The Opel Agila II 1.2 (94 hp) ecoFLEX start/stop, produced from 2008 to 2014, represented an entry-level offering within the second generation of the Opel Agila (marketed as the Vauxhall Agila in the UK). Positioned as a fuel-efficient city car, it aimed to provide affordable transportation with a focus on reduced emissions. This variant was part of the larger A00 segment, competing with vehicles like the Fiat Panda, Renault Twingo, and Toyota Aygo. The Agila II, built in conjunction with Suzuki, shared its platform with the Suzuki Splash, offering a practical and compact package for European drivers.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Agila |
| Generation | Agila II |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 (94 Hp) ecoFLEX start/stop |
| Start of production | 2008 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg, 47.9 UK mpg, 16.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.2 l/100 km (56 US mpg, 67.3 UK mpg, 23.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg, 56.5 UK mpg, 20 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 115 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Power | 94 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 75.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 118 Nm @ 4800 rpm (87.03 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | K12B |
| Engine displacement | 1242 cm3 (75.79 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.1 l (3.28 US qt, 2.73 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 4.4 l (4.65 US qt, 3.87 UK qt) |
| Length | 3740 mm (147.24 in.) |
| Width | 1680 mm (66.14 in.) |
| Height | 1590 mm (62.6 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2360 mm (92.91 in.) |
| Front track | 1470 mm (57.87 in.) |
| Rear track | 1480 mm (58.27 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10 m (32.81 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Agila II 1.2 ecoFLEX was the K12B engine, a 1.2-liter (1242 cc) inline-four cylinder petrol engine. This engine was part of Opel’s family of small displacement engines, known for their simplicity and fuel efficiency. The K12B featured a multi-point fuel injection system, delivering fuel directly into the intake ports. The engine utilized a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain, operating with four valves per cylinder. The 11:1 compression ratio contributed to its relatively efficient combustion process. The ‘ecoFLEX’ designation indicated the inclusion of fuel-saving technologies, most notably the Start/Stop system, which automatically shut off the engine when the vehicle came to a halt, reducing idle fuel consumption. The engine was transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels. The five-speed manual transmission was the standard offering for this variant, providing a balance between fuel economy and drivability.
Driving Characteristics
The 94 hp output of the 1.2-liter engine, coupled with 118 Nm (87 lb-ft) of torque, resulted in modest performance. Acceleration was geared towards urban driving, with a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time around 13-14 seconds. The five-speed manual transmission offered reasonable control, but the engine required frequent downshifting for overtaking maneuvers or climbing hills. Compared to the more powerful 1.4-liter variants, the 1.2 felt noticeably slower, but it excelled in fuel economy. The gear ratios were optimized for low-speed efficiency, making it well-suited for city traffic. The Start/Stop system, while effective in reducing fuel consumption, could sometimes exhibit a slight delay when restarting the engine.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Agila II 1.2 ecoFLEX typically came with a basic level of equipment, reflecting its position as an entry-level model. Standard features generally included power steering, ABS brakes, a driver’s airbag, and basic audio system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a functional, rather than luxurious, design. Optional extras included air conditioning, electric front windows, and a passenger airbag. Higher trim levels, available with the 1.4-liter engine, offered features like alloy wheels, upgraded audio systems, and more comprehensive safety equipment. The dashboard layout was simple and straightforward, prioritizing practicality and ease of use.
Chassis & Braking
The Agila II utilized a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provided a comfortable ride quality, particularly on smooth roads. The torsion beam rear suspension was a cost-effective solution, contributing to the vehicle’s affordability. Braking was typically accomplished with disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear wheels. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing braking performance and stability. The steering was rack and pinion, providing responsive handling for city driving. Stabilizer bars were included to reduce body roll during cornering, though the overall handling characteristics were geared towards comfort rather than sporty performance.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Agila II 1.2 ecoFLEX was generally well-received by critics for its fuel efficiency and affordability. However, its modest performance was often noted as a drawback. Compared to the 1.4-liter variants, the 1.2 offered significantly lower running costs but at the expense of acceleration and overall driving enjoyment. The Start/Stop system was praised for its contribution to fuel savings, but some reviewers found it slightly intrusive. In terms of reliability, the K12B engine proved to be generally robust, though regular maintenance was essential. The Agila II’s compact size and ease of parking made it a popular choice for urban drivers.
Legacy
The Opel Agila II 1.2 ecoFLEX remains a relatively common sight on European roads, particularly as an affordable used car. The K12B engine, while not known for its performance, has proven to be reasonably durable with proper maintenance. The Start/Stop technology, while relatively primitive by today’s standards, paved the way for more advanced fuel-saving systems. The Agila II’s focus on fuel efficiency and practicality continues to resonate with buyers seeking an economical and reliable city car. In the used car market, these models are often sought after by first-time drivers or those needing a low-cost, low-maintenance vehicle for short commutes.
