Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Opel Astra F Caravan (facelift 1994) 1.8i Ecotec 16V (116 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 Caravan (facelift 1994) Overview:
Opel Astra (F Caravan (facelift 1994)). With 168 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.2 l/100km). Weighing only 1150 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10 s). The top speed reaches 195 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
1.8i Ecotec 16V (116 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A very capable engine, offering a strong blend of power and refinement suitable for most driving scenarios.
Fuel Economy
Good balance of power and efficiency, making it a sensible and cost-effective choice for daily driving.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent cargo space and practicality for a compact estate
- • Wide range of engine options, from economical diesels to powerful petrols
- • Generally robust and reliable build quality for its era
- • Affordable to buy and maintain, offering strong value
- • Comfortable ride for long journeys
Cons:
- • Interior design and materials are dated compared to modern cars
- • Some smaller engines can feel underpowered, especially with automatic transmissions
- • Safety features are limited by 1990s standards
- • Fuel economy for larger petrol engines can be high
- • Lack of refinement in some base models
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(F Caravan: August, 1992 - July, 1994).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Opel |
| Model: | Astra |
| Generation: | F Caravan (facelift 1994) |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.8i Ecotec 16V (116 Hp) |
| Start of production: | August, 1994 |
| End of production: | April, 1995 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 116 Hp @ 5400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 64.5 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 168 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | C18XEL More details about the engine C18XEL |
| Engine displacement: | 1799 |
| 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: | 4 l |
| Coolant: | 7 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 81.6 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 195 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.9 kg/Hp, 100.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.8 kg/Nm, 146.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1150 |
| Max. weight: | 1640 |
| Max load: | 490 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1630 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 500 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 50 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4278 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1696 mm mm [8mm more] |
| Height: | 1525 mm mm [50mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2517 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Width including mirrors: | 1852 mm |
| Front track: | 1424 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1423 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 135 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 | 175/65 R14 82H |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 14 ET 49 |
If you could change one thing about the Opel Astra, what would it be?