The Opel Ascona C 2.0i CAT, produced between 1986 and 1988, represented a refined iteration of Opel’s popular mid-size sedan. Falling within the third generation (Ascona C) of the Ascona lineage, this variant was positioned as a relatively upscale offering, balancing performance with the increasingly important considerations of emissions control. The “CAT” designation signifies the inclusion of a catalytic converter, a feature becoming more prevalent in European markets during this period due to tightening environmental regulations. This model played a significant role in Opel’s attempt to maintain market share in a competitive segment, appealing to buyers seeking a comfortable, reasonably powerful, and modern family saloon.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Ascona |
| Generation | Ascona C |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0i CAT (115 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1986 |
| End of production | 1988 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 187 km/h (116.2 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 1 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.1 kg/Hp, 109.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.2 kg/Nm, 162.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 115 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 57.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 170 Nm @ 3000 rpm (125.39 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine Model/Code | C20NE |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1049 kg (2312.65 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1545 kg (3406.14 lbs.) |
| Max load | 496 kg (1093.49 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 510 l (18.01 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 61 l (16.11 US gal | 13.42 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Length | 4366 mm (171.89 in.) |
| Width | 1668 mm (65.67 in.) |
| Height | 1395 mm (54.92 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2574 mm (101.34 in.) |
| Front track | 1406 mm (55.35 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1406 mm (55.35 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 148 mm (5.83 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.38 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.95 m (35.93 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 | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Tires size | 185/70 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 13 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Ascona C 2.0i CAT was the C20NE engine, a 1998cc inline-four cylinder unit. This engine featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain operating two valves per cylinder. Crucially, it employed Bosch multi-port fuel injection, a significant upgrade over earlier carbureted Ascona models, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. The catalytic converter, integral to the “CAT” designation, further minimized harmful exhaust gases, allowing the car to meet the increasingly stringent Euro 1 emission standards. The engine produced 115 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 170 Nm (125 lb-ft) of torque at 3000 rpm. The five-speed manual transmission was the standard offering, providing a reasonable balance between performance and economy. The engine’s design prioritized reliability and ease of maintenance, typical of Opel engineering at the time.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.0i CAT offered a noticeable step up in performance compared to the lower-displacement Ascona variants. While not a sports car, the 115 hp engine provided adequate power for comfortable cruising and overtaking on highways. Acceleration to 60 mph took around 9.5 seconds, and the car could reach a top speed of 116 mph. The five-speed manual transmission allowed drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power band. Compared to the more powerful Ascona 2.0E, the CAT version traded a small amount of peak horsepower for improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. The front-wheel-drive configuration provided predictable handling, although it lacked the dynamic finesse of rear-wheel-drive competitors. The gear ratios were tuned for a balance of acceleration and fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Ascona C 2.0i CAT typically came with a fairly comprehensive equipment list for its time. Standard features included power steering, central locking, and a basic stereo system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for upgraded velour or leather. Dashboard configuration was relatively straightforward, with clearly marked gauges for speed, fuel level, coolant temperature, and a clock. Optional extras included a sunroof, electric windows, and upgraded sound systems. The trim level generally sat in the mid-range of the Ascona C lineup, offering a step up in comfort and features compared to the base models but falling short of the luxury appointments found in the higher-spec versions.
Chassis & Braking
The Ascona C utilized a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provided a comfortable ride quality, although it wasn’t particularly sporty. The front brakes were disc brakes, offering good stopping power, while the rear brakes were drum brakes, a cost-saving measure common in this class of vehicle. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering. The chassis was designed to provide a good balance between handling and ride comfort, prioritizing stability and predictability over outright performance. The curb weight of around 2313 lbs contributed to the car’s relatively nimble feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Ascona C 2.0i CAT was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and reliable family sedan. It was praised for its comfortable ride, decent performance, and improved fuel efficiency compared to older models. However, some critics noted that the interior design was somewhat dated and that the handling wasn’t as engaging as some of its competitors. Compared to other trims in the Ascona lineup, the 2.0i CAT offered a good compromise between performance and economy. The 1.6-liter models were more affordable but lacked the power of the 2.0-liter engines, while the 2.0E offered more performance but at the expense of fuel economy and emissions compliance.
Legacy
The Opel Ascona C 2.0i CAT, while not a particularly rare or collectible car today, remains a popular choice among classic car enthusiasts. The C20NE engine is known for its durability and relatively simple maintenance requirements. Well-maintained examples can still provide reliable transportation, and parts availability is generally good. The car represents a significant step forward in Opel’s engineering, incorporating fuel injection and catalytic converter technology to meet evolving environmental standards. In the used car market, these Asconas are often sought after by those looking for a classic European sedan that is both affordable and relatively easy to maintain. Its blend of practicality, reliability, and reasonable performance has ensured its continued presence on roads and in the hearts of classic Opel fans.
