Vauxhall Astra Mk III Estate 1.7 TD (68 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.1 / 10
Safety 2.0 / 5
Engine 2.8 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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 Estate Overview:

Vauxhall Astra (Mk III Estate). With 105 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8.5 l/100km). Weighing only 1050 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 18.5 s). The top speed reaches 164 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.

1.7 TD (68 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Very slow and struggles significantly, particularly at higher speeds or when loaded.

Fuel Economy

Good fuel efficiency for a diesel of its time, making it economical to run.

Best Use Case: Economical long-distance, low-speed driving, budget-conscious.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Excellent practicality and spacious estate body style
  • • Wide range of engines to suit various needs and budgets
  • • Generally robust and affordable to maintain
  • • Good value on the used car market
  • • Comfortable ride for its class

Cons:

  • • Dated safety features and low Euro NCAP rating
  • • Some engines are underpowered or inefficient (especially automatics)
  • • Prone to rust, particularly in older models
  • • Interior quality and design are basic by modern standards
  • • Refinement levels are not on par with newer vehicles

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Mk III Convertible: 1993 - 1994).

General:
Brand:Vauxhall
Model:Astra
Generation:Mk III Estate
Modification (Engine):1.7 TD (68 Hp)
Start of production:1994
End of production:1998
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:68 Hp @ 4600 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:40 Hp/l [41mm more]
Torque:105 Nm @ 2400 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:X17DTL More details about the engine X17DTL
Engine displacement:1699
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Precombustion chamber injection
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger
Engine oil capacity:4.5 l
Coolant:6.8 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:8.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:6.4 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:18.5 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:18.5 sec
Maximum speed:164 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:15.4 kg/Hp, 64.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:10 kg/Nm, 100 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:17.6 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1050
Max. weight:1555
Max load:505
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:500 l
Fuel tank capacity:50 l
Size:
Length:4280 mm mm [41mm more]
Width:1688 mm mm [1mm less]
Height:1481 mm mm [71mm more]
Wheelbase:2520 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
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
Tires size175/65 R14
Wheel rims size14

Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Vauxhall Astra rank in your book?