The Opel Ascona A Voyage 1.6 S, produced briefly between January and July of 1975, represents a specific iteration within the broader Ascona A series. This variant, characterized by its 1.6-liter engine producing 75 horsepower, was positioned as a practical, entry-level offering within the Ascona range, specifically in the Voyage (estate/station wagon) body style. The Ascona A, launched in 1970, aimed to modernize Opel’s lineup and compete with rivals like the Ford Cortina and Vauxhall Victor. The Voyage body style, introduced later in the Ascona A’s lifecycle, expanded the model’s appeal to families and those requiring increased cargo capacity. This particular 1.6 S trim focused on affordability and fuel economy, making it a popular choice in European markets.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Ascona |
| Generation | Ascona A Voyage |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 S (75 Hp) |
| Start of production | January, 1975 |
| End of production | July, 1975 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 16 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 16 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 15.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 153 km/h (95.07 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.5 kg/Hp, 73.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.7 kg/Nm, 115.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 75 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 47.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 117 Nm @ 3800 rpm (86.29 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 16S |
| Engine displacement | 1584 cm3 (96.66 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 85 mm (3.35 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 69.8 mm (2.75 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 8.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | CIH |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.8 l (4.02 US qt | 3.34 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1015 kg (2237.69 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1535 kg (3384.1 lbs.) |
| Max load | 520 kg (1146.4 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 46 l (12.15 US gal | 10.12 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1000 kg (2204.62 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Length | 4180 mm (164.57 in.) |
| Width | 1632 mm (64.25 in.) |
| Height | 1400 mm (55.12 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2430 mm (95.67 in.) |
| Front track | 1331 mm (52.4 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1320 mm (51.97 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 134 mm (5.28 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.50 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 9.76 m (32.02 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Double wishbone, Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm, Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 155/80 R13; 165/80 R13; 185/70 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 13; 5.5J x 13 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Ascona A Voyage 1.6 S is the 16S engine, a 1.6-liter (1584 cc) inline-four cylinder unit. This engine utilized a single overhead camshaft (OHC) design, part of Opel’s CIH (Cylinder Head Integrated) engine family. The CIH engines were known for their robust construction and relatively simple maintenance. Fuel delivery was managed by a Solex carburetor, a common setup for the time, prioritizing simplicity over the more advanced fuel injection systems found in higher-end vehicles. The engine produced 75 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 117 Nm (86.29 lb-ft) of torque at 3800 rpm. The engine was mounted longitudinally in the front of the vehicle, driving the rear wheels. The transmission was a four-speed manual gearbox, chosen for its cost-effectiveness and suitability for the engine’s power output.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6 S, with its 75 horsepower, offered modest performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 15.2 seconds, and the top speed was around 95 mph. Compared to the more powerful Ascona variants, such as those equipped with larger engines (like the 1.9 or 2.0-liter options), the 1.6 S felt noticeably slower. However, the lower power output also contributed to better fuel economy. The four-speed manual transmission provided adequate control, but the gear ratios were spaced to prioritize fuel efficiency rather than spirited acceleration. The rear-wheel-drive configuration provided a balanced driving experience, typical of European cars of the era, but lacked the modern handling characteristics of front-wheel-drive vehicles.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Ascona A Voyage 1.6 S was generally equipped with basic, functional features. Standard equipment included cloth upholstery, a basic instrument cluster, and manually operated windows and door locks. The interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering ample space for passengers and cargo. Optional extras included a radio, upgraded upholstery, and a sunroof. The trim level was deliberately kept simple to maintain affordability, appealing to buyers seeking a reliable and economical family vehicle. The Voyage body style itself added to the practicality, offering a large cargo area accessible through a rear tailgate.
Chassis & Braking
The Ascona A Voyage featured a traditional body-on-frame construction. The front suspension utilized independent coil springs and double wishbones, providing a reasonable level of ride comfort. The rear suspension employed a rigid axle with coil springs and a transverse stabilizer bar, contributing to stability. Braking was accomplished via disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. While adequate for the vehicle’s weight and performance, the drum brakes on the rear offered less stopping power and fade resistance compared to disc brakes. Steering was handled by a rack and pinion system, providing precise and responsive control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Ascona A Voyage 1.6 S was generally well-received as a practical and affordable family car. Critics praised its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and reasonable fuel economy. However, its modest performance was often noted, particularly when compared to more powerful Ascona variants or competing models. The 1.6 S offered a compelling value proposition for buyers prioritizing practicality and economy over outright performance. Compared to the higher-spec Ascona models, the 1.6 S was significantly cheaper to purchase and maintain, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. The 1.9-liter and 2.0-liter versions offered more power but came at a higher price point and with increased running costs.
Legacy
The Opel Ascona A Voyage 1.6 S, while not the most powerful or technologically advanced variant of the Ascona A, holds a significant place in Opel’s history. The CIH engine proved to be remarkably durable and reliable, and many examples remain on the road today. The Ascona A, as a whole, helped establish Opel as a major player in the European automotive market. The 1.6 S, in particular, represents a practical and affordable option that appealed to a wide range of buyers. In the used car market, these models are sought after by enthusiasts and collectors for their simplicity, reliability, and classic styling. While parts availability can be a challenge, the Ascona A’s robust construction and relatively simple design make it a rewarding vehicle to own and maintain.
