- Engines follow latest design trend of high efficiency from small capacity
- 1.4 Turbo engine delivers 103 kW
- 1.6 Turbo engine delivers 132 kW
- 6-speed manual transmissions for both engines
- Euro-5 emissions compliant
The new Opel Astra GTC is available to South African buyers with a choice of either 1.4 or 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol engines. Both follow the latest in engine design trends and technology that accents high power delivery from a small capacity engine. At the heart of this technology is the application of a new generation of electronically controlled turbochargers and engine management systems.
Both the 103 kW 1.4 turbo engine and the 1.6 turbo engine are fully compliant with Euro-5 emissions standards. Drive is via a 6-speed manual transmission for both options.
1.4 litre petrol engine offers excellent performance from small capacity
The 1.4 litre turbo engine of the Opel Astra GTC 1.4T Enjoy delivers maximum power of 103 kW @ 4900 r/min with peak torque of 200 Nm delivered over the wide engine speed range of 1850-4900 r/min. The wide torque range ensures an excellent performance reserve together with superb fuel efficiency and low emissions.
In vehicle tests conducted by Opel engineers a fuel consumption of just 5,9 l/100km for the combined cycle was recorded for this vehicle. CO2 emissions measured on the combined cycle are 139 gm/km.
This level of fuel efficiency is delivered without compromise to performance. The Astra GTC 1.4T Enjoy is capable of accelerating from rest to 100 km/h in just 9,9 seconds. Top speed achieved in Opel tests is 201 km/h.
A standard feature on the 1.4 turbo engine of the Astra GTC 1.4T Enjoy is Opel’s Start/Stop technology. Together with the latest evolution of in electronic engine management Stop/Start technology significantly enhances the overall fuel efficiency of this engine.
Variable valve timing operates on both the inlet and exhaust camshafts ensuring that the four valves per cylinder are timed to optimise engine performance and efficiency in all engine load conditions. This is the basis of the wide torque band of the engine and its superb power delivery across the engine speed range. At the same time fuel efficiency is optimised through accurate metering of the fuel/air mixture and the timing of the ignition spark.
The engine management system extends to the control of the thermostat to ensure that the engine operates in an ideal temperature range, a further enhancement for performance and economy.
The 6-speed manual transmission rounds off the package by providing an ideal spread of gear ratios for acceleration and open road cruising.
1.6 Turbo engine provides muscle for sporty performance
The 1.6 litre turbo engine that powers the Astra GTC 1.6T Sport introduces a sense of fun into motoring with its high performance characteristics. Maximum power for this engine is 132 kW @ 5500 r/min with peak torque of 230 Nm delivered from just 2200 r/min through 5400 r/min.
Performance figures for this model are 8,3 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint with a top speed of 220 km/h. The combined urban/extra-urban fuel consumption is 6,8 l/100km as tested by Opel engineers.
As with the smaller 1.4 litre engine, the 1.6 litre turbo unit benefits from the latest generation of electronic controls, including the control of the turbocharger to ensure optimum operating efficiency. Variable valve timing is provided for both inlet and exhaust systems.
Higher operating temperatures are the norm for this type of performance engine, particularly the combustion chamber temperature. The design of the engine takes this into account with sodium filled exhaust valves fitted for more efficient heat transfer from this part of the engine. The pistons are splash cooled with oil to assist in effectively transferring heat away from the piston crown.
As with the smaller of the two engines, the operating temperature is electronically regulated within a close range through the engine management system. The mapping of this element of the engine control increases the engine operating temperature when there is sustained low engine speed. This improves the oil flow for reduced internal friction in the engine. This has a positive impact on fuel efficiency.
Drive is via a 6-speed manual transmission with well spaced ratios optimised for an excellent balance between performance and relaxed open road cruising.
