The Opel Astra H Sedan 1.7 CDTI, producing 110 horsepower, was a variant of the Astra H Sedan model manufactured between 2009 and 2010. Positioned as an entry-level to mid-range offering within the Astra H Sedan lineup, it aimed to provide a balance of fuel efficiency and practicality for European drivers. This model was part of the broader Astra H generation (2004-2010), which represented a significant step forward for Opel in terms of design, technology, and overall refinement. The Astra H was built on the GM Delta platform, shared with other vehicles like the Chevrolet Cruze and Saab 9-3.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Astra |
| Generation | Astra H Sedan |
| Type (Engine) | 1.7 CDTI (110 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2009 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.1 l/100 km (57.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 135 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 3800 rpm |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 2300 rpm (177.01 lb.-ft. @ 2300 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z17DTJ |
| Engine displacement | 1686 cm3 (102.89 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 18.4:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.4 l (5.71 US qt | 4.75 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.1 l (7.5 US qt | 6.25 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1231 kg (2713.89 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1750 kg (3858.09 lbs.) |
| Max load | 519 kg (1144.2 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 490 l (17.3 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 52 l (13.74 US gal | 11.44 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4587 mm (180.59 in.) |
| Width | 1753 mm (69.02 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 1804 mm (71.02 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2033 mm (80.04 in.) |
| Height | 1458 mm (57.4 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2703 mm (106.42 in.) |
| Front track | 1488 mm (58.58 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1479 mm (58.23 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 170 mm (6.69 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.30 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.47 m (37.63 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Astra H Sedan 1.7 CDTI was powered by the Z17DTJ engine, a 1.7-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine was a member of Opel/Fiat’s family of common-rail diesel engines, known for its relatively quiet operation and good fuel economy. The Z17DTJ featured a turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power output. The engine utilized a direct injection system with common rail technology, allowing for precise fuel delivery and optimized combustion. The engine produced 110 horsepower at 3800 rpm and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque at 2300 rpm. The engine’s valvetrain consisted of four valves per cylinder, contributing to its efficiency and power delivery. The engine was paired with a six-speed manual transmission, which was the standard offering for this variant. While an automatic transmission was available on other Astra H models, it was not offered with the 1.7 CDTI engine.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.7 CDTI engine, coupled with the six-speed manual transmission, provided adequate performance for everyday driving. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took approximately 12.3 seconds, and the top speed was 180 km/h (112 mph). Compared to the more powerful 1.9 CDTI variants, the 1.7 CDTI offered less outright acceleration, but it excelled in fuel economy. The six-speed gearbox allowed for efficient cruising at highway speeds, while also providing enough gearing to keep the engine in its optimal torque band during acceleration. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency rather than outright performance. The engine felt responsive at lower RPMs, making it suitable for city driving, but required downshifting for quicker overtaking maneuvers.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Astra H Sedan 1.7 CDTI typically came with a reasonable level of standard equipment. This included power windows, central locking, air conditioning, and an audio system with CD player. Safety features such as ABS brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), and front airbags were also standard. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a straightforward design. Optional extras included alloy wheels, a sunroof, parking sensors, and upgraded audio systems. Trim levels varied slightly depending on the market, but generally, the 1.7 CDTI was positioned as a base or mid-range model, offering a good balance of features and affordability.
Chassis & Braking
The Astra H Sedan featured a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provided a comfortable ride quality, although it wasn’t as sporty as some of its competitors. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were typically drum brakes, a cost-saving measure for the entry-level models. The steering was power-assisted, providing light and easy steering feel. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering. The chassis was designed to provide a stable and predictable driving experience, prioritizing comfort and safety over outright handling performance.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Astra H Sedan 1.7 CDTI was generally well-received by critics as a practical and fuel-efficient family car. It was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and low running costs. However, some reviewers noted that the engine lacked the punch of the more powerful diesel variants. Compared to the 1.9 CDTI models, the 1.7 CDTI offered significantly better fuel economy but sacrificed some performance. The 1.7 CDTI was also often compared to competitors such as the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, and Peugeot 308. In terms of fuel economy, the Astra H Sedan 1.7 CDTI was competitive with its rivals, while its price point made it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Legacy
The Z17DTJ engine, while not known for being exceptionally durable, proved to be reasonably reliable in the Astra H Sedan. Common issues included turbocharger failure and injector problems, but these were not widespread. Today, the Astra H Sedan 1.7 CDTI can be found on the used car market at affordable prices. It remains a practical and economical choice for those seeking a reliable and fuel-efficient family car. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for age-related issues and ensure that the vehicle has been properly maintained. The Astra H Sedan 1.7 CDTI represents a solid, if unspectacular, offering from Opel, providing a good balance of practicality, efficiency, and affordability.
