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Opel Astra J (facelift 2012) 1.4 (87 Hp) Ecotec
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)
J (facelift 2012) Overview:
Opel Astra (J (facelift 2012)). With 130 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~7.2 l/100km). With a weight of 1373 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 15.1 s). The top speed reaches 170 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.
1.4 (87 Hp) Ecotec Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Entry-level performance, suitable for city driving but struggles on highways.
Fuel Economy
Modest fuel economy for its power output, not the most efficient option.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Comfortable ride and refined cabin ambiance.
- • Wide range of efficient and capable engines, especially the diesels.
- • Excellent 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
- • Spacious interior and practical boot capacity.
- • Solid build quality and appealing exterior design.
Cons:
- • Some entry-level petrol engines can feel underpowered.
- • Interior can appear cluttered with numerous buttons.
- • Automatic transmissions often compromise performance and fuel economy.
- • Rear visibility can be somewhat limited due to design.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(J GTC: 2011 - 2018).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Opel |
| Model: | Astra |
| Generation: | J (facelift 2012) |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.4 (87 Hp) Ecotec |
| Start of production: | 2012 |
| End of production: | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 87 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 62.2 Hp/l [47mm less] |
| Torque: | 130 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | A14XEL More details about the engine A14XEL |
| Engine displacement: | 1398 |
| 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 |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4 l |
| Coolant: | 6.2 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 73.4 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 82.6 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 7.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 4.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 5.5 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 5 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 15.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 15.1 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 170 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 15.8 kg/Hp, 63.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 10.6 kg/Nm, 94.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 14.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1373 |
| Max. weight: | 1870 |
| Max. roof load: | 75 kg |
| Max load: | 497 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1235 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 370 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 850 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 56 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 670 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4419 mm mm [47mm less] |
| Width: | 1814 mm mm [26mm less] |
| Height: | 1510 mm mm [28mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2685 mm mm [10mm less] |
| Width with mirrors folded: | 1831 mm |
| Width including mirrors: | 2013 mm |
| Front track: | 1544 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1554 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 165 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.4 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 |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Behind the wheel of the Opel Astra. How does it handle on the road?