Opel Astra F.

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Opel
Opel Astra five-door (1991-1994)
Opel Astra five-door (1991-1994)
Astra F
Production period: 1991-2000
Class : Compact class
Body versions : Hatchback , sedan , station wagon , convertible , vans
Engines:
Otto engines : 1.4–2.0 liters
(44–110 kW)
Diesel engines :
1.7 liters
(42–60 kW)
Length: 4051-4278 mm
Width: 1688-1696 mm
Height: 1410-1475 mm
Wheelbase : 2515 mm
Empty weight : 933-1230 kg
Previous model Opel Kadett E.
successor Opel Astra G.

The Astra F is one of summer 1991 1998 (convertible to early 2000) produced by spring type of vehicle the compact class of the car manufacturer Opel . It is the successor to the Opel Kadett E and the sixth model in the Opel Kadett / Astra series and, like its predecessor, is based on the GM-T platform (1979) .

A facelift in the summer of 1994. The Astra F was for the Central and Eastern European region as "Astra Classic" in Polish GM -Werk Gliwice produced (Gliwice) until the summer of 2002.

Model history

General

With the introduction of the Astra , the traditional model name Kadett was replaced. This happened because Opel replaced all previous model names with artificial names that ended in “ a ” (such as Vectra, Omega and Calibra) when changing models in the 1990s . The new name was intended to create a new, positive brand image. In surveys, Astra was mostly associated with technology and space travel. The letter indicating the model, however, was continued, which is why the first Astra model, the official name Astra F got.

The three- and five-door hatchback models were initially available from August 1991, while the five-door caravan followed in October 1991. In May 1992, the classic notchback sedan reached dealers. The convertible, which, like the open-top Kadett E, was designed by Bertone, completed the range in August 1993.

Inglorious chapters of the Astra F are a recall campaign due to construction errors on the tank as well as the excessive amount of rust that results from processing defects in production (cut edge rust). Other defects such as weak toothed belts, malfunctions in the ignition distributor or the alternator on the Astra F of the first series required frequent visits to the workshop.

However, when the model was revised in August 1994, better rust protection precautions were taken. The Astra F was also available with a 4-speed automatic transmission from the Japanese manufacturer Aisin AW on request .

In March 1998 the successor Astra G was introduced, which ended the production of the Astra F. Only the convertible rolled off the production line in its old form until January 2000.

The Astra models were sold as Vauxhall in England , Chevrolet in South America and Holden in Australia . In South Africa only the notchback sedan was offered as the Opel Astra, the hatchback models continued to be offered as the Opel Kadett.

Facelift

During the revision in August 1994, some details were changed. For example, the shape of the exterior mirrors (previously these corresponded to those of the Kadett E ), the door handles (from the end of 1995), the radiator grille, headlights (tapering towards the radiator grille), fog lights (clear glass), the side bumper strips, rear bumpers and the roof spoiler . In the station wagon, the previously unpainted rear strip was painted (except for the base model). Compared to the model built until 1994, the plastic part of the bumpers, which can be painted in body color on request, is now limited to the narrow upper edge. The same plastic cover as the GSi was used on the hatchback until 1994, and from then on it was also installed in a similar form on the notchback and convertible.

From the facelift, all Astras were provided with chrome-plated lettering and three-dimensional emblems on the tailgate. The use of white indicator glasses at the front and tinted four-chamber (notchback, convertible, caravan, delivery van) or five-chamber rear lights (hatchback) made the Astra look more modern.

Body styles

The Astra F was offered in five body styles:

  • Hatchback with three or five doors with 350 to 1200 l load space
  • Notchback with four doors
  • Station wagon ( caravan ) with five doors and the same wheelbase as the other models. A three-door model, as was the case with the previous Kadett E model, was no longer produced due to insufficient demand.
    • Compared to the other models, the caravan has a roof antenna. The trunk is remarkable, with a capacity of 500 liters when the rear seats are not folded down. With the rear seats folded down, the luggage compartment even holds 1630 liters. As with all Astra F models, the rear seats are asymmetrically divided, and in conjunction with the absolutely level loading area, the best possible loading flexibility has been achieved. For a surcharge, a through-loading facility was offered for the center armrest, which later became the "Dream" and "Style" series. The Astra Caravan was the best-selling station wagon of all classes in 1995.
  • Cabriolet : The convertible version of the Opel Astra F was designed by Bertone on the basis of the notchback model. The folded-up fabric roof did not have the body's own convertible top compartment cover, but had to be covered manually with a tarpaulin using push buttons. Hardly any driver stuck to it because of the cumbersome handling. The disadvantage of the optionally available anti-theft alarm system was that, when the vehicle was parked open, it triggered the alarm when moving in close proximity.
  • Delivery van ( Lfw ): Caravan without roof rails with three instead of five doors, two seats, sheet metal instead of rear side windows and a half-height sheet metal partition behind the seats. The delivery van therefore had a truck license and was therefore very popular with craftsmen.
  • Special forms and special conversions: Among other things, the Astra Caravan has been modified to a hearse with an extended wheelbase and a transporter with a high roof that is suitable for the disabled.
    • What is special about the wheelchair transporter is that the wheelchair user drives into the passenger compartment via a lowerable aluminum ramp. However, the rear seats are omitted and the tank is located behind the left rear door. The interior height is around 140 cm. However, the wheelchair user needs a driver, but he has his own windshield with wipers.

