HAPPY BIRTHDAY: THE OPEL KADETT CITY TURNS 50

Opel’s Kadett C, first launched in 1973, became a huge sales success for the German car maker, paving the way for decades of compact family stars from the blitz brand. Initially available as a neat family car with two or four doors, a caravan with three doors, an elegant coupé or a powerful amateur sports car, in 1975, Opel revolutionised family motoring by releasing the Opel Kadett City hatchback variant. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, the Kadett City has bestowed all its star-selling qualities to the current Astra generation.

With a clearly defined body and a new double wishbone front axle, the rear-wheel-drive Kadett C made its debut in late summer 1973. Characteristic design features included the flat radiator grille, the front apron designed to form a spoiler, and the bonnet with the brand's typical crease, now seen on all modern-day Opel models. But all this was not enough for those responsible at Opel at the time. They wanted to offer customers even more choice and at the same time further increase the practical benefits. As such, the new Opel Kadett City was born in 1975.

The City model inspired with its sleek lines and sporty design, thanks to optional 13” ATS alloys and 185mm tyres. Large windows provided plenty of light and a good all-round view and increased the feel-good atmosphere for passengers and safety in equal measure.

The most striking feature compared to the other Kadett variants was the large tailgate in the compact car, a car that measured just 3.9m in length. Infinitely practical, new possibilities were opened up for families and working people looking for a compact, but functional car with a large boot. The sloping tailgate made it easy and convenient to load the Kadett City. This was all the easier because it could be opened with the little finger thanks to a gas spring lifter that was newly developed at the time. Thanks to the intelligent rear construction of the body without inward protrusions, the flat loading area was fully usable. When even more space for luggage, work materials or other things was required, the rear seat backrest could be folded forward in two simple steps and thus almost double the load space without further ado.

"It not only easily swallows the largest bags from the supermarket, but also complete mountaineering or diving equipment, according to the sporting inclinations of its owner. The car, which shows off its manoeuvrability and easy loadability in everyday use, also offers the driving performance and comfort for leisure trips to the mountains or the sea." With these words, Opel advertised the Kadett City when it was launched.

Kadett City customers could choose between the 1.0 38kW (52hp) and 1.2 44kW (60hp) four-cylinder engines, the latter of which was available with an automatic transmission. At the IAA 1977, Opel added the 55kW (75hp) 1.6-litre S engine to the drive portfolio. With it the Kadett City could accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 13 seconds and reach a top speed of 157km/h.

By 1979, the extremely successful Kadett C generation, and with it the Kadett City, had rolled off the production line as the last Opel compact class model with rear-wheel drive. The successor was already ready and heralded a new compact class era at Opel: the Kadett D debuted in the same year as the brand's first front-wheel drive model.

Today, the current Astra generation seamlessly continues the success story of the compact class bestsellers from Opel, which began many decades ago with the Kadett. Opel's latest compact class bestseller is produced at Opel's headquarters in Rüsselsheim. The sporty, elegant five-door and the practical Astra Sports Tourer estate, offer the right solution for almost every need. Available with a variety of powertrains like no other model in the Opel portfolio, from efficient combustion engines, to full-electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid, the Opel Astra offers a powertrain to suit all customers.

The latest Astra thus continues Opel's tradition of always offering customers the right solution for their mobility needs; practical, efficient and at the same time packaged in a design that stirs emotion.