The Opel Astra J (facelift, introduced in 2012) 1.6 (115 hp) Ecotec Start/Stop represents a significant iteration within the Astra J generation, produced from 2009 to 2015. This variant, positioned as a mainstream offering within the Astra J lineup, aimed to balance fuel efficiency with acceptable performance for everyday driving. The facelift brought revised styling, improved interior materials, and updated technology, including the introduction of the Start/Stop system to further enhance fuel economy. It primarily served the European market, where the Astra was a consistently popular choice in the compact family car segment. This specific engine and transmission combination was designed to appeal to buyers prioritizing affordability and lower running costs.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Astra |
| Generation | Astra J (facelift 2012) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (115 Hp) Ecotec start/stop |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.8-8.1 l/100 km (30.2 – 29 US mpg, 36.2 – 34.9 UK mpg, 12.8 – 12.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.8-5.1 l/100 km (49 – 46.1 US mpg, 58.9 – 55.4 UK mpg, 20.8 – 19.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.9-6.2 l/100 km (39.9 – 37.9 US mpg, 47.9 – 45.6 UK mpg, 16.9 – 16.1 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 139-145 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 188 km/h (116.82 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.4 kg/Hp, 87.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.5 kg/Nm, 118.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 115 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 72 Hp/l |
| Torque | 155 Nm @ 4000 rpm (114.32 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A16XER |
| 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.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.6 l (5.92 US qt | 4.93 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1313 kg (2894.67 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1885 kg (4155.71 lbs.) |
| Max load | 572 kg (1261.04 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) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1250 kg (2755.78 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 680 kg (1499.14 lbs.) |
| Length | 4419 mm (173.98 in.) |
| Width | 1814 mm (71.42 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 1831 mm (72.09 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.) |
| 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 | 5 gears, manual transmission |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Astra J 1.6 Ecotec Start/Stop utilizes the A16XER engine code, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder petrol engine. This engine is naturally aspirated and employs multi-port fuel injection. The A16XER is known for its relatively simple design, contributing to its reliability. The engine features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, optimizing breathing for improved power output. The Start/Stop system, a key feature of this variant, automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stationary (e.g., at traffic lights) and restarts it instantly when the driver depresses the clutch pedal (in the manual transmission version). This system significantly reduces fuel consumption in urban driving conditions. The 5-speed manual transmission was the standard offering, designed to provide a balance between fuel efficiency and driving engagement. The gear ratios were tuned for economy, prioritizing lower engine speeds at highway cruising.
Driving Characteristics
The 115 hp output and 155 Nm of torque provide adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes around 11.1 seconds, making it suitable for everyday commuting and general driving. Compared to higher-output Astra J variants, such as those equipped with the 1.4 Turbo or 2.0 CDTI diesel engines, the 1.6 Ecotec feels noticeably less powerful. However, the 1.6 offers a smoother and more linear power delivery than the turbocharged engines, which can exhibit some turbo lag. The manual transmission provides a decent level of control, but the gear ratios are geared towards fuel economy rather than outright performance. The Start/Stop system, while effective in reducing fuel consumption, can sometimes feel slightly intrusive during stop-and-go traffic.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 Ecotec Start/Stop typically came equipped as a mid-range trim level. Standard features generally included air conditioning, electric front windows, a CD/MP3 stereo system, and basic safety equipment such as ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), and multiple airbags. Higher trim levels offered additional features like alloy wheels, cruise control, a touchscreen infotainment system, and parking sensors. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for upgraded materials available. The dashboard layout was functional and user-friendly, with a focus on ergonomics.
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 torsion beam rear suspension was a cost-effective solution commonly found in vehicles of this class. Braking systems consisted of disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear wheels. The braking performance was adequate for everyday driving, but not as powerful as the larger disc brake setups found on higher-performance Astra J models. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Astra J 1.6 Ecotec Start/Stop was generally well-received by critics as a practical and economical choice. Its fuel efficiency was a major selling point, particularly in Europe where fuel prices are high. Compared to the diesel variants, the 1.6 petrol engine offered a lower purchase price but higher running costs (due to fuel consumption). Compared to the 1.4 Turbo, the 1.6 offered a simpler and potentially more reliable powertrain, but with less performance. The Start/Stop system was praised for its effectiveness in reducing emissions and fuel consumption, but some reviewers noted that it could feel slightly jerky at times.
Legacy
The A16XER engine, while not known for being particularly groundbreaking, has proven to be a relatively reliable unit when properly maintained. Common issues include occasional oil leaks and potential problems with the ignition coils. The Astra J 1.6 Ecotec Start/Stop remains a popular choice in the used car market, particularly for buyers seeking an affordable and fuel-efficient compact hatchback. Its simplicity and relatively low maintenance costs make it an attractive option for those looking for a dependable daily driver. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for age-related wear and tear and ensure that the vehicle has been regularly serviced.
