The ultimate incarnation of GM’s ‘teardrop’ Mk2 Astra was the 1988 16
valve GTE, modelled here. It was a fiercely fast hot-hatch, loud and
raw, whilst VW’s rival Golf GTI 16v was polished and sophisticated. The
GTE appealed to buyers who liked their steak rare and their dashboard
digital. The 2-litre ‘Family 2’ engine was fitted with a Cosworth
developed 16 valve twin-cam cylinder-head to become the ‘KBA’, or
‘red-top’, and meant this lightweight (1006kg) had blistering real-world
pace, especially above 4000rpm, that eclipsed its on paper figures.
Severe torque steer and brakes that could barely match the performance
just added to the fun of the hottest of the hot-hatches.