Opel Astra H GTC 1.8i 16V (125 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

7.7 / 10
Safety 5.0 / 5
Engine 3.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 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)

H GTC Overview:

Opel Astra (H GTC). With 170 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.3 l/100km). Weighing only 1210 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11.7 s). The top speed reaches 190 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.

1.8i 16V (125 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Decent power, but the automatic transmission dulls acceleration and responsiveness compared to the manual.

Fuel Economy

Slightly worse fuel economy than the manual version, but still acceptable for an automatic.

Best Use Case: Urban commuting where automatic convenience is preferred.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Sporty and attractive styling, especially the GTC variant
  • • Wide range of engines, from economical diesels to high-performance OPC
  • • Good handling and engaging driving dynamics for a C-segment car
  • • Practical hatchback space with a decent boot
  • • Strong Euro NCAP safety rating for its era

Cons:

  • • Some entry-level engines can feel underpowered
  • • Interior plastics can feel dated compared to rivals
  • • Ride can be firm on sportier trims and larger wheels
  • • Known for some common electrical gremlins (e.g., CIM module)
  • • Automatic transmissions can be sluggish and less efficient

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(G Cabrio: March, 2001 - October, 2005).

General:
Brand:Opel
Model:Astra
Generation:H GTC
Modification (Engine):1.8i 16V (125 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:March, 2005
End of production:October, 2006
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:3
Engine:
Power:125 Hp @ 5600 rpm.
Power per litre:69.6 Hp/l
Torque:170 Nm @ 3800 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:Z18XE [Same engine] 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:6.5 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:11.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:8.1 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 4
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:11.7 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:11.7 sec
Maximum speed:190 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:9.7 kg/Hp, 103.3 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.1 kg/Nm, 140.5 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:11.1 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1210
Max. weight:1785
Max load:575
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:380 l
Fuel tank capacity:52 l
Size:
Length:4290 mm mm [23mm more]
Width:1753 mm mm [44mm more]
Height:1415 mm mm [25mm more]
Wheelbase:2614 mm mm [8mm more]
Width including mirrors:2033 mm
Front track:1488 mm
Rear (Back) track:1488 mm
Front overhang:910 mm
Rear overhang:766 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):140 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Tires size205/55 R16
Wheel rims size6.5J x 16
Front suspensionSpring Strut
Rear suspensionSpring Strut

Is the Opel Astra worth every penny? Give us your honest ROI.