Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Agila |
| Generation | Agila II |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2i (86 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2008 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.8 l/100 km (30.2 US mpg, 36.2 UK mpg, 12.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg, 57.6 UK mpg, 20.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg, 47.9 UK mpg, 16.9 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 14.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 170 km/h (105.63 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.2 kg/Hp, 81.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.2 kg/Nm, 108.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 86 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 70 Hp/l |
| Torque | 114 Nm @ 4400 rpm (84.08 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | K12B |
| Engine displacement | 1229 cm3 (75 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 73.4 mm (2.89 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 72.6 mm (2.86 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 | 3.3 l (3.49 US qt | 2.9 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1050 kg (2314.85 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1485 kg (3273.86 lbs.) |
| Max load | 435 kg (959.01 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 225 l (7.95 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 660 l (23.31 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 45 l (11.89 US gal | 9.9 UK gal) |
| 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 (Back) track | 1480 mm (58.27 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 9.6 m (31.5 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 | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/60 R16 |
The Opel Agila II 1.2i (86 hp) Automatic, produced between 2008 and 2010, represented an entry-level offering within the second generation of the Agila city car. Positioned as a practical and affordable hatchback, it aimed to provide economical transportation for urban drivers. The Agila II, built on the GM Gamma platform (shared with the Fiat Panda and Suzuki Wagon R+), was a significant departure from the first-generation Agila, offering increased space and a more modern design. This particular variant, with its smaller engine and automatic transmission, catered to buyers prioritizing ease of use over outright performance.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Agila II 1.2i Automatic was powered by Opel’s K12B engine, a 1.2-liter inline-four cylinder petrol engine. This engine, part of the ‘Family 0’ series, was known for its simplicity and fuel efficiency. The K12B featured a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, and utilized a multi-point fuel injection system. The engine produced 86 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 114 Nm (84 lb-ft) of torque at 4400 rpm. Paired with this engine was a four-speed automatic transmission, a relatively conventional unit for the time. This transmission was chosen to provide ease of driving, particularly in congested urban environments, but at the expense of ultimate performance and fuel economy compared to the available five-speed manual gearbox.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.2i Automatic Agila II was not designed for spirited driving. Acceleration was modest, taking approximately 14.8 seconds to reach 62 mph. The four-speed automatic transmission, while smooth, lacked the responsiveness of a more modern gearbox. Gear ratios were optimized for fuel economy rather than performance, resulting in a noticeable delay during acceleration. Compared to the manual transmission version, the automatic suffered a slight performance penalty. However, the automatic provided a comfortable and relaxed driving experience, making it well-suited for city commuting and short trips. The relatively light weight of the Agila II (around 1050 kg) helped to mitigate the engine’s limited power output.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Agila II 1.2i Automatic typically came with a basic level of equipment. Standard features included power steering, central locking, electric front windows, and an ABS anti-lock braking system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a functional, if somewhat basic, design. Optional extras included air conditioning, a radio/CD player, and alloy wheels. Higher trim levels, though less common with the 1.2i engine, could add features like a passenger airbag and upgraded interior trim.
Chassis & Braking
The Agila II utilized a simple yet effective chassis design. Front suspension consisted of coil springs, while the rear employed a coil spring setup. The front brakes were discs, providing adequate stopping power, while the rear brakes were drums, a cost-saving measure common in this segment. The steering was a rack and pinion system with hydraulic power assistance, offering light and easy steering feel. Stabilizer bars were present, contributing to reduced body roll during cornering, though the Agila II was not intended for aggressive driving.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Agila II 1.2i Automatic was generally well-received as an affordable and practical city car. Critics praised its compact size, ease of parking, and relatively spacious interior for its class. However, the engine and automatic transmission combination were often criticized for their lack of performance. Compared to other Agila II variants, such as the 1.0-liter manual, the 1.2i Automatic offered slightly more power but at the cost of fuel economy. Against competitors like the Fiat Panda and Renault Twingo, the Agila II offered a competitive package in terms of price and practicality.
Legacy
The Opel Agila II 1.2i Automatic, while not a performance icon, proved to be a reliable and economical city car. The K12B engine, when properly maintained, is known for its durability. Today, these vehicles are relatively affordable on the used car market, making them attractive options for budget-conscious buyers. However, potential buyers should be aware of the age-related wear and tear common to older vehicles, and should ensure that the automatic transmission has been regularly serviced. The Agila II, in its various forms, helped establish Opel as a player in the competitive European city car segment.
