The Opel Astra J Sedan 1.4 Turbo (140 hp) Automatic, produced between 2012 and 2018, represented a key offering within the Astra J Sedan range. Positioned as a mid-range option, it aimed to balance fuel efficiency with respectable performance, appealing to buyers seeking a comfortable and practical family sedan. This variant was particularly significant in European markets, where the Astra J competed directly with rivals like the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, and Peugeot 308. The Astra J Sedan itself was Opel’s entry into the compact sedan segment, offering a more traditional trunk design compared to the hatchback version, catering to preferences in certain regions.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Astra |
| Generation | Astra J Sedan |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 Turbo (140 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.9-9.1 l/100 km (26.4 – 25.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.2-5.4 l/100 km (45.2 – 43.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.6-6.8 l/100 km (35.6 – 34.6 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 154-159 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 205 km/h (127.38 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 140 Hp @ 4900-6000 rpm |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1850-4900 rpm (147.51 lb.-ft.) |
| 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.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| 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 capacity | 6.2 l (6.55 US qt | 5.46 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1430 kg (3152.61 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1965 kg (4332.08 lbs.) |
| Max load | 535 kg (1179.47 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 460 l (16.24 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1010 l (35.67 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 56 l (14.79 US gal | 12.32 UK gal) |
| Length | 4658 mm (183.39 in.) |
| Width | 1814 mm (71.42 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2013 mm (79.25 in.) |
| Height | 1500 mm (59.06 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2685 mm (105.71 in.) |
| Front track | 1541 mm (60.67 in.) |
| Rear track | 1551 mm (61.06 in.) |
| Front overhang | 974 mm (38.35 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 999 mm (39.33 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.5 m (37.73 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/60 R16; 215/50/R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 16; 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Astra J Sedan 1.4 Turbo Automatic lies the A14NET engine, a 1.4-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine is characterized by its turbocharging and intercooling, which significantly enhance power output despite its relatively small displacement. The A14NET utilizes multi-port fuel injection, a system that delivers fuel directly into the intake manifold, optimizing combustion efficiency. The engine’s valvetrain features four valves per cylinder, contributing to improved breathing and overall performance. The six-speed automatic transmission, a crucial component of this variant, was designed to provide smooth and efficient gear changes. While not a dual-clutch transmission, it offered a comfortable driving experience, particularly in urban environments. The transmission’s gear ratios were tuned to balance acceleration with fuel economy, prioritizing usability over outright performance.
Driving Characteristics
The 140 hp output, coupled with the automatic transmission, resulted in a driving experience that prioritized comfort and ease of use. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took approximately 9.8 seconds, which was adequate for everyday driving but noticeably slower than the manual transmission or higher-powered versions of the Astra J. The automatic transmission, while smooth, did exhibit some hesitation during quick acceleration, and lacked the responsiveness of a manual gearbox. The engine delivered a reasonable amount of torque at lower RPMs, making it suitable for city driving, but felt somewhat strained when pushed hard on the highway. The overall driving experience was refined and predictable, making it a good choice for drivers who valued comfort over sporty handling.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.4 Turbo Automatic trim typically included standard features such as air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, a CD/MP3 stereo system, and basic safety equipment like ABS and airbags. Higher trim levels, often available as optional packages, added features like alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, and parking sensors. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, with the option of leather upgrades. Dashboard configuration was relatively straightforward, with a focus on functionality and ease of use. Optional extras included a sunroof, upgraded sound system, and various driver assistance features.
Chassis & Braking
The Astra J Sedan 1.4 Turbo Automatic utilized a standard front-wheel-drive chassis with MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. The braking system featured ventilated discs on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear wheels. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, providing enhanced braking performance and stability. The suspension was tuned for comfort, offering a relatively smooth ride quality, although it wasn’t particularly sporty. Stabilizer bars were included to reduce body roll during cornering, but the overall handling characteristics were geared towards everyday usability rather than aggressive driving.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Astra J Sedan 1.4 Turbo Automatic received mixed reviews from automotive critics. While praised for its fuel efficiency and comfortable ride, it was often criticized for its relatively slow acceleration and somewhat unrefined automatic transmission. Compared to the 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine, the 1.4 Turbo offered significantly more power and torque, but at the cost of slightly higher fuel consumption. The higher-powered 1.6 Turbo and 2.0 Turbo variants provided a more engaging driving experience, but came with a higher price tag. In terms of reliability, the A14NET engine proved to be generally dependable, although some owners reported issues with the turbocharger and fuel injectors over the long term.
Legacy
The Opel Astra J Sedan 1.4 Turbo Automatic remains a relatively common sight on the used car market. Its combination of fuel efficiency, practicality, and affordability has made it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers. While not a performance standout, it offers a reliable and comfortable driving experience for everyday use. The A14NET engine, despite some potential long-term maintenance concerns, has proven to be reasonably durable, and parts availability remains good. The Astra J Sedan, in general, established Opel as a competitive player in the compact sedan segment, and the 1.4 Turbo Automatic variant played a significant role in its success.
