Considering technical specifications Opel Astra H, variations must be taken into account: more than 5 different engine sizes, a sedan, a station wagon, two hatchbacks and a convertible, 3 trim levels.

Opel Astra H - technical specifications for the whole family

The technical characteristics of the Opel Astra H cannot be described in one paragraph. Because Astra H is not one car, it is a whole family. A line consisting of at least 5 cars. Identical at first glance, but different in essence, in their driving performance, appearance and size.

Astra H began production in 2004. In 2007 it underwent a slight restyling. The technical characteristics of the engines have undergone changes. They have become more powerful, economical and environmentally friendly. Also changed front bumper, mirrors, and some interior trim elements. Astra H is still produced in station wagon, sedan or 5-door hatchback body styles, but under the name Astra Family.

Engine Opel Astra n 1.8 liter with a power of 140 hp, it is a very reliable naturally aspirated gasoline engine with a dual variable valve timing system. In addition to the Opel Astra h, this power unit can also be found on other Opel and Chevrolet models. Today we’ll talk in detail about the features and technical characteristics of the motor.

The EcoTec series engine complies with Euro 5 environmental standards and is factory marked A18XER. The version that falls under environmental class Euro 4 is called Z18XER. The 1.8 liter engine for Astra appeared back in 2005. Today he has a twin brother F18D4, which is produced in South Korea. The second plant where this unit is made is located in Hungary.

Device Opel Astra h 1.8

The basis of the engine design is a cast iron cylinder block. The cylinders are machined directly into the block. The 16-valve mechanism usually does not cause problems, since there are hydraulic compensators and there is no need to adjust the thermal clearance of the valves. The timing belt drive is based on the timing belt. But we’ll talk about the belt drive a little lower. The main feature of the motor can be considered a phase change system on both camshafts. It is this system that causes a lot of trouble. especially if you pour low-quality oil. After all, phase shifters work exclusively due to oil pressure, focusing on various sensors. If you hear a strange rattling sound (diesel sound) from under the hood, then do not rush to blame the hydraulic compensators, most likely they are the ones that have failed actuators CVCP variable valve timing systems.

The operation of the CVCP phase change system is shown schematically in the following picture.

Timing device Opel Astra h 1.8

Astra engine timing diagram A18XER in the next photo.

Characteristics of Opel Astra h 1.8 (140 hp)

• Working volume – 1796 cm3
• Number of cylinders – 4
• Number of valves – 16
• Cylinder diameter – 80.5 mm
• Piston stroke – 88.2 mm
• Timing drive - belt
• Power hp (kW) – 140 (103) at 6300 rpm. per minute
• Torque – 175 Nm at 3800 rpm. per minute
• Maximum speed – 207 km/h
• Acceleration to the first hundred – 10.2 seconds
• Fuel type – gasoline AI-95
• Compression ratio – 10.5
• Fuel consumption in the city – 10.2 liters
• Fuel consumption on the highway – 5.9 liters
• Fuel consumption in the combined cycle – 7.4 liters

With proper and timely maintenance, this power unit can travel for quite a long time, without any problems at all. The engine for the European market is assembled at the Opel plant in Hungary in the town of Szentgotthard. The A18XER/Z18XER engine can be found in Opel Astra, Zafira, Insignia and naturally on Chevrolet Cruze(although there it produces 141 hp).

The fifth generation Opel Astra with the letter K debuted in 2015, when the brand still belonged to General Motors. Then, in 2017, it was bought by PSA. Despite the fact that the French are quickly trying to implement their technologies, the life cycles of Astra and Insignia have not yet ended and it is not economically profitable to transfer them to new platforms with all that entails. Moreover, the restyling of the model was started by GM specialists even before the change of management. As a result, the updated model was released in July 2019, and the new generation on the French EMP2 platform should not be expected before 2021. You can distinguish the new product from its predecessor by the front part. Instead of a double chrome trim, the radiator grille received two single ones. The central air intake has become slightly larger and has a pronounced trapezoidal shape. On the sides of it there are other recesses with fog lights. Among other things, to reduce drag, the front part is equipped with curtains radiator grille, with the upper and lower parts being controlled separately. In addition, the manufacturer installed many shields under the bottom that combat turbulence and changed the shape of the levers rear suspension. As a result, the car received the best drag indicator among its direct competitors. The Cd coefficient for the hatchback is 0.26, and for the station wagon it is 0.25. There have also been a few changes inside the cabin. A new dashboard is located in front of the driver’s eyes. It is distinguished by a virtual section in the center, which is responsible for the speedometer readings. On the center console you can see the eight-inch touch screen of the new multimedia system.

