Its hatchback design significantly improves cargo flexibility compared to conventional sedans as the rear seats can be folded down to increase luggage space. The two-door design offered a sportier look but limited rear seat access, so it was better suited for smaller families or couples. Its body style effectively balances compact city-friendly dimensions with practical utility, making it versatile for daily driving and occasional longer trips.
The interior of the Vauxhall Astra CC was functional and modest, reflecting the design priorities of small cars during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Standard features included basic instrumentation, manual window controls, and vinyl seating in entry-level trims, with higher trims offering cloth upholstery and optional extras like a radio or improved dashboard materials. The cabin was viewed as practical and comfortable for the size, with sufficient space for front passengers and reasonable comfort in the rear. While lacking the modern conveniences of later decades, the Astra CC’s interior met the everyday needs of economy car buyers of its time effectively.
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