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Vauxhall Astra Mk III 1.6i Eco (71 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
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 Overview:
Vauxhall Astra (Mk III). With 128 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1000 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 17 s). The top speed reaches 163 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
1.6i Eco (71 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Very poor performance, significantly hampered by the automatic gearbox.
Fuel Economy
Average fuel economy, not as efficient as the manual Eco model.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Wide range of engine choices to suit various needs
- • Practical and spacious interior for its class
- • Generally comfortable ride quality
- • Good value on the used car market
- • Decent handling for a family hatchback
Cons:
- • Dated styling compared to modern cars
- • Some engines are underpowered, especially base diesels
- • Susceptible to rust, particularly in older models
- • Basic interior plastics and build quality
- • Poor 2-star Euro NCAP safety rating
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(van Mk III: 1991 - 1994).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Vauxhall |
| Model: | Astra |
| Generation: | Mk III |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.6i Eco (71 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1992 |
| End of production: | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 71 Hp @ 5000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 44.4 Hp/l [worst than previous generation] |
| 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 |
| Fuel injection system: | Single-point injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.5 l |
| Coolant: | 5.6 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.6 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 17 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 17 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 163 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 14.1 kg/Hp, 71 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.8 kg/Nm, 128 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 16.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1000 |
| Max. weight: | 1515 |
| Max load: | 515 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1200 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 501 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 52 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4239 mm mm [36mm less] |
| Width: | 1689 mm mm [7mm less] |
| Height: | 1389 mm mm [86mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2520 mm mm [3mm more] |
| Front track: | 1420 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1420 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 135 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 | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 175/70 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 13 |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Vauxhall Astra!