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Opel Astra H 1.8i 16V (125 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)
H Overview:
Opel Astra (H). With 170 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.5 l/100km). Weighing only 1278 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.8 s). The top speed reaches 198 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.
Achieved a strong 5-star rating for adult occupant protection in 2004, demonstrating high safety standards for its era.
1.8i 16V (125 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Adequate performance for daily driving and mixed conditions, but not particularly sporty.
Fuel Economy
Moderate fuel consumption for its power, acceptable for a non-turbo petrol engine.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Wide range of powerful and economical engines
- • Solid build quality and practical interior
- • Good safety rating for its time
- • Comfortable ride and stable handling
- • Affordable on the used market
Cons:
- • Some performance engines can be thirsty
- • Interior design can feel dated compared to rivals
- • Rear visibility can be limited in some body styles
- • Certain common reliability issues (e.g., EGR valves, DPFs on diesels)
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(G Caravan (facelift 2002): 2002 - May, 2004).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Opel |
| Model: | Astra |
| Generation: | H |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.8i 16V (125 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2004 |
| End of production: | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 125 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 69.6 Hp/l [39mm less] |
| Torque: | 170 Nm @ 3800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | Z18XE More details about the engine Z18XE |
| Engine displacement: | 1796 |
| 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: | 4.25 l |
| Coolant: | 6.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 80.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 88.2 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 10.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 198 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.2 kg/Hp, 97.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.5 kg/Nm, 133 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1278 |
| Max. weight: | 1760 |
| Max load: | 482 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1330 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 380 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 52 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4249 mm mm [39mm less] |
| Width: | 1753 mm mm [44mm more] |
| Height: | 1467 mm mm [43mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2614 mm mm [3mm more] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2033 mm |
| Front track: | 1488 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1488 mm |
| Front overhang: | 871 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 764 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 160 mm |
| 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 | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut |
Behind the wheel of the Opel Astra. How does it handle on the road?