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.
After changing the name of its compact contender from Kadett to Astra, the GM’s German arm aimed higher with a coupe and an open-top version, both penned by the Italian design company Bertone. The convertible didn’t look like an econobox anymore and caught the public’s attention with its style and the power-operated roof.

The Italian stylist used the same front fascia from the Coupe, which it designed it as well. With a set of clear-lens headlights and a black grille on the front side of the hood, the Astra Cabriolet offered a near-premium look. Its thick A-pillars served as safety arches as well, and that’s why Opel didn’t have to make an additional protection structure over the B-pillars or behind the rear seats.

Inside, the carmaker used some parts from the rest of the Astra range. Yet, it tried to offer more aluminum and silver trims to enhance the cabin. The white dials in the instrument cluster were carried over from its coupe sibling. Moreover, a set of sport bucket seats with high bolstering was on the options list for the lower-powered versions and standard for the turbocharged models. Despite its short wheelbase, the Astra Cabriolet featured an additional set of seats in the back, which provided enough comfort for short, in-city trips.

Under the hood, the carmaker installed a range of five engines ranged between 103 hp and 190 hp. A 2.2-liter turbo-diesel was available as well.