Dimensions

The Opel Astra is a five-seater Golf class model. Two body styles are available: five-door hatchback and station wagon. In the first case, the car is 4370 mm long, 1871 mm wide, 1485 mm high and 2662 mm between the wheel pairs. The station wagon is 332 mm longer and 25 mm higher. The car is based on the D2XX platform developed by General Motors. It has a semi-independent chassis layout. There are McPherson struts at the front and an elastic torsion beam at the rear. The French reconfigured the shock absorbers to improve comfort. For an additional fee, an optional sports package with reduced ground clearance and tighter struts will be available.

Specifications

Opel Astra engines were also inherited from the company's previous owner. The gasoline line consists of two engines. The base one is a 1.2-liter turbocharged inline-three, available in three versions: 110, 130 and 145 horsepower. The gearbox is exclusively six-speed manual. Alternatively, you can choose a 1.3-liter engine with a similar layout. It is capable of producing up to 145 horses and is equipped with a continuously variable transmission. For fans of heavy fuel, a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged unit is available. Available in 105 and 122 versions horsepower. Junior versions come only with manual transmission, and older ones can be equipped with a classic 9-speed hydromechanical automatic transmission.

Video

In 1991, replaced Opel Kadett came new generation“golf-class” models with a sonorous name - Astra (translated from Latin as “star”).

The first generation Opel Astra (designated F) offered a wide range of modifications consisting of 3- and 5-door hatchbacks, a 4-door sedan, a 5-door Caravan station wagon and its commercial 3-door cargo version (without rear glass). At the same time, sports modifications also debuted: GT, equipped with a 2-liter engine (115 hp), and the most powerful 16-valve GSI -2.0 liter (150 hp). It is noteworthy that the GSI version was produced not only in the traditional version (3-door hatchback), but also as a 5-door Caravan station wagon. Two years later the range was expanded with a new four-seater convertible Astra.

Impressive selection power units. All are 4-cylinder, in-line, with a volume of 1.4 to 2 liters. Two diesel engines - Opel 1.7 liter (60 hp) and Japanese Isuzy 1.7 liter turbodiesel (82 hp). The most common in Russia is the 1.6-liter gasoline engine with central injection (C16NZ).

Most of the cars were equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission; Astras with a 4-speed automatic transmission are much less common.

The interior of the car creates a pleasant impression. It is distinguished by simple lines, but everything is quite functional and practical. Used in decoration quality materials. The seats are quite comfortable and have good lateral support. The dashboard is very elegant, and the center console, for greater convenience, is slightly turned towards the driver. The front seats have a wide range of adjustments to allow you to find the optimal driving position.

Moderately soft and comfortable chassis The Opel Astra does not cause any trouble while driving, and thanks to the installation of a stabilizer lateral stability The cars in front and behind hold the road well. The front suspension is independent - McPherson type, and the rear suspension is semi-independent with a separately installed spring and shock absorber. Brake system very effective, besides the machines recent years release in standard equipped with an ABS system. Most Astras have front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, and sports modifications have front and rear disc brakes.

Volumes luggage compartment out of competition. The 3- and 5-door hatchbacks have a trunk volume of 360 liters, the 5-door Caravan station wagon has 500 liters, with the rear seats folded down 1200 liters and 1630 liters, respectively.

In 1994, the car was restyled and its appearance was slightly changed. The quality of the interior trim was improved, and an airbag appeared in the steering wheel. The exterior of the restyled Astra featured a new false radiator grille.