The double airbag (driver 67 liters, front passenger 120 liters) was also standard from August 1994, with the exception of the export models. In addition, the simple info display with clock / radio display (DID; Dual Info Display) has now been replaced by one with an additional outside temperature display (TID; Triple Info Display, previously an optional extra), which warns of slippery roads from 3 ° C downwards by staying for a few seconds Switching on the ignition blinked. The speed can also be read off in the TID by pressing both buttons for about five seconds (it is displayed up to 53 km / h, then '+53 km / h).

Other technical changes in addition to some more environmentally friendly engines as part of the facelift and afterwards are the change from oil to gas pressure shock absorbers and thus better driving behavior, changed stabilizer attachment on the wishbones at the front, modified coupling rods, changed suspension of the rear silencer (from mid-1996; single-point mounting changed to Three-point mounting welded directly to the silencer analogous to the GSi 2.0 16V up to summer 1994), changed fastening of the front door panel (one instead of two screws under the armrest; from autumn 1996), gear knob corresponding to that of the Astra G. The side indicators on the front fenders were on the Models manufactured for Germany will not be available until autumn 1997.

In the convertible for Germany, the only engines offered after the facelift were the X16SZR (75 hp) and the X18XE (116 hp). With the facelift, in addition to the C20XE engine (which was still installed as a top engine up to model year 1997, but was then removed from the range due to new emissions standards), there was also the X20XEV engine, which was now considered the Ecotec top engine. This engine replaced the C20NE in the engine range of the caravan. The C20NE was previously the most frequently ordered big block engine in caravans; it enjoyed great popularity thanks to its high torque at low speeds. In addition to the C20NE, the C20XE and C18XE were also available in the caravan before the facelift, both with a higher output than the C20NE.

safety

The Astra F was supplied with a wide range of active and passive safety elements. Constructive measures on the body included computer-calculated stiffening points and double-tube reinforcements in the doors. In addition, the pillars, the side sills and the door shafts have been reinforced. The body was therefore very torsion-resistant. Belt buckle tensioners and height-adjustable seat belts were installed as standard from the start. The seat ramps were designed to prevent them from diving under the seat belt in the event of a frontal collision. Frame headrests were offered for the front seats; these enabled a good view to the rear and prevented neck injuries to the rear passengers in the event of a collision. From the spring of 1993 a driver airbag was also offered at an additional cost, whereby with the facelift in August 1994 the double airbag was built into all models as standard. ABS was available for an extra charge from the start of production; it was standard equipment from model year 1996. In the convertible, the windshield frame and the two doors were reinforced with tubular steel, and the headrests in the rear were also made of steel in order to ensure the necessary survival space (imaginary line between the windshield frame and headrests) in the event of a rollover.

Colours

The Astra F was offered in the following colors (color code in brackets):

Plain
Casablanca white (474)
Uni
pineapple yellow (485)
Uni
Atlantis blue (285)
Uni
Magma Red (547)
Uni
cosmos blue (204)
Uni
Toscano Red (567)
Metallic
Caribbean Blue (277)
Metallic
Canyon red (321)
Metallic
Heliotrope (279)
Metallic
Rio Verdegrün (369)
Metallic
titanium silver
Metallic
Star Silver I (138)
Metallic
Diamond Silver (148)
Metallic
Marseille red (549)
Metallic
Graphite (363)
Metallic
Antelope (490)
Metallic
Lavender (292)
Metallic
Brocade Yellow (488)
Metallic
Champagne (489)
Metallic
Smoke Gray (140)
Metallic
Nova Black (266)
Metallic
Spectral Blue (270)
Metallic
ceramic blue (286)
Metallic
magnetic blue (288)
Metallic
Neptune Turquoise (357)
Metallic
Bermuda Green (366)
Metallic
lagoon blue (271)

Classic

The Astra F Classic was built in the Gliwice plant (Poland) until July 2002. It is an "Eastern European version" of the Astra F, which is a mixture of the first version and the facelift. From August 2002 the successor Astra G ran off the assembly line as the Astra Classic II.

