The Opel Ascona A Voyage 1.9 S, produced between August 1971 and December 1974, was a key variant within the Ascona A range, Opel’s competitor in the mid-size European market. Positioned as a practical and relatively affordable option, the Voyage – Opel’s designation for its station wagon (estate) body style – offered increased cargo capacity compared to the saloon. The 1.9 S trim level represented a step up in performance from the base models, aiming to provide a balance between economy and usability. It was built on the 1HX0 platform, shared with other GM products of the era. This particular configuration, with the 1.9-liter engine and manual transmission, was a common sight on European roads during its production run.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Ascona |
| Generation | Ascona A Voyage |
| Type (Engine) | 1.9 S (90 Hp) |
| Start of production | August, 1971 |
| End of production | December, 1974 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.9 l/100 km (23.8 US mpg, 28.5 UK mpg, 10.1 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 160 km/h (99.42 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.3 kg/Hp, 88.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.8 kg/Nm, 146.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 90 Hp @ 5100 rpm |
| Power per litre | 47.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 149 Nm @ 2500-3100 rpm (109.9 lb.-ft. @ 2500-3100 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 19S |
| Engine displacement | 1897 cm3 (115.76 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 93 mm (3.66 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 69.8 mm (2.75 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9:1 |
| 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 | 6.1 l (6.45 US qt | 5.37 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1020 kg (2248.72 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1535 kg (3384.1 lbs.) |
| Max load | 515 kg (1135.38 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 | Double wishbone, Independent coil spring, Transverse stabilizer |
| 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 | 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 1.9 S was the Opel 19S engine, a 1.9-liter (1897 cc) inline-four cylinder unit. This engine belonged to Opel’s CIH (Cylinder Head Integrated) family, known for its robust design and relatively simple maintenance. The ‘S’ designation indicated a slightly higher compression ratio (9:1) and a tuned carburetor, resulting in 90 horsepower at 5100 rpm and 149 Nm (109.9 lb-ft) of torque between 2500 and 3100 rpm. Fuel delivery was handled by a single downdraft carburetor, a common setup for the time. The engine featured a two-valve per cylinder configuration, and its longitudinal front-engine layout drove the rear wheels. The four-speed manual transmission was the standard offering for this trim, providing a direct connection between the engine and the drivetrain.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.9 S offered a noticeable improvement in performance over the base Ascona models. While not a sports car by any means, the 90 hp engine provided adequate power for comfortable cruising and overtaking on European highways. Acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) took around 14 seconds, and the top speed was approximately 160 km/h (99 mph). The manual transmission allowed for greater driver control and contributed to a more engaging driving experience compared to the optional automatic transmission available on other Ascona variants. The gear ratios were fairly widely spaced, prioritizing fuel economy and relaxed cruising over outright acceleration. The rear-wheel-drive configuration provided predictable handling, although it lacked the stability of more modern front-wheel-drive systems.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Ascona A Voyage 1.9 S was positioned as a mid-range trim level. Standard equipment typically included cloth upholstery, basic instrumentation (speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge), and a heater. The interior was functional and durable, reflecting the car’s practical nature. Optional extras included a radio, upgraded seats, and a sunroof. The Voyage body style itself added to the practicality, offering a generous cargo area accessible through a rear tailgate. The trim level was identifiable by subtle badging and, in some cases, slightly upgraded interior finishes.
Chassis & Braking
The Ascona A Voyage featured a conventional chassis design for the era. The front suspension utilized a double wishbone setup with independent coil springs and a transverse stabilizer bar, providing a reasonable level of ride comfort and handling. The rear suspension employed a rigid axle with trailing arms, coil springs, and a transverse stabilizer bar. Braking was accomplished via disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. The braking system was adequate for the car’s weight and performance, but lacked the sophistication of more modern systems. Steering was via a rack and pinion system, offering reasonably precise control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Ascona A Voyage 1.9 S was generally well-received by European automotive publications. Critics praised its practicality, durability, and relatively affordable price. Compared to other Ascona variants, the 1.9 S offered a noticeable performance boost over the smaller-engined models, while remaining more economical than the larger 2.0-liter versions. Fuel economy was respectable for the time, averaging around 9.9 l/100 km (23.8 US mpg). Reliability was generally good, although maintenance was required to keep the carbureted engine running smoothly. Competitors included the Ford Cortina, Vauxhall Victor, and other mid-size European saloons and estates.
Legacy
The Opel Ascona A Voyage 1.9 S, while not a particularly rare or collectible car today, holds a place in automotive history as a representative of the practical and durable European family cars of the 1970s. The 19S engine proved to be a reliable unit, and many examples are still on the road today, often maintained by enthusiasts. In the used car market, these Asconas are valued for their simplicity, affordability, and classic styling. Parts availability can be a challenge, but a dedicated community of owners and suppliers helps to keep these vehicles running. The Ascona A Voyage laid the groundwork for future Opel/Vauxhall estate models and remains a fondly remembered vehicle for many European drivers.