In 1997, the second generation Opel Astra (G) was first presented in Frankfurt. It is noteworthy that not a single important detail was taken from its predecessor. Opel offered a car that was completely redesigned. Design, ergonomics, ride quality, functionality, quality of interior finishing have been greatly improved. Astra was offered in three body types: two hatchbacks - three- and five-door and a station wagon. Astra sedan appeared only a year later.

In the fight for consumers, Opel offers a wide range of modifications. Astra could be anything: sedate and fast, family and individual. A mass-produced car had to please buyers with different needs. The body of the new Astra is distinguished by excellent aerodynamics. The drag coefficient Cx is only 0.29. The strength of the body has increased. Its torsional rigidity has increased significantly compared to the body of the old Astra. We also note that about 20 grades of steel are used in the body of the new Astra. The second generation features significantly improved anti-corrosion resistance. Opel provides a 12-year warranty against perforation corrosion.

Safety is ensured by seat belts and four airbags - two front and two side, hidden in the backs of the front seats. The design of the pedal assembly is similar to that found on the Opel Vectra. If during an impact the deformation touches the pedals, they do not move, but simply fall off: the brackets are crushed and “release” the pedals.

For the first time in the small middle class, the Astre G was equipped with a rear steering suspension, which ensures stable behavior of the car in sharp turns.

The interior space of the cabin is sufficient to comfortably accommodate five passengers.

Compared to the previous model, the number of modifications was slightly reduced, since the convertible was discontinued. But there are still a sedan, a three- and five-door hatchback, as well as a Caravan station wagon.

Gasoline power units were borrowed from the previous model, but the range diesel engines replenished with new 2.0-liter turbodiesels producing 82 hp. (or 101 hp in the version with direct injection fuel).

In 1999, based Astra models with the help of the design studio Bertone was created new version- with Coupe body. A year later, it went into production, and in 2001, the Opel Astra Cabrio was also produced on the basis of this car. Both of these modifications, despite the relatively low price, are a kind of exclusive, because they are assembled by hand at the Bertone factory.

The body of the Opel Astra Cabrio looks equally swift both with the top up and down. Has excellent aerodynamics. The drag coefficient Cx, even with the roof down, does not exceed 0.32. The roof of the new convertible folds and unfolds automatically, and only in the basic version the roof edge is attached to the windshield With mechanical locks, more advanced models have automatic locks and the roof can even be controlled remotely.

The car is equipped with three types of 1.6 petrol engines; 1.8 and 2.2 liters. The last of the power units made its debut on the Opel Astra Coupe and was developed jointly by engineers from several divisions of the General Motors concern; it will be installed not only on the coupe and convertible, but also on other cars of the auto giant. The engine meets Euro IV toxicity standards.

The second generation was discontinued in 2003. The era of the third generation of Astra cars has begun.

The distinctive features of the new Astra are more rapid body lines, as well as new head and rear optics, made in the style of the Opel Signum model. The interior of the new product is different high quality materials used and stylish design. The third generation is built on a completely redesigned platform and includes a three- and five-door hatchback, as well as a station wagon (Caravan) and a convertible.

The range of engines is represented by: petrol engines 1.4 l (90 hp), 1.6 l (105 hp), 1.8 l (125 hp) and 2.2 liters, as well as 1, 7- and 2.2-liter turbodiesels. Buyers are offered a choice of manual five-speed gearbox transmissions, a five-speed sequential electronic automatic transmission (Easytronic), a four-speed classic automatic transmission or a new six-speed manual transmission (for the turbo version). Suspension: McPherson front, dependent rear.

The cargo compartment volume of the latest generation Opel Astra Caravan will be 580 liters, which is 50 liters more than on the model previous generation. We also note that for this new product the FlexOrganizer system will also be offered, which allows you to optimize the placement of luggage in cargo compartment, which first appeared on the Opel Vectra station wagon.

It should also be noted that the new generation of this model meets all modern safety requirements and has received many new passive and active safety, including adaptive airbags.

The new Opel Astra has an impressive range of basic and additional options. The Opel Astra is equipped with an adaptive electronic suspension control system (IDSPlus); system of continuously variable control of its characteristics (CDC); the IDS plus system ensures good dynamic characteristics of the vehicle when reaching sport mode, which can be turned on by simply pressing a dedicated button.

