The Opel Astra J Sedan 1.7 CDTI, producing 130 horsepower, was a key variant within the Astra J Sedan range, manufactured between 2012 and 2014. Positioned as a fuel-efficient and practical option, it catered to buyers seeking a balance between economy and reasonable performance in a compact sedan. This model occupied a middle ground in the J Sedan lineup, offering a step up from the base engine options while remaining more accessible than the higher-performance variants. It was primarily marketed in Europe, where the Astra J competed with rivals like the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, and Peugeot 308.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Astra |
| Generation | Astra J Sedan |
| Type (Engine) | 1.7 CDTI (130 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.2 l/100 km (45.2 US mpg, 54.3 UK mpg, 19.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4 l/100 km (58.8 US mpg, 70.6 UK mpg, 25 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.4 l/100 km (53.5 US mpg, 64.2 UK mpg, 22.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 117 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 203 km/h (126.14 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.8 kg/Hp, 92.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.7 kg/Nm, 213.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 130 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 77.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 2000-2500 rpm (221.27 lb.-ft. @ 2000-2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A17DTS |
| 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.) |
| 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 | 7.1 l (7.5 US qt | 6.25 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1405 kg (3097.49 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1895 kg (4177.76 lbs.) |
| Max load | 490 kg (1080.27 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 (Back) 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 | ICE to Front Wheels |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Astra J Sedan 1.7 CDTI is the A17DTS engine, a 1.7-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine belongs to Opel’s family of small-displacement diesel engines, designed for efficiency and reduced emissions. It features a common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel directly into the combustion chamber at extremely high pressure. This, combined with a turbocharger and intercooler, allows for a good balance of power and fuel economy. The engine utilizes four valves per cylinder and an overhead camshaft, contributing to its relatively smooth operation for a diesel. The 130 horsepower output is achieved at 4000 rpm, while the peak torque of 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) is available between 2000 and 2500 rpm. This broad torque curve provides good responsiveness in everyday driving situations. The engine was paired with a six-speed manual transmission, optimized for fuel efficiency and smooth gear changes.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.7 CDTI with the manual transmission offered a practical and economical driving experience. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took around 10.8 seconds, which was adequate for typical commuting and highway driving, but not particularly sporty. The engine’s strong low-end torque made it feel more responsive than the horsepower figure might suggest, providing sufficient power for overtaking maneuvers. The six-speed gearbox was well-matched to the engine’s characteristics, allowing drivers to keep the engine in its optimal torque band. Compared to the more powerful Astra J variants, such as those equipped with the 1.6-liter Turbo petrol engine or the 2.0-liter CDTI, the 1.7 CDTI felt less refined and had a more noticeable diesel engine sound. However, it excelled in fuel economy, consistently achieving combined fuel consumption figures of around 4.4 l/100 km (53.5 US mpg).
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Astra J Sedan 1.7 CDTI typically came with a reasonable level of standard equipment. This included air conditioning, electric front windows, a basic audio system with USB connectivity, and ABS brakes. Higher trim levels, such as ‘Enjoy’ or ‘Cosmo’, added features like alloy wheels, cruise control, automatic climate control, and a more advanced infotainment system. Optional extras included parking sensors, a sunroof, and leather upholstery. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a functional and durable design. The dashboard layout was straightforward and user-friendly, with logically placed controls.
Chassis & Braking
The Astra J Sedan featured 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 ventilated discs, offering good stopping power, while the rear brakes were typically solid discs. The electric power steering provided light and precise steering feel. The chassis was tuned for comfort, prioritizing a smooth ride over sporty handling. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Astra J Sedan 1.7 CDTI was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and fuel-efficient option. It was praised for its low running costs and comfortable ride. However, some reviewers noted that the engine could be somewhat noisy and lacked the refinement of some of its competitors. Compared to the petrol-powered Astra J variants, the 1.7 CDTI offered significantly better fuel economy, making it a popular choice for drivers who covered long distances. Compared to other diesel-powered Astra J models, the 1.7 CDTI offered a good balance between performance and economy, sitting between the lower-powered 1.3 CDTI and the more potent 2.0 CDTI.
Legacy
The A17DTS engine, while generally reliable, has been known to exhibit issues with the diesel particulate filter (DPF) if not properly maintained, particularly on vehicles used primarily for short journeys. Regular servicing and the use of high-quality diesel fuel are crucial for ensuring the longevity of this powertrain. Today, the Astra J Sedan 1.7 CDTI remains a relatively affordable and practical used car option. Its fuel efficiency and reasonable running costs continue to appeal to budget-conscious buyers. While it may not offer the excitement of more powerful variants, it provides a dependable and economical mode of transportation.
