The Opel Ascona A Voyage 1.6 N, producing 68 horsepower, was a variant of the Ascona A series produced between November 1970 and December 1974. Positioned as an entry-level offering within the Ascona A range, the Voyage was Opel’s take on the practical station wagon (estate) body style. It served as a family-oriented vehicle in the European market, offering a balance of affordability and utility. The Ascona A itself was a significant model for Opel, representing a move towards more modern styling and engineering compared to its predecessors. This particular 1.6 N engine and manual transmission combination aimed to provide economical transportation for a broad customer base.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Ascona |
| Generation | Ascona A Voyage |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 N (68 Hp) |
| Start of production | November, 1970 |
| End of production | December, 1974 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 23.1 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 27.7 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 9.8 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 20 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 20 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 19 sec |
| Maximum speed | 145 km/h |
| Maximum speed (mph) | 90.1 mph |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.6 kg/Hp |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 68.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9 kg/Nm |
| Torque-to-weight ratio | 110.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 68 Hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 42.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 110 Nm @ 3400 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 81.13 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 16N |
| Engine displacement | 1584 cm3 |
| Engine displacement (cu. in.) | 96.66 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 85 mm |
| Cylinder Bore (in.) | 3.35 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 69.8 mm |
| Piston Stroke (in.) | 2.75 in. |
| Compression ratio | 8.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | CIH |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.8 l |
| Engine oil capacity (US qt) | 4.02 US qt |
| Engine oil capacity (UK qt) | 3.34 UK qt |
| Coolant capacity | 6.5 l |
| Coolant capacity (US qt) | 6.87 US qt |
| Coolant capacity (UK qt) | 5.72 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 995 kg |
| Kerb Weight (lbs) | 2193.6 lbs |
| Max. weight | 1505 kg |
| Max. weight (lbs) | 3317.96 lbs |
| Max load | 510 kg |
| Max load (lbs) | 1124.36 lbs |
| Fuel tank capacity | 46 l |
| Fuel tank capacity (US gal) | 12.15 US gal |
| Fuel tank capacity (UK gal) | 10.12 UK gal |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1000 kg |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (lbs) | 2204.62 lbs |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 500 kg |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes (lbs) | 1102.31 lbs |
| Length | 4180 mm |
| Length (in.) | 164.57 in. |
| Width | 1632 mm |
| Width (in.) | 64.25 in. |
| Height | 1400 mm |
| Height (in.) | 55.12 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2430 mm |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 95.67 in. |
| Front track | 1331 mm |
| Front track (in.) | 52.4 in. |
| Rear track | 1320 mm |
| Rear track (in.) | 51.97 in. |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 134 mm |
| Ride height (in.) | 5.28 in. |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.50 |
| Minimum turning circle | 9.76 m |
| Minimum turning circle (ft) | 32.02 ft |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Independent coil spring, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm, Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 155/80 R13; 165/80 R13; 185/70 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 13; 5.5J x 13 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Ascona A Voyage 1.6 N was powered by the Opel 16N engine, a 1584cc inline-four cylinder unit. This engine featured a cast iron block and an aluminum cylinder head, utilizing the Opel CIH (Camshaft In Head) valvetrain design. The CIH design, introduced in the late 1960s, was a significant advancement for Opel, offering improved breathing and efficiency compared to older overhead valve configurations. The 16N engine employed a single, downdraft carburetor for fuel delivery, a common setup for the time, prioritizing simplicity and cost-effectiveness. The engine produced 68 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 110 Nm (81.13 lb-ft) of torque at 3400 rpm. The engine was mounted longitudinally in the front of the vehicle, driving the rear wheels. The standard transmission was a four-speed manual gearbox, chosen for its affordability and suitability for the engine’s power output.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6 N engine in the Ascona A Voyage provided adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 19 seconds, and the top speed was around 90 mph. The four-speed manual transmission offered relatively widely spaced gear ratios, prioritizing fuel economy over rapid acceleration. Compared to the more powerful Ascona variants, such as those equipped with larger engines or fuel injection, the 1.6 N felt noticeably slower. However, it offered a more relaxed driving experience, particularly on long journeys. The rear-wheel-drive layout provided predictable handling, although it lacked the sophistication of more modern suspension systems. The relatively light weight of the Ascona A Voyage (995 kg / 2193.6 lbs) helped to mitigate the engine’s modest power output.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Ascona A Voyage 1.6 N was typically equipped with basic, functional features. Standard equipment included cloth upholstery, a simple dashboard layout with basic instrumentation (speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge), and manually operated windows and door locks. The Voyage trim level generally represented the entry point into the Ascona A range, so luxury features were limited. Optional extras included a radio, upgraded upholstery, and a sunroof. The interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering ample space for passengers and cargo. The station wagon body style provided a large and versatile cargo area, making it ideal for families or those needing to transport bulky items.
Chassis & Braking
The Ascona A Voyage featured a conventional chassis design for the era. The front suspension utilized independent coil springs with a transverse stabilizer bar, providing a reasonable level of ride comfort and handling. The rear suspension employed a rigid axle with trailing arms and coil springs, also incorporating a transverse stabilizer bar. Braking was provided by disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear wheels. The braking system was adequate for the vehicle’s weight and performance, but lacked the stopping power of more modern systems. Steering was via a steering rack and pinion, offering reasonably precise control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Ascona A Voyage 1.6 N was generally well-received as an affordable and practical family car. Critics praised its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and reasonable fuel economy (around 23.1 US mpg). However, it was often criticized for its modest performance and basic equipment levels. Compared to other Ascona variants, such as the 1.9L models, the 1.6 N offered a lower price point but sacrificed performance. It competed with other European station wagons of the time, such as the Ford Cortina Estate and the Volkswagen Passat Variant. The Ascona A Voyage offered a compelling combination of value and practicality, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Legacy
The Opel Ascona A Voyage 1.6 N, while not a particularly high-performance variant, remains a fondly remembered classic among Opel enthusiasts. The 16N engine proved to be relatively durable and reliable, and many examples are still on the road today. Parts availability can be a challenge, but the engine’s simplicity makes it relatively easy to maintain. In the used car market, the Ascona A Voyage 1.6 N is valued for its classic styling, practicality, and affordability. It represents a significant chapter in Opel’s history, showcasing the company’s commitment to providing well-built and reliable vehicles for the European market.
