The Opel Astra K Sports Tourer 1.4 ECOTEC (150 hp) ecoFLEX start&stop is a station wagon that was produced from 2015 to 2018. It represents a key variant within the Astra K generation (2015-2019), built on the GM Delta platform. Positioned as a mid-range offering, it aimed to balance fuel efficiency with respectable performance, appealing to families and drivers seeking a practical and economical vehicle. The Sports Tourer body style, or estate as it’s known in Europe, provided increased cargo capacity compared to the hatchback version, making it a popular choice in European markets.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Astra |
| Generation | Astra K Sports Tourer |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 ECOTEC (150 Hp) ecoFLEX start&stop |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.2 – 6.3 l/100 km (37.9 – 37.3 US mpg, 45.6 – 44.8 UK mpg, 16.1 – 15.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.2 – 4.3 l/100 km (56 – 54.7 US mpg, 67.3 – 65.7 UK mpg, 23.8 – 23.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.9 – 5.1 l/100 km (48 – 46.1 US mpg, 57.6 – 55.4 UK mpg, 20.4 – 19.6 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 117 – 114 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 215 km/h (133.59 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.3 kg/Hp, 120.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.4 kg/Nm, 184.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 5000-5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 107.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 2000-4000 rpm (169.64 lb.-ft. @ 2000-4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B14XFT |
| Engine displacement | 1399 cm3 (85.37 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 74 mm (2.91 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81.3 mm (3.2 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.1 l (5.39 US qt | 4.49 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1247 kg (2749.16 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1885 kg (4155.71 lbs.) |
| Max load | 638 kg (1406.55 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 540 l (19.07 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1630 l (57.56 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 48 l (12.68 US gal | 10.56 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1403 kg (3093.09 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 640 kg (1410.96 lbs.) |
| Length | 4702 mm (185.12 in.) |
| Width | 1809 mm (71.22 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 1871 mm (73.66 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2042 mm (80.39 in.) |
| Height | 1499 mm (59.02 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2662 mm (104.8 in.) |
| Front track | 1548 mm (60.94 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1565 mm (61.61 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.05 m (36.25 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 | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Astra K Sports Tourer 1.4 ECOTEC (150 hp) utilizes the B14XFT engine, a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine is part of Opel’s ECOTEC family, designed for efficiency and reduced emissions. It features direct fuel injection, which precisely meters fuel into the combustion chamber, improving combustion efficiency and reducing knock. The engine also incorporates a turbocharger with an intercooler, boosting power output. The turbocharger forces more air into the engine, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power. The intercooler cools the compressed air from the turbocharger, further increasing its density and improving performance. The engine’s start&stop system automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stationary, such as at traffic lights, to conserve fuel and reduce emissions. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle. The transmission is a six-speed manual gearbox, chosen for its balance of efficiency and driver engagement.
Driving Characteristics
The 150 hp 1.4-liter engine, paired with the six-speed manual transmission, provides adequate performance for everyday driving. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes approximately 8.5 seconds, and the top speed is around 133.59 mph. While not a particularly sporty setup, the engine delivers a usable amount of torque (230 Nm or 169.64 lb.-ft.) from 2000-4000 rpm, making it reasonably responsive in most driving situations. Compared to the more powerful Astra K variants, such as those with larger engines, this version feels less eager to accelerate, but it offers better fuel economy. The manual transmission allows for greater driver control, but the gear ratios are tuned for efficiency rather than outright performance. The overall driving experience is comfortable and refined, typical of the Astra K generation.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.4 ECOTEC (150 hp) Sports Tourer typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. These included air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, a basic audio system with USB connectivity, and steel wheels with wheel covers. Higher trim levels, such as ‘Design’ and ‘Elite’, added features like alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, automatic climate control, cruise control, and parking sensors. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with higher trims offering partial leather options. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, and advanced safety features like lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking.
Chassis & Braking
The Astra K Sports Tourer features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provides a good balance of ride comfort and handling. The torsion beam rear suspension is a cost-effective solution that is well-suited to the weight and performance characteristics of this variant. The braking system consists of disc brakes on all four wheels, providing adequate stopping power. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking situations. The steering is a rack and pinion system, offering precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Astra K Sports Tourer 1.4 ECOTEC (150 hp) was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and spacious interior. However, some critics noted that the engine could feel strained when fully loaded or driving uphill. Compared to the 1.6-liter diesel variants, the 1.4-liter gasoline engine offered less torque but was quieter and smoother. Against the more powerful gasoline engines, it provided better fuel economy but lacked the same level of performance. The combination of a manual transmission and a turbocharged engine was seen as a good compromise between efficiency and driver engagement.
Legacy
The B14XFT engine, while generally reliable, has been known to exhibit issues with the timing chain in some cases, particularly with insufficient oil changes. The Astra K generation as a whole has proven to be a relatively reliable vehicle, and the 1.4 ECOTEC engine is generally considered durable when properly maintained. In the used car market, the Astra K Sports Tourer 1.4 ECOTEC (150 hp) represents a good value proposition for buyers seeking a practical, economical, and comfortable station wagon. Its fuel efficiency and spacious interior make it a popular choice for families and individuals alike.
