Motorsport-inspired specials veer to one extreme or the other: they’re brilliant, or they’re naff. For every Impreza 22B or Tommi Makinen (or the current GR Yaris specials), there’s a dubious sticker set or tenuous racing association. Or a Sebastien Loeb Citroen. Seldom is there a middle ground of just ever so slightly improved motorsport special. Probably how it should be, really - the death or glory of competition makes it to the showroom.
With all due respect, a diesel Vauxhall Astra was (and is never) going to be the most inspirational start for a track-inspired special edition. But back in the mid-'00s, not only was it a more fashionable fuel, but the three-door Astra Sport Hatches were going great guns in the BTCC. It made sense to capitalise on that success, of course. The VXR covered off petrol power, while those after diesel could get one of these: the 888 CDTI.
The what? Well, Triple Eight was running the race team, and this Astra was their attempt (with Vauxhall’s blessing) at injecting some motorsport nous into the humble oil-burning Astra. No, really. Only available from Thurlby Motors and limited to just 100 units, the 888 boasted another third more power than standard (for a healthy 200 in total) alongside a monster 330lb ft. With more than 40mpg still claimed.
But because a proper race outfit converted the Astras, it was no mere mid-range monster. The suspension was 30mm lower, the wheels were lighter and the Toyo tyres stickier, while the monster 335mm brake discs featured calipers built for Triple Eight by Alcon (!). The 888 CDTI was very well received back in the day, punishing ride notwithstanding: ‘In fact, if Subaru built an oil-burning Impreza STi, it would surely be a lot like this’, read one verdict. So there.
The hundred all sold pretty quickly, helped by an unbelievably modest premium of just £120. Even accounting for inflation, the £17,995 asking price in 2006 is £30k now - a proper performance bargain, by all accounts. That’s likely meant a few have fallen by the wayside, because the motorsport influence didn’t come at great expense, but all these years later 888s are surely going to be in enthusiast hands - i.e. the select few who know it’s not just an old Astra diesel.
This one appears to have been loved, certainly if the list of recent work - gearbox rebuild, new brakes, new injectors, subframe repainted - is anything to go by. It still scrubs up more than alright, and those 888 details like the wheels and calipers are great to see. The Recaros that were optional in period are also available. For a fast and frugal commuter, or a rare groove '00s hot hatch, you’d be going well to surpass the 888 CDTI. Just remember it wants fuel from the black pump…
SPECIFICATION | VAUXHALL ASTRA CDTI 888
Engine: 1,910cc four-cylinder diesel
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front wheel drive
Power (hp): 200@3,550rpm
Torque (lb ft): 330@2,750rpm
MPG: 45 (est.)
CO2: 149 (standard Astra CDTI)
First registered: 2006
Recorded mileage: 89,000
Price new: £17,995
Yours for: £5,750
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