Magnificent Seven: Vauxhall Astra through the generations - pictures

<p class="p1">For the past 35 years, the Vauxhall Astra has been a large part of British life.</p>

<p class="p1">We take a look at the Astra's seven design-leading generations with styling chief Mark Adams.</p>

The Mk7 Astra&nbsp;pulls off the trick of looking premium without a premium price attached.

The Mk6 Astra was a bold departure from the previous sharp-lined models.

The Mk5&nbsp;VXR models in particular have become legendary,&nbsp;and Adams is a fan of this particular version; “I still love that roofline.”

<p class="p1">The Astra has always had an edge over its Ford rivals on style, and this Mk4 version was proof of that.</p>

<p class="p1">The Mk3 Astra was when Vauxhaull seemed to discover quality in the model – something that’s lived with the car through to the current generation.</p>

<p class="p1">The Mk2’s ‘teardrop’ shape is among the most iconic of all Astras.</p>

The chiselled looks of the Mk1 Astra was&nbsp;totally at odds with the&nbsp;slab-fronted Ford Escort of the time.