Opel Astra G (facelift 2002) 2.2 16 V (147 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.1 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 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)

G (facelift 2002) Overview:

Opel Astra (G (facelift 2002)). With 203 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~12 l/100km). Weighing only 1175 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.8 s). The top speed reaches 214 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.

2.2 16 V (147 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

A strong and responsive engine, providing good acceleration and a more engaging driving experience with the manual gearbox.

Fuel Economy

Acceptable fuel economy for the power output, though it's not designed to be a fuel miser.

Best Use Case: Enthusiastic driving / Mixed use / Highway cruising

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):2.2 16 V (147 Hp)
Start of production:2002
End of production:February, 2004
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:3-5
Engine:
Power:147 Hp @ 5800 rpm.
Power per litre:66.9 Hp/l
Torque:203 Nm @ 4000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:Z22SE [Same engine] More details about the engine Z22SE
Engine displacement:2198
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:5 l
Coolant:6.8 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:86 mm mm
Piston Stroke:94.6 mm mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:12 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:8.4 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:8.8 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:8.8 sec
Maximum speed:214 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:8 kg/Hp, 125.1 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.8 kg/Nm, 172.8 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:8.4 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1175
Max. weight:1745
Max load:570
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 ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size195/60 R15
Wheel rims size15
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionSuspension with traction connecting levers

The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Opel Astra!