Corgi VA13200 Vauxhall Astra Mk2 GTE 16V Steel Grey.

The ultimate incarnation of GMGÇÖs GÇÿteardropGÇÖ Mk2 Astra was the 1988 16 valve GTE, modelled here. It was a fiercely fast hot-hatch, loud and raw, whilst VWGÇÖs 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 GÇÿFamily 2GÇÖ engine was fitted with a Cosworth developed 16 valve twin-cam cylinder-head to become the GÇÿKBAGÇÖ, or GÇÿred-topGÇÖ, 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.

Engine: 1998cc 16v DOHC

Power: 148bhp@6000rpm

Maximum speed: 132mph

0-60mph: 7.5secs