For the first time, cars of this class are equipped with an adaptive headlight control system (AFL) and a headlight control system automatic switching on when road illumination decreases.

In 2004, Opel introduced Astra GTC(Gran Turismo Compact). The target group of buyers of this car consists of both fans of fast driving and connoisseurs of sophisticated automotive style. The proportions of the GTC, which is 15 mm shorter than the base version, are emphatically dynamic. The eye is attracted by the short overhangs of the body and the rear part, which is more prominent than that of the five-door Astra. The sloping roof, triangular side windows and powerful sidewalls are designed to speak of the combat character of the car.

From the prototype, the production car received not only its general outline, but also a remarkable glass roof, which can be ordered as additional equipment. The large glass area of ​​the body gives a good overview.

High ergonomics of the driver's seat and interior trim made from high-quality materials emphasize the advantages of the car. Designers provide several interior options: from classic gray and black to bright red and blue. The Astra GTC is offered in three performance levels: Enjoy, Cosmo and Sport.

Despite the fact that the car has become shorter than the five-door version, two adult passengers can comfortably sit in the back. The trunk volume remains unchanged – it remains 380 liters. But due to the fact that the rear seats fold in a 60:40 ratio basic configuration or 40:20:40 as an option, space luggage compartment can be modulated.

The car's standard equipment includes front and side airbags, a CD player, ABS, electric windows, heated exterior mirrors, an anti-dust bag, Break Assistant and other equipment. Options include the increasingly popular CD radios with the ability to play MP3 files, as well as electronic systems ESP and HAS.

The Astra GTC is available with a wide range of engines, consisting of five petrol and three diesel engines, equipped with a common-rail system. Engine power varies from 90 to 200 hp, all of them comply with Euro 4 standards in terms of exhaust purity.

In the line of gasoline power units, the flagship is a 200-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. With it the Astra GTC develops maximum speed 234 km/h. Among turbodiesels, the top one is the 1.9-liter engine with 150 hp. With. These versions are equipped with 6-speed manual transmissions and adaptive suspension Interactive Driving System (IDSPlus) with electronic control of shock absorber stiffness.

The Astra GTC features adaptive AFL headlights with adjustment light beam depending on the angle of rotation of the front wheels. Using the SportSwitch button, the driver can activate the sport mode, which adjusts ground clearance and accelerator settings. In general, everything is for driving pleasure.

The three-door Astra GTC is produced in Belgium, in Antwerp. The station wagon and hatchback are also assembled there.

The new generation of Opel Astra was presented during the 2009 Frankfurt Salon. At the heart of the five-door hatchback Astra 2010 model year lies GM's new front-wheel drive Delta II platform. The length of the car's wheelbase compared to its predecessor has increased by 71 millimeters (up to 2685 millimeters), and the front and rear tracks have widened by 56 and 70 millimeters, respectively. In addition, the angular stiffness of the front and rear suspension has increased, and the body has become stiffer by 43 percent in torsion and 10 percent in bending.

Astra 2010 bears little resemblance to its predecessor - both inside and outside. New model I inherited almost no detail. New generation and completely new appearance. The quadrangular headlights have given way to complex-shaped optics with LED lights, the radiator grille is made in the Insignia style, and the general shape of the fog lamp sections and the lower air intake remains the same, but has been slightly “modernized”. Even in the five-door version, the car has become noticeably sportier - a dynamic roof line, a strongly inclined rear window, enhancing the “compartment” effect, deep stamping on the doors, sharp edges of the hood and fashionable LEDs in the headlights.

The interior is pleasing to the eye and pleasant to the touch. The main motive is the softness and logic of the lines and the “cockpit” concept: the interior elements seem to surround the driver. The finishing materials are pleasant to the touch, sports seats from Insignia (optional), diffused red illumination of door handles and the central tunnel in the area of ​​the gearshift lever, many compartments for small items, which the predecessor so lacked. There are pockets on the doors, a “shelf” on the center console, a spacious box under the front passenger seat, a niche to the left of the steering wheel, as well as cup holders with a secret “underfloor” that can fit mobile phone, wallet or GPS navigator. The manufacturer has significantly improved the sound insulation of the cabin. New seals were installed, hollow sections in the body were insulated and aerodynamics were worked out in detail. external elements like rear view mirrors and even door handles.

