LC Astra

Unleaded-fuel requirements upped the engine to a 1.6 and power by 1kW. The spartan SL model attempted to kick-start sluggish sales.

SL/X buyers enjoyed cloth trim, clock and a radio cassette player.

Still small car buyers kept away in droves. Against the newer Ford Laser and Toyota Corolla rivals, the Astra never really stood a chance.

Not even the very-'80s Astra Formula, complete with spoilers and a colour-keyed body kit, could save it. Its 1987 successor was a far more accomplished car.