The Opel Astra G Coupe 2.2 16V Automatic, produced between April 2001 and November 2004, represented a sporting and stylish offering within the broader Astra G Coupe range. Positioned as a mid-to-upper trim level, it catered to buyers seeking a blend of performance and convenience. This variant utilized Opel’s Z22SE engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, aiming to provide a more relaxed driving experience compared to the manual transmission options or the more focused performance of other engine choices. The Astra G Coupe itself was a two-door coupe derivative of the popular Astra G hatchback, designed to appeal to a more individualistic buyer within the compact class.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Astra |
| Generation | Astra G Coupe |
| Type (Engine) | 2.2 16V (147 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | April, 2001 |
| End of production | November, 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 12.4 l/100 km (19 US mpg, 22.8 UK mpg, 8.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.2 l/100 km (32.7 US mpg, 39.2 UK mpg, 13.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.1 l/100 km (25.8 US mpg, 31 UK mpg, 11 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 219 g/km |
| 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 | 212 km/h (131.73 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.5 kg/Hp, 118.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.1 kg/Nm, 163.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 147 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 66.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 203 Nm @ 4000 rpm (149.73 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z22SE |
| Engine displacement | 2198 cm3 (134.13 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 94.6 mm (3.72 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.8 l (7.19 US qt | 5.98 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1243 kg (2740.35 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1685 kg (3714.79 lbs.) |
| Max load | 442 kg (974.44 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 460 l (16.24 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 52 l (13.74 US gal | 11.44 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4267 mm (167.99 in.) |
| Width | 1709 mm (67.28 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1967 mm (77.44 in.) |
| Height | 1390 mm (54.72 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2606 mm (102.6 in.) |
| Front track | 1474 mm (58.03 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1462 mm (57.56 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 130 mm (5.12 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.28 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.5 m (37.73 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 | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Astra G Coupe 2.2 16V Automatic is the Z22SE engine, a 2.2-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine is a member of Opel’s ‘Ecotec’ family, known for its focus on efficiency and refinement. The Z22SE features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its relatively high power output for its displacement. Fuel delivery is managed by a multi-port fuel injection system. The engine’s 147 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 203 Nm (149.73 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm provided adequate performance for the coupe’s weight. The four-speed automatic transmission, while offering convenience, was a somewhat dated design by the early 2000s, lacking the smoothness and efficiency of more modern automatic gearboxes. It featured standard torque converter technology and lacked manual shift capabilities.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.2-liter automatic Astra G Coupe offered a comfortable and relatively relaxed driving experience. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 9.5 seconds, and top speed was rated at 131.73 mph. Compared to the manual transmission versions of the same engine, the automatic suffered a slight performance penalty due to the transmission’s inherent losses. The four-speed automatic’s gear ratios were spaced to prioritize fuel economy and smooth cruising rather than outright acceleration. The automatic transmission did offer a degree of convenience in urban driving, but lacked the responsiveness and driver engagement of a manual gearbox. The power delivery was linear, with usable torque available from mid-range revs, making it suitable for everyday driving.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.2 16V Automatic trim typically included features such as air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an upgraded stereo system. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, although leather options were available as extras. Dashboard trim could vary, with some models featuring metallic accents. Optional extras included alloy wheels, a sunroof, and upgraded sound systems. Safety features included ABS brakes and driver and passenger airbags. The Astra G Coupe, in general, aimed for a more premium feel than the standard Astra hatchback, with a focus on styling and comfort.
Chassis & Braking
The Astra G Coupe utilized a McPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent coil spring rear suspension. This setup provided a reasonable balance between ride comfort and handling. The front brakes were ventilated discs, offering good stopping power, while the rear brakes were solid discs. The steering was rack and pinion with hydraulic power assistance, providing a reasonably direct feel. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering. The chassis was tuned to provide a comfortable ride, prioritizing stability over outright sportiness.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Astra G Coupe 2.2 16V Automatic received mixed reviews. Critics praised its stylish design and comfortable ride, but some found the four-speed automatic transmission to be somewhat sluggish and dated. Fuel economy was considered average for its class. Compared to the 1.8-liter versions, the 2.2 offered significantly more performance, but at the cost of increased fuel consumption and a higher purchase price. The 2.2 Automatic was positioned as a step up from the 1.8, appealing to buyers who prioritized performance and refinement over outright economy. Compared to rivals like the Ford Focus Coupe-Cabriolet or Peugeot 307 CC, the Astra G Coupe offered a more understated and practical alternative.
Legacy
The Z22SE engine, while not known for being particularly groundbreaking, proved to be a relatively reliable unit when properly maintained. The four-speed automatic transmission, however, is a potential weak point, and examples with high mileage may exhibit signs of wear. Today, the Astra G Coupe 2.2 16V Automatic is a relatively affordable used car, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a stylish and comfortable coupe. Parts availability is generally good, and the engine is relatively straightforward to work on. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for transmission issues and ensure that the car has been well-maintained.
