Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Opel Astra G (facelift 2002) 1.8 16V (125 Hp) Automatic
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 (facelift 2002) Overview:
Opel Astra (G (facelift 2002)). With 170 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~12 l/100km). Weighing only 1155 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11 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.
1.8 16V (125 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Adequate power for daily tasks, but the automatic transmission makes it feel noticeably slower and less engaging than the manual counterpart.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is significantly worse than the manual version, making it less economical for regular use.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and practical interior for its class
- • Wide range of engines, including a potent OPC variant
- • Generally comfortable ride quality
- • Good value on the used car market
- • Robust and simple mechanicals (for many variants)
Cons:
- • Some interior plastics feel dated and lack premium feel
- • Automatic transmissions can be sluggish and impact economy
- • Certain engines have known reliability quirks (e.g., Z22SE timing chain)
- • Steering can lack feedback compared to rivals like the Focus
- • Fuel economy for some petrol engines is not class-leading
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(G: 2001 - 2002).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Opel |
| Model: | Astra |
| Generation: | G (facelift 2002) |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.8 16V (125 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2002 |
| End of production: | February, 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 125 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 69.6 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| 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: | 6.3 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: | 12 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.6 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 198 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.2 kg/Hp, 108.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.8 kg/Nm, 147.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1155 |
| Max. weight: | 1700 |
| Max load: | 545 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1180 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 370 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 52 l |
| 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: | 1967 mm |
| Front track: | 1464 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1452 mm |
| Front overhang: | 791 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 713 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 | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| 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 |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/60 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Suspension with traction connecting levers |
Your first impression of the Opel Astra in one word? Go!