1991 Vauxhall Astra Mk III Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Vauxhall Astra Mk III varies between 950 kg and 1195 kg (2094 to 2634 lbs), depending on the specific trim and equipment. The maximum gross weight ranges from 1475 kg to 1710 kg (3251 to 3769 lbs). This flexibility caters to different model variants and payload conditions, ensuring a stable and safe driving experience.

The Vauxhall Astra Mk III offers a luggage capacity of 501 liters (17.7 cubic feet) with the rear seats in their upright position, which is quite generous for a sedan of its time. When the rear seats are folded down, the capacity expands significantly to 1200 liters (42.4 cubic feet), allowing for substantial cargo space when transporting larger items or luggage.

The ride height or ground clearance of the Vauxhall Astra Mk III is 135 mm (5.3 inches). This moderate clearance levels strike a good balance between sporty handling and practicality. It's sufficient for typical urban and highway use, though care is needed on rough or uneven terrain to avoid scraping the undercarriage.

The Astra Mk III supports rim sizes of 13, 14, and 15 inches. Corresponding tire sizes include 175/70 R13, 185/60 R14, 175/65 R14, and 195/55 R15. This variety allows owners to select within a moderate range of tire profiles and widths, balancing comfort, handling, and performance according to their preferences.

A typical UK single garage is approximately 6 meters (20 feet) long and 3 meters (10 feet) wide, which comfortably accommodates vehicles under about 5 meters in length and 2 meters in width. With its length of 4239 mm (4.2 meters / 166.9 inches) and width of 1688-1689 mm (1.69 meters / 66.4-66.5 inches), the Astra Mk III easily fits within a standard garage with ample clearance for opening doors and movement around the vehicle.

Compared to its predecessor, the Astra Mk II, which was produced until 1991, the Astra Mk III is generally a bit larger and more refined in dimensions. The Mk III's length of about 4239 mm is slightly longer, and it incorporated improved aerodynamics and interior space utilization. This resulted in better passenger comfort and increased luggage capacity. The Mk III also had more modern styling and engineering improvements that contributed to a more spacious yet compact exterior footprint compared to the Mk II.

In the early 1990s, the Astra Mk III's dimensions placed it firmly in the compact sedan category alongside rivals like the Ford Escort, Volkswagen Golf, and Peugeot 306. Its length of 4239 mm and width of around 1688 mm were competitive, offering more interior and luggage space than some competitors while maintaining manageable exterior dimensions for urban driving. The Astra's generous luggage space of over 500 liters was often superior to rivals, making it a practical choice in its class.

The Vauxhall Astra Mk III balances a comfortable ride with competent handling, partly due to its moderate ride height of 135 mm and well-engineered suspension setup. The car was praised for its responsive steering and good road-holding for a compact sedan of the era. Its curb weight, ranging from 950 to 1195 kg, also contributes to nimble handling dynamics without sacrificing ride quality. Overall, the Mk III was considered a practical and enjoyable car for daily driving and long-distance travel.

The Astra Mk III marked an important step in Vauxhall’s evolution during the early 1990s. It replaced the successful Mk II and introduced a more modern, aerodynamic design along with improved safety features, interior comfort, and engine efficiency. The Mk III strengthened Vauxhall’s position in the competitive compact car market, broadening its appeal both as a family car and daily commuter. Its longer production run from 1991 to 1998 is a testament to its positive reception and durability.