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“The really amazing thing is, the Astra hasn’t aged much in all these years and with this mileage. Admittedly, I take good care of it, but it is incredible that the engine, the gearbox, the turbocharger and the high-pressure pump have never needed attention. Even the clutch is still the original,” says the proud Barth after 17 happy years with his Astra.

However, the happy couple is now going separate ways. Barth has donated his spritely Astra to Opel Classic. The estate car with 600,000km on the clock will take a place of honour in the Rüsselsheim collection, while Barth has got another Astra, a well-kept generation J with 165hp 2.0 diesel engine. He is also embarking on a new mission: to exceed the mileage of the predecessor.

Opel offered the Astra G between 1998 and 2005 in seven body styles with 12 engines. Power outputs ranged from 48kW (65hp) to 147kW (200hp). In 2002, a racehorse joined the stable in the form of the Astra OPC, initially with 141kW (192hp) and later 147kW (200hp). The Astra G was available as a three and five-door hatchback, a four-door notchback, a coupé, convertible, estate and delivery van. Almost four million units of the Astra G left the production line.