- Best-in-class: SIDI Turbo gasoline unit with strong low-end torque and high refinement
- Three body styles: Available as 5-door hatchback, 4-door sedan and Sports Tourer
- More torque: Up to 280 Nm from just 1,650 rpm
- Greater economy: Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions cut by up to 14 percent
- Refined transmissions: Smooth six-speed manual and automatic transmissions
An all-new gasoline engine in three Astra variants: the new-generation 1.6 SIDI (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) Turbo unit now makes its debut in the Opel best seller. The 125 kW/170 hp, direct injection engine leads the newly-launched Opel powertrain offensive and takes the Astra five-door hatchback, four-door sedan and Sports Tourer models to the top of their segments for superb low-end torque and refinement.
This new-generation engine tops the gasoline offer in the Astra family and replaces the previous 1.6 Turbo. It generates exceptional maximum torque of up to 280 Nm (50 Nm more than its predecessor), which is available from just 1,650 rpm (previous generation: 2,200 rpm). It does more than just beat its predecessor: it also delivers 12 percent more torque than its closest competitors from the compact class with 150 – 180 hp output, even those from German premium brands.
At the same time, with NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) fuel consumption of just 5.9 liters/100 km (five-door and sedan), the new Astra models powered by the 1.6 SIDI Turbo also require up to 14 percent less gasoline than their predecessors. Refined transmissions also play a role in delivering better fuel economy as well as enhanced comfort and performance. The five-door Astra, the sedan and Sports Tourer 1.6 SIDI Turbo come with next-generation six-speed manual gearboxes distinguished by especially high shifting comfort and substantially lower friction. A new, low-friction six-speed automatic transmission can also be combined with the new 1.6 SIDI Turbo engine in the Astra models. It features an Active Select function to provide manual shifting for a sportier driving experience.
The five-door Astra 1.6 SIDI Turbo can now be ordered, with prices starting at 23,385 euros (RRP incl. VAT in Germany) and 24,485 euros for the similarly equipped Astra Sports Tourer. The Astra four-door sedan with the 1.6 SIDI Turbo engine will be available this fall.
Top of segment: Higher torque than all direct competitors
While most competitors provide maximum torque of 240 – 250 Nm, the Astra five-door, sedan and Sports Tourer 1.6 SIDI Turbo impress with powerful low-end torque of up to 280 Nm between 1,650 and 4,250 rpm. The all-new engine combines excellent refinement and a smooth power delivery with lower fuel consumption. It boasts up to 22 percent more torque than its predecessor engine and a reduction of up to 14 percent in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, diminishing impact on the environment and drivers’ wallets.
With Start/Stop technology and a six-speed manual transmission, the Astra five-door and sedan 1.6 SIDI Turbo models have an NEDC combined fuel consumption of just 5.9 l/100 km and emit only 139 g/km CO2. The five-door Astra 1.6 SIDI Turbo accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 8.7 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 220 km/h, while the sedan achieves two km/h more. Both variants also boast impressive elasticity in fifth gear, with acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h in just 8.8 seconds, nearly two seconds faster than the predecessor model.
The new Astra Sports Tourer 1.6 SIDI Turbo also easily joins the ranks of exemplary performers: it accelerates from 80 to 120 km/h (fifth gear) in nine seconds – 1.5 seconds faster than the previous 1.6 Turbo model– and from zero to 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds, with a maximum speed of 220 km/h. The flexible Opel station wagon consumes 6.1 l/100km (NEDC combined) and emits 144 g/km CO2.
Music to the ears: Running smoothness par excellence
Strong pulling power, exemplary elasticity and excellent running refinement were the key development objectives for the new 1.6 SIDI Turbo. To achieve low overall levels of radiated noise and vibration, engineers optimized the induction and exhaust systems. This included decoupling the cam cover from the cylinder head via specific fasteners and the sealing system. In spite of direct injection and pulsed combustion, engineers were able to substantially reduce noise levels compared to the previous engine. As a result of these ‘sound-engineering’ measures, occupants of the new Astra 1.6 SIDI models will appreciate quiet, smooth idling and a pleasant sound quality even at high road speeds, engine speeds and loads.
Opel Management Board Member for Engineering Mike Ableson says, “Following the introduction of the all-new 1.6 SIDI Turbo in the Cascada and Zafira Tourer, we are now delighted to make this state-of-the-art engine available for our customers in our best seller, the Astra, in three very popular body styles. With this powerful and quiet new-generation Turbo, we are heading towards the top of the class – three times over with the five-door Astra, the Astra sedan and the Astra Sports Tourer.”
The new 1.6 SIDI Turbo gasoline engine is the start of Opel’s huge powertrain offensive. Through 2016, the automaker will introduce three completely new engine families and 13 new engines. Many new transmissions will also be introduced in the same time frame. As a result, Opel will renew 80 percent of its engine portfolio within the next four years.
