Vauxhall Astra CDTI 888: Spotted

A 200hp Astra diesel with motorsport influence? You better believe it!

Yes, it's a Vauxhall Astra diesel. But don't be so hasty, because this is a Vauxhall Astra diesel modified by Triple Eight Engineering, the team that developed Vauxhall's very successful BTCC racers of the 2000s. From 2001-2005 a Vauxhall won the BTCC, again from 2007-2010. So it has some form.

Dead stealthy numberplate that

Moreover, Triple Eight developed Vauxhalls are not just a couple of badges and some fancy paint. There was the 888 Astra Coupe after the 2001 success, limited to 100 units and with Eibach dampers and 17-inch OZ wheels. There was a Triple Eight Astra VXR too, up to 300hp and a properly successful upgrade if the reviews are anything to go by.

Then there's this, the Astra CDTI 888. A St8alth specifically, but we'll come back to the daft name in a bit. There were just 100 Triple Eight diesels, actually priced at just £120 more than an SRI Sports Hatch when launched and £3K less than a petrol VXR. There was another 40hp (now 200hp), bespoke springs and dampers, the VXR bodykit, 335mm front discs with four-pot calipers and those gorgeous Team Dynamics wheels. There was 300lb ft too, enough for 0-60mph in 6.8 seconds and 145mph. How fast was it compared to a VXR? See here.

By all accounts it was a very successful raft of changes, a faster and much more engaging quick Astra diesel. And the St8alth thing? From forum and ad info, four of the 100 were built to this spec (which we'll call Stealth from now on) with Recaro seats and some glossy carbon bits inside and out. Not exactly major changes, but the seats at least look fantastic.

Recaros mark it out from other 888s

Appropriately enough the fastest diesel Astra actually faces a similar problem to the fastest petrol Astra: the Renaultsport Megane. Remember the DCI 175? Something of an unsung hero in the Renaultsport archive, it was very near the hallowed F1 230 dynamically with the promise of nearly 50mpg. And every single one for sale at the moment is less than the Triple Eight Astra. Hmm.

But the 888 remains an interesting car, an incredibly rare and genuinely talented fast Vauxhall. And it's not every day you can say that, is it? The Renault is more affordable and more numerous, the Vauxhall arguably better looking and should be faster. With diesel hardly being popular currently, there would probably be some room for negotiation too. Just get those St8alth badges off pronto.

VAUXHALL ASTRA CDTI 888
Engine: 1,910cc four-cylinder turbodiesel
Transmission: Six-speed manual, front wheel drive
Power (hp): 200@3,550rpm
Torque (lb ft): 300@2,750rpm
MPG: 45 (est.)
CO2: 149 (standard Astra CDTI)
First registered: 2006
Recorded mileage: 73,000
Price new: £17,995
Yours for: £7,250