the astra
The car, as a node on the network.
A 2018 Astra K, rebuilt from a written-off daily into a sleeper — and wired into the same network as everything else we run. Here's what it is, what's in it, and how it fits.
Sleeper Daily
2018 Vauxhall Astra K (Mk7) · Cosmic Gray Metallic
B16SHT 1.6T · 200 PS · OEM-plus
status · running numbers
as of 27 Aug 2026mileage
84,809mi
driven
12,130mi
since Dec 2024
last service
Jul 2026
next · MOT
May 2027
From our own servers · via LubeLogger ›
the build · subsystems
Powertrain (1.6T)
operational — 200 PS · fresh iridium plugs
Chassis & Braking
nominal — full 4-corner refresh
Cabin Tech Node
operational — 12GB/512GB Android head unit · symphony ambient lighting
Aesthetics / Body
operational — respray · refurbished alloys
the build · spec
power
200 PS 197 bhp
torque
300 Nm 221 lb·ft
0–62
7.4 s
top speed
146 mph
engine
1.6L Turbo B16SHT
gearbox
6-speed manual · FWD
the build · what's been done
9 systems
Suspension & Steering
✓
full 4-corner refresh — shocks, arms, links, rack
Engine & Transmission
✓
belt, plugs, mounts, shifter linkage
Braking
✓
discs + pads all round, fresh hoses
Bodywork & Paint
✓
deep respray in Cosmic Gray, alloys refurbished
Exterior & Styling
✓
tints, deflectors, smoked sweeping indicators
Lighting
✓
LED headlamps + DRL module
Dashcam & Recording
✓
VIOFO A329 4K, front & rear, hardwired
Service & Seals
✓
thermostat, filters, gearbox & crank seals
Cabin Tech
✓
Android head unit (12GB/512GB) + symphony ambient lighting
Build complete · Jul 2026.
the story
the short versionDec 2024
Acquired
A standard 1.6T daily enters service. Nothing special yet.
Sep 2025
The clutch gives up
The hydraulic clutch circuit lets go. Recovered, gearbox out, and properly rebuilt.
Dec 2025
Written off over a scrape
A minor side-swipe gets called a total loss. We bought it back and rebuilt it instead.
Jun 2026
Back to baseline
A suspension refresh and an MOT with zero advisories — a clean mechanical slate.
Jul 2026
Finished
Respray, refurbished alloys, the cabin tech in. From write-off to sleeper daily.
what's fitted
the kit that went inVIOFO A329 dashcam
view on Amazon ›
VIOFO HK4 hardwire kit
view on Amazon ›
SanDisk 512GB microSD
view on Amazon ›
Wind deflectors — Astra K
view on Amazon ›
LED sweeping indicators — Astra K
view on Amazon ›
kit we keep in it
Star projector car charger
view on Amazon ›
12V tyre inflator
view on Amazon ›
Microfibre cloths
view on Amazon ›
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.