The Opel Astra J (facelift, introduced in 2012) 1.4 Turbo Ecotec Start/Stop represents a significant iteration of Opel’s compact family car, positioned as a mainstream offering within the broader Astra J range (produced from 2009-2015). This variant, powered by the A14NET engine, aimed to balance fuel efficiency with respectable performance, appealing to buyers seeking a modern, well-equipped hatchback. The facelift brought styling updates and technological enhancements to the Astra J, solidifying its position in the competitive European C-segment. This particular configuration – the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission – was a popular choice, offering a compromise between the base models and the more powerful, yet pricier, options.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Astra |
| Generation | Astra J (facelift 2012) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 (140 Hp) Turbo Ecotec start/stop |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.1-7.3 l/100 km (33.1 – 32.2 US mpg, 39.8 – 38.7 UK mpg, 14.1 – 13.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.6-4.8 l/100 km (51.1 – 49 US mpg, 61.4 – 58.9 UK mpg, 21.7 – 20.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.5-5.7 l/100 km (42.8 – 41.3 US mpg, 51.4 – 49.6 UK mpg, 18.2 – 17.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 129-135 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 202 km/h (125.52 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.4 kg/Hp, 106.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.6 kg/Nm, 152.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 140 Hp @ 4900-6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 102.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1850-4900 rpm (147.51 lb.-ft. @ 1850-4900 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A14NET |
| Engine displacement | 1364 cm3 (83.24 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 72.5 mm (2.85 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82.6 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.2 l (6.55 US qt | 5.46 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1313 kg (2894.67 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1885 kg (4155.71 lbs.) |
| Max load | 572 kg (1261.04 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 370 l (13.07 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1235 l (43.61 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 56 l (14.79 US gal | 12.32 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1400 kg (3086.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 680 kg (1499.14 lbs.) |
| Length | 4419 mm (173.98 in.) |
| Width | 1814 mm (71.42 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 1831 mm (72.09 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2013 mm (79.25 in.) |
| Height | 1510 mm (59.45 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2685 mm (105.71 in.) |
| Front track | 1541 mm (60.67 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1551 mm (61.06 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.4 m (37.4 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 | 6 gears, manual transmission |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Astra J 1.4 Turbo Ecotec lies the A14NET engine, a 1.4-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine utilizes a single-scroll turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power and efficiency. The A14NET features multi-point fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The Start/Stop system, standard on this variant, automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stationary (e.g., at traffic lights) to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The six-speed manual transmission provides precise gear changes and contributes to the car’s overall responsiveness. The engine’s design prioritized a balance between power delivery and fuel economy, making it suitable for everyday driving.
Driving Characteristics
The 140 hp output of the A14NET engine, coupled with 200 Nm of torque, provides adequate performance for the Astra J. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes approximately 8.6 seconds, and the car reaches a top speed of 125.52 mph. While not a particularly sporty configuration, the turbocharger provides a noticeable boost in power during acceleration, making overtaking maneuvers relatively effortless. The six-speed manual transmission allows drivers to maintain optimal engine speed for efficiency or performance. Compared to the more powerful 1.6-liter turbo or the diesel variants, this 1.4-liter engine offers a smoother, more refined driving experience, albeit with slightly less outright performance. The gear ratios are tuned for a balance between fuel economy and responsiveness, with a relatively long sixth gear for highway cruising.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Astra J 1.4 Turbo Ecotec Start/Stop typically came equipped with a respectable level of standard features. These included air conditioning, electric front windows, a CD/MP3 stereo system, and ABS brakes. Higher trim levels, such as Sport or SE, added features like alloy wheels, cruise control, automatic headlights and rain sensors, and upgraded interior trim. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for leather available on higher-spec models. The dashboard layout was modern and functional, with a clear instrument cluster and intuitive controls. Optional extras included a navigation system, parking sensors, and a panoramic sunroof.
Chassis & Braking
The Astra J utilized a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provided a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The front brakes were typically ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs on most variants. Electric power steering offered light and precise steering feel. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering. The chassis was designed to be relatively lightweight, contributing to the car’s overall agility and fuel efficiency.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Astra J 1.4 Turbo Ecotec Start/Stop was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and well-equipped interior. However, some critics noted that the engine could feel slightly underpowered when fully loaded or driving uphill. Compared to the 1.6-liter turbo variant, the 1.4 offered better fuel economy but less outright performance. The diesel models provided even better fuel economy but were generally more expensive to purchase. In terms of reliability, the A14NET engine proved to be reasonably dependable, although some owners reported issues with the turbocharger or the Start/Stop system.
Legacy
The Opel Astra J 1.4 Turbo Ecotec Start/Stop remains a popular choice in the used car market. Its combination of fuel efficiency, practicality, and affordability makes it an attractive option for buyers seeking a reliable and economical compact hatchback. The A14NET engine, while not without its potential issues, has proven to be relatively durable with proper maintenance. Parts availability is generally good, and repair costs are reasonable. The Astra J’s modern styling and well-equipped interior continue to appeal to buyers today, ensuring its continued presence on roads across Europe and beyond.
