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Vauxhall Astra Mk V Convertible 1.8 (140 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 V Convertible Overview:
Vauxhall Astra (Mk V Convertible). With 175 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.8 l/100km). With a weight of 1570 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12.7 s). The top speed reaches 188 km/h. A convertible with a retractable hardtop, offering the benefits of both coupe and cabriolet. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
1.8 (140 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The automatic gearbox dulls performance compared to the manual, making acceleration noticeably slower, though it offers smoother city driving.
Fuel Economy
Slightly worse fuel economy than the manual version due to the automatic transmission, increasing running costs marginally.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Stylish hardtop convertible design offering year-round usability.
- • Good range of engines, from economical diesel to sporty petrol.
- • Relatively spacious for a convertible, especially with the roof up.
- • Comfortable ride quality suitable for longer journeys.
- • Strong value proposition on the used car market.
Cons:
- • Boot space significantly compromised with the roof down.
- • Rear visibility can be limited, especially with the roof up.
- • Some engines can feel underpowered for the car's weight.
- • Potential for complex roof mechanism issues as the car ages.
- • Interior plastics can feel dated compared to some rivals.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Mk V CC Sport Hatch: 2005 - 2010).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Vauxhall |
| Model: | Astra |
| Generation: | Mk V Convertible |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.8 (140 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2006 |
| End of production: | 2011 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe - Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 140 Hp @ 6400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 78 Hp/l [186mm more] |
| Torque: | 175 Nm @ 3800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | Z18XER More details about the engine Z18XER |
| 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 |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.25 l |
| Coolant: | 6.1 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: | 10.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.1 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 12.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 12.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 188 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.2 kg/Hp, 89.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9 kg/Nm, 111.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 12.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1570 |
| Max. weight: | 1900 |
| Max load: | 330 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 440 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 205 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 52 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4476 mm mm [186mm more] |
| Width: | 1759 mm mm [6mm more] |
| Height: | 1411 mm mm [4mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2614 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2021 mm |
| Front track: | 1491 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1481 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 130 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 |
| Tires size | 225/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
Behind the wheel of the Vauxhall Astra. How does it handle on the road?