Vauxhall Cavalier Mk II Convertible 1800i (112 Hp)
Overall Rating
Vauxhall Cavalier:
The Vauxhall Cavalier is a large family car that was sold primarily in the United Kingdom by Vauxhall from 1975 to 1995. It was based on a succession of Opel designs throughout its production life, during which it was built in three incarnations. The first generation of Cavalier, launched in 1975 and produced until 1981, was Vauxhall's version of the General Motors 'U-Car' — essentially an Opel Ascona B/ Opel Manta with a few minor visual differences.
The second generation of Cavalier, launched in 1981 and produced until 1988, was launched simultaneously with the identical new generation of Opel Ascona, which was sold across the world in various guises on the GM "J-Body platform". The third and final generation of Cavalier, launched in 1988 and produced until 1995, was a rebadged Opel Vectra A with the same production span. Cavaliers for the UK market were predominantly built at Vauxhall's Luton plant, but were also built alongside their Ascona/Vectra sister models at Opel plants in Continental Europe....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Mk II Convertible Overview:
Vauxhall Cavalier (Mk II Convertible). Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
1800i (112 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 1.8i 112 Hp engine provided adequate performance for the Mk II Convertible, offering a respectable balance for cruising and general road use without being overtly sporty. It was a solid performer for its time.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy for the 1.8i engine was typical for a naturally aspirated unit of its era, offering reasonable efficiency for a car of its size and power, though not exceptional by modern standards.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Classic 1980s styling with open-top appeal
- • Relatively simple and robust mechanicals (GM Family II engine)
- • Comfortable for cruising and leisure drives
- • Growing classic car appeal and community support
- • Decent performance for its era
Cons:
- • Dated safety features compared to modern vehicles
- • Potential for body flex or 'scuttle shake' inherent in older convertibles
- • Limited availability of specific trim parts due to age
- • Fuel economy is average by today's standards
- • Prone to rust in common areas if not well maintained
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Mk II Estate: 1983 - 1988).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Vauxhall |
| Model: | Cavalier |
| Generation: | Mk II Convertible |
| Modification (Engine): | 1800i (112 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1985 |
| End of production: | 1988 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 112 Hp Same horsepower |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.5 l |
| Coolant: | 7.5 l |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |












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