Astra 2010 has become not only more practical, but also more spacious - the new interior is wider both at passenger shoulder level and at hip level, and the range of adjustments for the front seats is simply enormous: the front seats move forward and backward by 28 centimeters, and up and down by 6.5 centimeters.

Depending on the configuration, the interior can be decorated differently. In the basic version of Essentia, the center console is made in dark colors, and the seats have fabric upholstery with a contrasting pattern of pillows and inserts on the backs. In the Enjoy modification, the inserts on the doors and console can be made in black, red or blue. In Sport, the center console, door handles and trims around the air vents have a piano black finish. The Cosmo version offers different seats and a two-tone console trim. If desired, you can now order steering wheel heated.

To please practical drivers, Opel engineers came up with the FlexFloor system. Simply put, this is a movable trunk floor that can be located on three levels and can withstand a load of up to 100 kilograms. In the lower position, it is just a regular cover, matching in level with the curtain covering the repair kit. On average, the shelf is installed flush with the folded backrests rear seats, removing the step and facilitating the placement of long items. Due to the fact that the floor level is slightly raised, an additional compartment with a depth of 55 millimeters and a volume of 52 liters is formed under the shelf. In its highest position, the shelf levels the luggage compartment floor with rear bumper, which allows you to load heavy cargo into the trunk without bending. The section under the shelf in this case increases its volume to 126 liters and its depth to 157 millimeters. In short, the FlexFloor system allows you to intelligently distribute the space in the trunk. For the cheapest versions, FlexFloor will be offered as an option.

The wide range of Ecotec engines proves that it is possible to combine high power and driving dynamics with fuel efficiency and low emissions. The car is equipped with naturally aspirated petrol engines (1.4 Ecotec/101 hp and 1.6 Ecotec/116 hp), as well as compact turbocharged engines with a maximum power of 1.4 l/140 hp. and 1.6 l/180 hp. respectively. All of them are built using 16-valve technology and equipped modern systems, optimizing the parameters of the inlet air flow. The engines are manufactured using lightweight materials and designs that minimize their weight. Modern manual transmissions (5 or 6-speed) are combined with gasoline engines. In addition, all engines except the 1.4 Ecotec can be used with a new 6-speed automatic transmission gears with ActiveSelect function. Gamma diesel units represented by three engines: 1.3 l/95 hp, 1.7 l 110 hp. and 125 hp and 2.0 l/160 hp.

The 2010 Astra's chassis combines a MacPherson strut front suspension similar to that found on the Insignia and a newly developed intelligent torsion beam rear suspension with a Watt linkage. This new design reduces unwanted noise and vibration for improved interior comfort and improves vehicle handling.

Another innovation is the optional FlexRide adaptive suspension. The chassis is controlled by a specially designed chassis mode control (DMC) that recognizes 11 various situations during movement, such as driving at a constant high or low speed, turning or accelerating. Based on this, it automatically optimizes the parameters of all driving assistance systems integrated in the vehicle's chassis. Another key component of the FlexRide system is Dynamic Control (CDC), which adjusts suspension stiffness in real time based on changing vehicle operating conditions. It operates in three modes: automatic (Standart), sport (Sport) and comfortable (Tour). In the first case, the chassis adapts to the road situation and driving style - the electronics independently decide whether to leave the softest settings for a better ride or, conversely, increase the steering force and make the shock absorbers stiffer.

In Sport mode, white backlight dashboard changes to red, the steering wheel becomes “heavier”, responses to pressing the gas pedal and the reaction of the adaptive headlights become more intense. Moreover, the driver through on-board computer can disable one of these parameters by customizing the Sport mode to suit itself. Tour mode is the most comfortable. It noticeably lengthens the response to the steering wheel, road unevenness is no longer transmitted to the body, and in sharp turns the car begins to roll. In extreme situations, the system automatically adjusts the suspension stiffness to provide the best possible handling and safety, regardless of the selected mode.