Since autumn 2006 this plant has been producing the notchback version of the Opel Astra H , which has only been available in Germany since September 2008 and which was initially intended for Eastern Europe and Turkey.

Opel Astra GSi 16V (1991-1994)

GSi

Opel continued the tradition of the GSi series with the Astra F as well. GSi stands for "Grand Sport injection". The Astra F GSi differed greatly from the production model, both externally and technically. By aerodynamic improvements he has a lower c w value , thereby achieving the same engine power a higher speed than the basic model.

In August 1994, the entire Astra range received a facelift, which was also carried over to the GSi model. From this point on, it no longer visually differed from the production model. Until the revision for the facelift at the beginning of the 1994 model year, the GSi was only sold as a three-door hatchback sedan. In the 1994 model year, the 2.0i 16V engine with 110 kW / 150 PS called the C20XE could also be ordered in a five-door caravan. This variant was designated by Opel as the Caravan 16V.

The Astra F Caravan 16V is often mistakenly referred to as the Irmscher Caravan. This misnomer has its origin in the supplementary sheets which Irmscher added to the vehicles after the models were assembled to order for Opel. In these supplementary sheets, however, Irmscher only stated that the Irmscher caravan received the 16V equipment and that some Irmscherteile are part of the vehicle ABE. Irmscher front bumper, Irmscher radiator grille, Irmscher rear apron, Irmscher roof spoiler, Irmscher rear silencer and Irmscher rear springs are part of the vehicle ABE F854, but not built into the Caravan 16V as standard.

Opel itself speaks of the Opel Astra Caravan 16V in all documents that were accessible both internally and to the customer.

From model year 1995 the Astra F GSi was also offered as a five-door hatchback sedan, and then also as a regular GSi caravan. Opel also largely introduced new model names for the model update, although the name GSi was retained. However, the GSi from summer 1994 had a significantly reduced basic configuration.

Optical changes to the GSi model of the first series
Opel Astra GSI (1995–1998)

Front bumper, rear bumper, roof edge spoiler, side skirts, air scoops on the bonnet, radiator grille, rear panel, white indicator glasses, alloy wheels, specially colored sport seat upholstery. Compared to the production model, the rubberized side strips were missing, which should reinforce the sporty look.

Optical changes to the GSi model of the second series (facelift)

Front bumper, rear bumper and roof spoiler are painted. Radio antenna on the roof (not on the rear side panel). "GSI" lettering in the side moldings

Technical features of the GSi variants of the first series

Chassis lowering by 15 mm, additional stabilizer bolted on the rear axle (only GSi 16V), multi-info display ( on-board computer ) as standard, traction control ETC (only GSi 16V with C20XE engine), can be ordered from 1993 with driver airbag, for the first time being standard by Opel Tires with a tire height of 50 mm installed (only GSi 16V).

Technical features of the GSi variants of the second series (facelift)

Speedometer with tachometer up to 8000 / min (with X20XEV)

The engine range of the GSi
  • C18XE: 1.8 16V with 125 PS (06 / 1993-12 / 1994)
  • C20NE: 2.0 8V with 115 PS (03 / 1992-08 / 1994)
  • C20XE: 2.0 16V with 150 PS (09 / 1991-07 / 1996)
  • X20XEV: 2.0 16V with 136 HP (01 / 1995-02 / 1998)

Engines

The Opel Astra F was offered with the following engines:

