The Opel Astra H TwinTop 1.6i 16V ECOTEC (115 hp) was a front-wheel-drive, two-door coupe-convertible produced between July 2010 and October 2010. Positioned as an entry-level offering within the Astra H TwinTop range, it provided an accessible route to open-top motoring. This variant utilized Opel’s ‘ECOTEC’ engine family, emphasizing fuel efficiency alongside reasonable performance. It was part of the H generation Astra, built on the GM Delta platform, also known internally as the 1HX0 for the five-door hatchback and A3 for the TwinTop.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Astra |
| Generation | Astra H TwinTop |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6i 16V ECOTEC (115 Hp) |
| Start of production | July, 2010 |
| End of production | October, 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe – Cabriolet |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.2 l/100 km (25.6 US mpg, 30.7 UK mpg, 10.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg, 49.6 UK mpg, 17.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7 l/100 km (33.6 US mpg, 40.4 UK mpg, 14.3 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 186 km/h (115.58 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.1 kg/Hp, 82.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.3 kg/Nm, 107.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 115 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 72 Hp/l |
| Torque | 150 Nm @ 3900 rpm (110.63 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z16XER |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81.5 mm (3.21 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.9 l (7.29 US qt | 6.07 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1395 kg (3075.45 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1865 kg (4111.62 lbs.) |
| Max load | 470 kg (1036.17 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 205 l (7.24 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 440 l (15.54 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 52 l (13.74 US gal | 11.44 UK gal) |
| Length | 4476 mm (176.22 in.) |
| Width | 1759 mm (69.25 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 1831 mm (72.09 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2021 mm (79.57 in.) |
| Height | 1411 mm (55.55 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2614 mm (102.91 in.) |
| Front track | 1488 mm (58.58 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1481 mm (58.31 in.) |
| Front overhang | 909 mm (35.79 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 953 mm (37.52 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 122 mm (4.8 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.2 m (36.75 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Transverse stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Astra H TwinTop 1.6i utilized the Z16XER engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine was a member of Opel’s ‘ECOTEC’ family, known for its focus on efficiency and refinement. The Z16XER featured multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This configuration allowed for good breathing and contributed to the engine’s 115 horsepower output at 6000 rpm and 150 Nm (110.63 lb-ft) of torque at 3900 rpm. The engine’s compression ratio was 10.5:1. The engine was transversely mounted in the front of the vehicle. The transmission was a five-speed manual gearbox, chosen for its balance of cost and efficiency. While an automatic transmission was available on other Astra H models, it wasn’t offered with this specific engine/trim combination.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6-liter engine, paired with the five-speed manual transmission, provided adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 13.4 seconds, and the top speed was 186 km/h (115.58 mph). The gear ratios were tuned for fuel economy rather than outright acceleration. The engine felt somewhat strained when pushed hard, particularly when fully loaded or climbing hills. Compared to the more powerful 1.9 CDTi diesel or the 2.0 Turbo variants, the 1.6i offered a smoother, quieter driving experience but lacked the punch for quick overtaking maneuvers. The manual transmission offered precise shifts, but the clutch pedal could feel slightly heavy during extended use.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6i TwinTop typically came with a reasonable level of standard equipment. This included power windows, central locking, air conditioning, and an audio system with CD player. Safety features such as ABS and front airbags were also standard. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a relatively simple dashboard layout. Optional extras included alloy wheels, upgraded audio systems, and parking sensors. The TwinTop’s retractable hardtop was a key feature, offering the versatility of a coupe with the open-air enjoyment of a convertible. The trim level was generally considered entry-level within the TwinTop range, focusing on providing an affordable convertible experience.
Chassis & Braking
The Astra H TwinTop featured a coil spring suspension system at the front and a transverse stabilizer at the rear. The front brakes were ventilated discs, providing good stopping power, while the rear brakes were drums. This configuration was typical for vehicles in this weight class and price range. The steering was a rack and pinion system, offering reasonable precision and feedback. The chassis was reinforced to compensate for the loss of structural rigidity caused by the removal of the fixed roof. The suspension was tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, providing a relatively smooth ride on most road surfaces.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Astra H TwinTop 1.6i was generally well-received as an affordable and stylish convertible. Critics praised the car’s retractable hardtop and comfortable ride. However, the 1.6-liter engine was often criticized for being underpowered, especially when compared to the more potent diesel and turbocharged petrol options. Fuel economy was considered good for a convertible, averaging around 33.6 US mpg in combined driving. Compared to rivals like the Peugeot 207 CC and Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet, the Astra H TwinTop offered a competitive package in terms of price and features, but often lagged behind in terms of performance.
Legacy
The Z16XER engine, while not known for being particularly groundbreaking, proved to be relatively reliable. Common issues included occasional oil leaks and sensor failures, but these were generally not major concerns. The Astra H TwinTop, as a whole, has maintained a reasonable level of popularity in the used car market, particularly among buyers looking for an affordable and stylish convertible. The 1.6i variant, while not the fastest or most well-equipped, offers a good balance of affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. Parts availability remains good, making maintenance relatively straightforward. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for corrosion, particularly on older examples.