In September 2010, at the Paris Motor Show, the premiere of the elegant Opel station wagon Astra Sports Tourer, combining first-class functionality with an athletic body and stylish design. The model is made in the same style as the 5-door hatchback and demonstrates the presence of smooth but athletic shapes and curved side lines. The impeccable profile and sidewall stampings add a sense of speed to the Astra Sports Tourer, while the powerful shoulder line flows laconically into elegantly crafted tail lights. Station wagon taken from hatchback design features 105.7-inch wheelbase, additionally acquiring increased payload capacity and much more interior space.

Opel specialists have developed a FlexFold rear seat system that allows you to move each section back row at the touch of a button located on the side panel of the luggage compartment. The button automatically activates the quick folding of the rear row seats in a 60/40 ratio. The Opel Astra Sports Tourer was the first C-Class car to be equipped with such a system. Luggage compartment volumes vary from 500 to 1550 liters. The Easy-Access Cargo Cover, borrowed from luxury models, allows the luggage compartment cover to be opened with just a gentle push.

The Astra Sports Tourer features high-quality interior trim. For comfortable travel over long distances, the car is equipped with ergonomic front seats that have been certified by independent spinal health experts from Aktion Gesunder Rűcken (AGR), the German medical association that has established orthopedic requirements for car seats.

The innovative rear suspension using Watt links, used in the 5-door Opel Astra, also benefited rear axle new station wagon: it provides a reliable level of handling and high adaptability to increased weight loads. Optionally for the most demanding drivers will be offered adaptive suspensions Flexride.

If we talk about the technical characteristics of the Opel Astra Sports Tourer, the range of power units for the station wagon contains 8 engines that combine efficiency, strength, functionality and environmental friendliness. The maximum power ranges from 95 hp. up to 180 hp

The presence of a standard towing device and the Trailer Stability Assist trailer stabilization system complements the list of offered options. In addition, Opel engineers are developing a new generation of integrated bicycle racks, FlexFix, which will be presented a little later.

In 2011, Opel released the second generation of the three-door Astra GTC hatchback. The car stands out original design And excellent handling. Compared to the five-door version of Astra, the ground clearance has been reduced by 15 mm, the front wheel track has become 1584 mm, which is 40 mm more, the rear wheel track has become 1588 mm, an increase of 30 mm, and wheelbase grew by 10 mm - to 2695 mm. This allows the GTC to be equipped with larger wheels (from 17 to 20 inches), which contributes to increased stability and a sportier appearance.

There are some similarities with the 5-door version of the Opel Astra, but these two cars do not have a single common body part! Because everything has been changed: from the expression of the “face” to the inclination of the body pillars and even the chassis.

Excellent dynamics and first-class handling are achieved through a unique chassis design. Just like the coolest Opel Insignia OPC, the front suspension of the Astra GTC uses modified MacPherson struts. Only here they are called HiPer Strut (from High Performance). Their main difference is that they are separated from the rack steering knuckle. Its lateral inclination angle is less than that of an all-moving strut, which reduces the camber angle of the wheels when cornering. Their contact patch with the asphalt becomes larger, and turns can be taken faster. The steering knuckle itself is shorter than the strut, which reduces the sensitivity of the steering to shocks. The front suspension is perfectly combined with the sophisticated Watt rear suspension system, Opel's patented technology. The Astra GTC chassis is specially designed to integrate with intelligent system FlexRide adaptive suspension control. It improves road stability, cornering stability and handling by automatically adapting to road conditions, vehicle speed and individual driving style. In addition, the FlexRide system allows you to select one of three chassis modes and change the behavior of the car at the touch of a button: you can choose at any time the balanced “Standard” mode, the comfortable “Tour” or the more active “Sport” mode.

The Opel Astra GTC is offered with a choice of four engines, three of which are petrol and one diesel. If the five-door engine range starts at 95 hp, then here it starts at 120 hp.

These are already known from the five-door petrol 1.4 liter turbo in versions of 120 and 140 hp. Fuel consumption is 5.9 liters per 100 km. CO2 emissions: 139 g/km. The most powerful petrol engine is the 1.6-liter turbocharged version with 180 hp, which allows you to reach speeds of up to 220 km/h, and is available with a six-speed manual transmission.

