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Opel Astra F Cabrio (facelift 1994) 1.4i Ecotec 16V (90 Hp)
Overall Rating
Opel Astra:
The Opel Astra is a compact car/small family car developed and produced by the German automaker Opel since 1991, currently at its sixth generation. It was first launched in September 1991 as a direct replacement to the Opel Kadett. As of 2025, the car slots between the smaller Corsa supermini and the larger Frontera subcompact crossover SUV.
Initially, the Astra was available in hatchback, saloon, and estate forms. A panel van and a convertible also appeared in the early 1990s. These body styles were later followed by a coupé in 2004, and the sporty Astra OPC appeared in 2005. The Twin Top retractable hardtop convertible replaced the soft top convertible in 2006, while the Caravan was renamed to Astra Sports Tourer since 2009....(Read more on Wikipedia)
F Cabrio (facelift 1994) Overview:
Opel Astra (F Cabrio (facelift 1994)). With 125 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8.9 l/100km). Weighing only 1120 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 13.5 s). The top speed reaches 178 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
1.4i Ecotec 16V (90 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers a good balance of power for its size, providing adequate acceleration for daily driving and light highway use.
Fuel Economy
Relatively fuel-efficient for its era, benefiting from the Ecotec technology for reasonable running costs.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Affordable open-top motoring experience
- • Simple and generally reliable mechanics
- • Practical trunk space for a convertible (390L)
- • Good fuel economy on Ecotec engines
- • Easy to maintain with readily available parts
Cons:
- • Safety standards are outdated (no Euro NCAP rating)
- • Performance can be sluggish with smaller engines, especially automatics
- • Interior design is basic and dated
- • Scuttle shake common for convertibles of this era
- • Rear drum brakes on some trims limit braking performance
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(F Caravan (facelift 1994): 1995 - December, 1997).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Opel |
| Model: | Astra |
| Generation: | F Cabrio (facelift 1994) |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.4i Ecotec 16V (90 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 90 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 64.8 Hp/l [39mm less] |
| Torque: | 125 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | X14XE More details about the engine X14XE |
| Engine displacement: | 1389 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.5 l |
| Coolant: | 5.6 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 77.6 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 73.4 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 8.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.3 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 13.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 13.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 178 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.4 kg/Hp, 80.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9 kg/Nm, 111.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 12.8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1120 |
| Max. weight: | 1545 |
| Max load: | 425 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 390 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 52 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4239 mm mm [39mm less] |
| Width: | 1684 mm mm [12mm less] |
| Height: | 1400 mm mm [125mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2517 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Width including mirrors: | 1852 mm |
| Front track: | 1424 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1423 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 140 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.5 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 185/60 R14 82H |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 14 |
Behind the wheel of the Opel Astra. How does it handle on the road?