Opel Astra G 1.6 (85 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)
G Overview:
Opel Astra (G). With 138 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.6 l/100km). Weighing only 1068 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 13 s). The top speed reaches 180 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Astra G achieved an average 3-star rating for adult occupant protection in its 1998 Euro NCAP test, which was competitive for its era but falls short of modern safety standards.
1.6 (85 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A slight improvement over the 75hp variant, offering more usable power for daily commuting.
Fuel Economy
Reasonable fuel economy for a petrol engine of its size, a practical choice.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Wide range of engines to suit various needs and budgets
- • Practical and spacious interior for its class
- • Generally good reliability and affordable maintenance
- • Comfortable ride quality for daily commuting
- • Good value on the used car market
Cons:
- • Some entry-level engines are significantly underpowered
- • Interior plastics can feel dated and somewhat cheap
- • Automatic transmissions often dull performance and economy
- • Average Euro NCAP safety rating by modern standards
- • Older models can be prone to rust issues
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(G: July, 1999 - 2002).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Opel |
| Model: | Astra |
| Generation: | G |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.6 (85 Hp) |
| Start of production: | July, 2000 |
| End of production: | 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 85 Hp @ 5400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 53.2 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 138 Nm @ 2600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | Z16SE More details about the engine Z16SE |
| Engine displacement: | 1598 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.5 l |
| Coolant: | 5.9 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 79 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 81.5 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.6:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 9.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.1 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 3 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 13 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 13 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 180 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.6 kg/Hp, 79.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.7 kg/Nm, 129.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 12.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1068 |
| Max. weight: | 1620 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 552 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1180 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 370 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1000 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 52 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 570 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 75 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4110 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1709 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1425 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2606 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Width including mirrors: | 1989 mm |
| Front track: | 1464 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1452 mm |
| Front overhang: | 791 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 713 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 130 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.8 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.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/65 R15 H |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15 ET49 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |



















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