The most promising engine for Europe, the 2.0 CDTi turbodiesel with Start-Stop mode, produces five horsepower and as much as 30 Nm more than the five-door: 165 hp. and 380 Nm. The Opel Astra GTC 2.0 CDTI is capable of reaching a speed of 210 kilometers per hour, accelerating from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 8.9 seconds, while consuming fuel in the combined cycle of 4.9 liters per 100 kilometers. CO2 emissions are 129 g/km.

Despite its attractive coupe-like design, the Astra GTC doesn't sacrifice functionality. The car not only seats five passengers, but also has a trunk volume from 370 to 1,235 liters. The amount of storage space in the cabin has increased by 50% compared to the previous generation GTC, mainly thanks to the presence of an electric parking brake, which freed up space in the most accessible part of the cabin - in the central tunnel.

The second generation Opel Eye television camera is intended to assist the driver. In addition to participating in the signal about falling out of lane, she learned to recognize more road signs and determine the distance to the car in front (depending on it, she also gives a command to switch the bi-xenon headlights from high to low).



In most cases, when choosing a used car, you need to choose a not very powerful naturally aspirated engine with a manual transmission, and then the car will drive for a long time. But with the Opel Astra H things are a little different.

Mechanical boxes

Mechanical boxes in the Opel Astra N are not particularly reliable, because over time they have some surprises, especially since manual boxes come with a lot of powerful motors.
The Astra is equipped with 5-speed gearboxes F17 and F13, which were installed on the Opel Cadet, produced in the late 90s. The power of the motors began to increase and so did the load on the box, so the bearings began to fail.

On Vectra B cars you can still install a stronger and more reliable gearbox of the F16, F18 and F23 series, you also need to install new hubs and drives. But more reliable boxes will not fit into the Astra N, because the steering rack does not allow it.

So a huge number of Astra N owners repair the box or exchange it for a used box. If the secondary shaft bearings are damaged, this leads to the destruction of the gearbox housing, after which metal chips appear, which then damage all other elements. In general, you have to overhaul the box, and this is not cheap. A new manual transmission costs about 200,000 rubles, so many people buy a used one, but there is a risk that this whole situation will repeat itself soon.

Solving the problem

But not everything is as sad as it might seem; this problem can be solved. It is possible to move the motor mounting points. If you move the motor a few centimeters, you can install a more reliable box - F23. You can also install a manual transmission from Chevrolet, it is the same as in Opel, it becomes clear, and there is no need to redo the design.

Before purchasing, it is not difficult to determine that the transmission has problems - you just need to lift the car, start the engine and start turning the wheels. Engage 4th or 5th gear, then turn off the engine and listen carefully. If the bearings are damaged, a characteristic sound will be heard very clearly. Repairing the box in the early stages will cost approximately 70,000 rubles. Repairing a standard box is a waste of time and money.

To make the box last longer, you need to monitor the oil level, and you can also change it periodically. Pouring into a box better oil ATF DEXTRON II, and not the oil that dealers recommend. It is especially likely that the manual transmission will fail on cars with a 1.8 engine and a 1.3 diesel engine.

More than 1/3 of cars with these engines already had their manual transmission repaired or replaced at 60,000 mileage. On cars with a 1.6-liter engine, the risk that the transmission will fail is slightly less, since the engine is not as powerful and the transmission will be able to work better with it.

But if you start abruptly from a traffic light, and when overtaking, engage a lower gear, then the gearbox will also have to be repaired. There are configurations with a 2.0 turbocharged engine, it comes with an M32 manual transmission, it breaks down just like the others. But it doesn’t break down so often, because the differential is more durable, and there aren’t that many cars with this configuration.

Opel owners are also not pleased with the dual-mass flywheel; it does not last long and is quite expensive. More or less reliable in the box cable drive, but over time the rocker wears out, so first and second gears engage worse. To correct this situation, you just need to change the linkage or install new liners for the ball joint of the lever.

Automatic boxes

On cars with a small engine capacity, an EasyTronic robotic gearbox was installed instead of an automatic transmission. She has the same problems as in mechanical boxes F17 - M20, plus there is also an automatic clutch drive.

