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Vauxhall Astra Mk III Convertible 1.8i 16V (116 Hp)
Overall Rating
Vauxhall Astra:
The Vauxhall Astra is a compact car/small family car that has been sold by Vauxhall since 1980. Over its eight generations, it has been made at several GM/Opel/Stellantis plants around Europe - however most versions have been sourced from Vauxhall's plant at Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, United Kingdom.
For its first two generations, the nameplate was applied to right-hand drive versions of the Opel Kadett for use in the UK. Since 1991, Opel has used the Astra nameplate on its B/C-platform. General Motors' Saturn division in the United States also offered a Belgian-built version of the Astra as a captive import from late 2007 until Saturn was discontinued following GM's 2010 bankruptcy....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Mk III Convertible Overview:
Vauxhall Astra (Mk III Convertible). With 168 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1205 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 200 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
1.8i 16V (116 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A significant step up in performance, offering a respectable 10-second 0-100 km/h time, making it much more capable for highway driving and spirited motoring.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is decent for its power output at 8.5 l/100 km, balancing performance with acceptable running costs.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Affordable entry into convertible ownership
- • Classic, appealing design that has aged well
- • Simple, robust mechanicals for good reliability
- • Good parts availability and easy to maintain
- • Enjoyable open-top driving experience
Cons:
- • Lacks modern safety features and crash protection
- • Performance can be sluggish on lower-powered trims
- • Interior design and materials are dated
- • Noticeable scuttle shake due to chassis flex
- • Rear visibility can be limited with the roof up
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(van Mk III: 1994 - 1998).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Vauxhall |
| Model: | Astra |
| Generation: | Mk III Convertible |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.8i 16V (116 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1995 |
| End of production: | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 116 Hp @ 5400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 64.5 Hp/l [worst than previous generation] |
| Torque: | 168 Nm @ 4800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | C18XEL More details about the engine C18XEL |
| Engine displacement: | 1799 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4 l |
| Coolant: | 6.9 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 12.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 200 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.4 kg/Hp, 96.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.2 kg/Nm, 139.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1205 |
| Max. weight: | 1630 |
| Max load: | 425 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 391 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 52 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4239 mm mm [36mm less] |
| Width: | 1689 mm mm [7mm less] |
| Height: | 1400 mm mm [75mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2520 mm mm [3mm more] |
| Front track: | 1420 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1420 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 140 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 | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Tires size | 185/60 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Vauxhall Astra?