Opel introduced the second generation of the Astra in 1998 as an affordable compact hatchback for the European market but upgraded it later on and offered it as a convertible since 2000.

Opel facelifted Astra's first generation in 1995, after four years since the model introduction, which improved the convertible version.

After the success recorded by Opel with the Kadett Cabriolet, the German carmaker tried to do a sequel for it in the form of the 1993 Astra Cabriolet.