If you drive calmly and don’t intentionally kill the box, then it will travel for a while. But if you often drive through traffic jams, then the clutch actuators will fail faster. In general, the clutch in such cars lasts approximately 60,000 km. And the price of new spare parts is quite high. In general, when buying a car, it is better to refuse configurations with robotic box EasyTronic.

A truly reliable automatic transmission is installed with a more powerful engine: petrol 1.8 or 2.2. These engines come with a 4-speed Aisin automatic transmission. This is a Japanese box with reliable construction. It lasts a long time, does not break and does not cause any problems to its owner, especially if you change the oil as indicated in the instructions.

If you don’t kill the box on purpose, it will last at least 300,000 km. And repairing an automatic transmission is not particularly expensive - you just need to clean it, replace the rubber bands and worn clutches. Everything else can still serve. You need to check the serviceability of the automatic transmission using the ATF “glycol test”, or check the box for emulsion.

Motors

Opel engines are traditionally made with high quality, last a long time, consume little fuel and are especially unpretentious. Before restyling, Asters N were equipped with engines with volumes of 1.6 and 1.8 liters, their design is the same as in the older engines installed in Kadets and Asconas. Sometimes there are 1.4-liter engines. They have 16 valves, a simple design, and can easily last more than 250,000 km. Among the disadvantages of this motor is a slightly weak control unit, it can overheat, and there are also cases where cracks appear at the solder points.

The throttle valve and ignition have a long service life, it is enough to clean these components periodically, then there will definitely be no problems. The engines use an EGR system, the valve of which becomes dirty over time and does not close. Adjustable intake manifold It also does not tolerate the abundance of dust and dirt on the roads; it becomes covered with soot and oil, so it is advisable to keep an eye on these things.

But still, at the engine large stock durability, if you change the timing belt and oil on time, this engine will last a long time. 250,000 km. guaranteed to last, there are examples with 400,000 mileage, except that there is a small oil consumption of around 200 grams per 1000 km. mileage Even if the engine breaks down, its overhaul will not cost much, since the cost of spare parts for this car is not high.

More modern engines of the Z16XEP and Z16XER series with a volume of 1.6, as well as the Z18XER with a volume of 1.8 liters are also reliable, but they already use a new cylinder head and a phase shifter in the timing system. All these innovations increase torque by low revs, also the engine power has increased. At that time, for a 1.8 engine the power was 140 hp. With. – this is a good indicator.

These engines do not have hydraulic compensators, so the valves will have to be adjusted once every 60,000 km, although according to the passport this should be done once every 150,000 km. Therefore, if it appears in the engine extraneous noise, then it's time to adjust the gaps. Among the innovations are a controlled thermostat, an oil heat exchanger, increased operating temperature engine, the oil filter has been changed.

The engine remains reliable if maintenance is done on time. True, complaints arise because of the phase shifters and their valves; after a while, knocking and floating speed appear. But now there is no EGR system, so the intake tract is not dirty. For those who start abruptly without warming up the car, the heat exchangers may leak over time.

You can find Opel Astra N with A16XER and A18XER engines; in fact, these are the same engines, only they are tuned differently and are a little dull. According to European regulations, oil changes must be done at fairly large intervals; this has a bad effect on the engine, so the condition of engines from Europe is often worse than from Russia. Regardless of what is stated in the regulations, the oil must be changed more often, the better. But no less than once every 10,000 km. For these motors there is oil coming out with a viscosity of SAE 40. And there is no need to add any additives, because they lead to coking of the rings.

There are also more powerful motors of the Z20LEH/Z20LER/Z20LEL series. Their volume is 2 liters, the service life is quite long - 300,000 km. will serve easily. It is not difficult to repair them, and the cost of the parts is not high. The disadvantages of 2-liter engines are that they are quite rare, and the wiring is not particularly good.

Diesel engines

In most cases, diesel engines in the Astra Z13DTH series, they are quite economical, at the same time, the power is large and the torque is good. But over time, problems arise with fuel cells, and also corrosion appears on the cylinder head, the turbine often fails, the EGR system strains, the catalyst becomes clogged, the intake becomes leaky, and the particulate filter becomes clogged.