Opel Astra F Caravan (facelift 1994) 1.6i Ecotec (71 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

7.4 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 3.2 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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 128 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.3 l/100km). Weighing only 1075 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 17.5 s). The top speed reaches 158 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.

1.6i Ecotec (71 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 2 stars

Performance Verdict

Very slow with the automatic gearbox, making it suitable only for very relaxed urban driving where speed is not a priority.

Fuel Economy

Slightly worse fuel economy than the manual, but still relatively economical for an automatic city car.

Best Use Case: City

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):1.6i Ecotec (71 Hp) Automatic
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:71 Hp @ 5000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:44.4 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:128 Nm @ 2800 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:X16SZ More details about the engine X16SZ
Engine displacement:1598
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Single-point injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:3.5 l
Coolant:5.6 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:79 mm mm
Piston Stroke:81.5 mm mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:11.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:8.5 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:17.5 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:17.5 sec
Maximum speed:158 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:15.1 kg/Hp, 66 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:8.4 kg/Nm, 119.1 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:16.6 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1075
Max. weight:1575
Max load:500
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:1430-1424 mm
Rear (Back) track:1429-1423 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):135 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.5 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesDisc [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Tires size175/70 R13 82T; 175/65 R14 82T
Wheel rims size5.5J x 13 ET49; 5.5J x 14 ET49

Your first impression of the Opel Astra in one word? Go!