While the Astra had been around for many years under different body styles, General Motors decided to release a sporty-looking Astra with the aim of a offering a vehicle to appeal to a broader range of customers.

The second generation of the Opel Astra was released in 1998. Also known as the Opel Astra G, the model was a big step forward compared to the predecessor Astra F.

Three years after the launch of the new lineup, Opel refreshed the Astra and revealed a sportier-looking three-door version.

Opel made a bold move at the beginning of the '90s by retiring the Kadett nameplate from its inventory and introducing the Astra moniker in various shapes, including a three-door hatchback.