The Opel Astra J 1.7 CDTI, producing 110 horsepower, was a significant variant within the broader Astra J range manufactured between 2009 and 2012. Positioned as a fuel-efficient and practical option, it catered to buyers seeking a balance between economy and everyday usability. This model occupied a mid-range slot in the Astra J lineup, offering a step up from the base petrol engines while remaining more accessible than the higher-performance or more luxurious trims. The Astra J itself represented Opel’s attempt to modernize and elevate the Astra’s image, moving it into a more competitive segment against rivals like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Peugeot 308. This particular diesel variant was especially popular in European markets where diesel fuel was more affordable and government incentives favored lower-emission vehicles.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Astra |
| Generation | Astra J |
| Type (Engine) | 1.7 CDTI (110 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2009 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.4 l/100 km (43.6 US mpg, 52.3 UK mpg, 18.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4 l/100 km (58.8 US mpg, 70.6 UK mpg, 25 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg, 62.8 UK mpg, 22.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 119 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12 sec |
| Maximum speed | 181 km/h (112.47 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.8 kg/Hp, 72.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.8 kg/Nm, 171.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 3800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 65.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 260 Nm @ 1700-2550 rpm (191.77 lb.-ft. @ 1700-2550 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A17DTJ |
| Engine displacement | 1686 cm3 (102.89 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 18.4:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.4 l (5.71 US qt | 4.75 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.1 l (7.5 US qt | 6.25 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1515 kg (3340 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2065 kg (4552.55 lbs.) |
| Max load | 550 kg (1212.54 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 370 l (13.07 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1235 l (43.61 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 56 l (14.79 US gal | 12.32 UK gal) |
| Length | 4419 mm (173.98 in.) |
| Width | 1814 mm (71.42 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2013 mm (79.25 in.) |
| Height | 1510 mm (59.45 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2685 mm (105.71 in.) |
| Front track | 1541 mm (60.67 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1551 mm (61.06 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 160 mm (6.3 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.4 m (37.4 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 | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 215/60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Astra J 1.7 CDTI was the A17DTJ engine, a 1.7-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine was part of Opel/Fiat’s family of small-displacement diesel engines, known for their efficiency and relatively low emissions. The A17DTJ featured a common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel directly into the combustion chamber at extremely high pressure. This, combined with a turbocharger and intercooler, allowed for a good balance of power and fuel economy. The engine utilized four valves per cylinder and a single overhead camshaft. The 110 horsepower output was achieved at 3800 rpm, while the peak torque of 260 Nm (191.77 lb-ft) was available from 1700 to 2550 rpm, providing ample pulling power for everyday driving. The engine was paired with a six-speed manual transmission, optimized for fuel efficiency and smooth gear changes. While an automatic transmission was offered on other Astra J variants, it wasn’t typically paired with this specific 1.7 CDTI engine.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.7 CDTI with the manual transmission offered a practical and economical driving experience. Acceleration was adequate for most situations, with the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint taking around 12.6 seconds. The engine’s strong low-end torque made it feel more responsive than its horsepower figure might suggest, particularly in urban driving. The six-speed gearbox allowed for efficient cruising on the highway, keeping engine speeds relatively low and contributing to good fuel economy. Compared to the more powerful 1.4 Turbo petrol or the 2.0 CDTI diesel variants, the 1.7 CDTI felt less refined and offered less outright performance. However, it excelled in fuel efficiency, consistently achieving combined fuel economy figures around 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg). The gear ratios were tuned for economy rather than outright speed, meaning that while it was capable of highway speeds, it required downshifts for quicker overtaking maneuvers.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Astra J 1.7 CDTI typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. Base models included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an audio system with MP3 compatibility. Higher trim levels, such as ‘Enjoy’ or ‘Cosmo’, added features like alloy wheels, cruise control, automatic climate control, and a more sophisticated infotainment system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for upgraded materials on higher trims. Safety features included ABS, electronic stability control, and multiple airbags. Optional extras included parking sensors, a sunroof, and a navigation system.
Chassis & Braking
The Astra J utilized a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provided a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs. The Astra J’s chassis was designed to be relatively lightweight, contributing to its fuel efficiency and agility. The steering was a rack and pinion system, providing precise and responsive handling. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Astra J 1.7 CDTI was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and economical choice. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and reasonable price point. However, some critics noted that the engine could be somewhat noisy and lacked the refinement of some of its rivals. Compared to the 1.4 Turbo petrol, the 1.7 CDTI offered significantly better fuel economy but less outright performance. The 2.0 CDTI diesel provided more power and refinement but came at a higher price. In terms of reliability, the A17DTJ engine proved to be generally robust, although issues with the diesel particulate filter (DPF) were sometimes reported, particularly on vehicles used primarily for short journeys.
Legacy
The Opel Astra J 1.7 CDTI remains a popular choice in the used car market, particularly for buyers seeking a fuel-efficient and reliable hatchback. The A17DTJ engine, while not the most powerful, has proven to be durable and relatively easy to maintain. The availability of spare parts is good, and the Astra J’s relatively simple mechanical design makes it accessible to independent mechanics. While newer vehicles offer more advanced technology and features, the Astra J 1.7 CDTI continues to represent a good value proposition for those seeking a practical and economical mode of transportation.
