Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Opel Kadett E
German carmaker Opel is celebrating the 125th anniversary of its iconic 'Kadett E' model on the 40th anniversary of its automotive history. According to the company, this model, which was launched in autumn 1984, was a great success for Opel engineers. Based on the technical specifications of the previous model, the fifth-generation Kadett, produced with a completely new hatchback body type, attracted attention with its innovative design and technical expertise.
The Kadett E is the last compact class model offered by Opel and bearing the Kadett name. Following this model, the new generation that replaced the Kadett continued on its path with the name 'Astra' and continued the success achieved in this class. The new Opel Astra is offered to users with hybrid and internal combustion engine options as well as a fully electric version. Thus, in addition to its exciting and efficient features, the Astra also draws attention with its zero carbon emission production in some models.
Hit the Road in the Fall of 1984
Development of the fifth-generation Kadett, the forerunner of the Astra model family, began in 1979. Many engineers, technicians and designers from the product development and production department in Rüsselsheim contributed to the 'Kadett E' project. A total of 1,5 billion German marks were spent on the development of the Kadett E over a five-year period. Before entering series production, the prototypes travelled around 6,5 million kilometres in test centres and on race tracks, as well as in the desert regions of Northern Europe and the USA.
Following intensive testing processes, the front-wheel drive Kadett E was launched on the market in autumn 1984 and quickly reached authorised dealers with a wide range of models.
The Right Option for Every Task
The latest generation of the Kadett was offered as a three- and five-door hatchback, as well as the 'Kadett Estate', which stood out with its luggage capacity of around 1520 litres. Just one year later, the four-door notchback body type was also added to the range. As of 1987, the 'Kadett E' model, which attracted great interest from nature lovers, was designed by the famous Italian designer Nuccio Bertone, who was responsible for the design of the new Kadett Convertible. The 'Topless Kadett', which included many standard features such as sports seats for the driver and front passenger, individually folding rear seats and tinted side windows, was developed in the northern Italian factory in close cooperation with the design team in Rüsselsheim.
Golden Steering Wheel Award Winner Aerodynamics Champion
When developing the Kadett E, engineers and designers focused on the strong features that are typical of Opel, regardless of the body type in question. These features combined an exciting design with proven top-level efficiency and suitability for everyday use, making it accessible to a wide range of people. The Kadett E, a best-seller in the compact class, has won many awards in its fifth generation. In addition to the 'Golden Steering Wheel 1984' award, the Kadett E also won the title 'European Car of the Year 1985'.