Petrol engines

model cylinder Displacement Power at 1 / min Torque
Nm at 1 / min
Motorkenn-
drawing
Pollutant norm construction time
1.4 S 1 4th 1389 cc 55 kW (75 PS) / 5800 110/3000 14NV 08 / 1991-07 / 1994
1.4 i 4th 1389 cc 44 kW (60 PS) / 5600 103/2600 C14NZ E2 (taxed according to Euro 1) 08 / 1991-08 / 1996
1.4 i 4th 1389 cc 44 kW (60 PS) / 5200 103/2800 X14NZ Euro 2 / D3 09 / 1996-02 / 1998
1.4 Si 4th 1389 cc 60 kW (82 PS) / 5800 114/3400 C14SE E2 (taxed according to Euro 1) 08 / 1991-03 / 1996
1.4 Si 2 4th 1389 cc 60 kW (82 PS) / 5600 115/3400 14SE 08 / 1991-03 / 1996
1.4 16V 4th 1389 cc 66 kW (90 PS) / 6000 125/4000 X14XE Euro 2 / D3 01 / 1996–01 / 2000
1.6 i 2 4th 1597 cc 55 kW (75 PS) / 5400 120/2800 16LZ2 08 / 1991-02 / 1998
1.6 i 4th 1598 cc 52 kW (71 PS) / 5000 128/2800 X16SZ Euro 2 / D3 05 / 1993–01 / 1996
1.6 i 4th 1598 cc 55 kW (75 PS) / 5200 125/3200 C16NZ E2 (taxed according to Euro 1) 08 / 1991-07 / 1994
1.6 i 4th 1598 cc 55 kW (75 PS) / 5200 128/2600 X16SZR Euro 2 / D3 02/1996–01/2000
1.6 Si 4th 1598 cc 74 kW (101 PS) / 5800 135/3400 C16SE E2 (taxed according to Euro 1) 02 / 1993-07 / 1994
1.6 i 16V 4th 1598 cc 74 kW (101 PS) / 6200 148/3500 X16XEL Euro 2 / D3 08 / 1994-02 / 1998
1.8 i 4th 1796 cc 66 kW (90 PS) / 5400 145/3000 C18NZ E2 (taxed according to Euro 1) 08 / 1991-07 / 1994
1.8 i 16V 4th 1799 cc 85 kW (116 PS) / 5400 168/4000 C18XEL E2 (taxed according to Euro 1) 08/1994–01/1996
1.8 16V 4th 1799 cc 85 kW (116 PS) / 5400 170/3600 X18XE Euro 2 / D3 02/1996–01/2000
1.8 GSI 16V 4th 1799 cc 92 kW (125 PS) / 5600 168/4800 C18XE E2 (taxed according to Euro 1) 06 / 1993-12 / 1994
2.0 GSI 4th 1998 cc 85 kW (115 PS) / 5400 170/2600 C20NE E2 (taxed according to Euro 1) 03 / 1992-08 / 1994
2.0 i 16V 4th 1998 cc 100 kW (136 PS) / 5600 185/4000 3
188/3200 3
X20XEV Euro 2 / D3 01/1995–01/2000
2.0 GSI 16V 4th 1998 cc 110 kW (150 PS) / 6000 196/4800
(from MY 1993. 196/4600)
C20XE E2 (taxed according to Euro 1) 09 / 1991-07 / 1996
1 With carburettor and without catalytic converter, only for some export countries.
2 Without Kat, only for some export countries.
3 Different generations of engines meant that the vehicles with a one-piece oil sump had a torque of only 185 Nm up to July 1994, and from August 1994 those with a two-part sump then had 188 Nm.
1.6 liter petrol engine (X16SZR) with 55 kW / 75 PS

Note on pollutant classifications:

At Opel, the emission standard is identified with the first letter of the engine code. For example, C stands for Euro 1 (which is referred to as E2 in the vehicle documents, but does not correspond to Euro 2) and X for Euro2 / D3.

For some vehicles with the engines X14NZ, X16SZ (R), X14XE, X16XEL, X20XEV registered before 1996, it may happen that only Euro1 or Euro2 is registered as a pollutant standard, although the engines meet the D3 standard. That can be recoded with a confirmation from Opel.

The engine equipment differs between the individual delivery countries.

All petrol engines that only meet Euro Standard 1 can be converted to at least Euro2 (sometimes D3) using a cold run controller (KLR) or a small additional catalytic converter (Minikat).

Diesel engines

1.7 liter diesel engine (17D) with 42 kW / 57 PS
model cylinder Displacement power Torque Engine identification construction time Engine supplier
1.7 D 4th 1700 cc 42 kW (57 PS) / 4600 rpm 105 Nm at 2400 rpm 17D 12 / 1991-08 / 1992 Opel
1.7 D 4th 1700 cc 44 kW (60 PS) / 4600 rpm 105 Nm at 2400 rpm 17DR 09 / 1992-07 / 1994 Opel
1.7 TD 4th 1700 cc 50 kW (68 PS) / 4500 rpm 132 Nm at 2400 rpm X17DTL 08 / 1994-02 / 1998 Opel
1.7 TDS 4th 1686 cc 60 kW (82 PS) / 4400 rpm 168 Nm at 2400 rpm [TC4EE1] * / X17DT 01 / 1993-02 / 1998 Isuzu

* Designation until 09/1995

Equipment variants

The Opel Astra F was offered in the following equipment variants:

Series models

Special models

Logos

Prices

Individual evidence

https://www.ascona-info.de/gsi/Astra_F_GSi.html

  1. a b c d e f Eckhart Bartels, Rainer Manthey: Opel: Vehicle Chronicle Volume 3: 1991–2012. Podszun, Brilon 2013, ISBN 978-3861336662 , pp. 16-19.
  2. Astra Caravan 16V - Irmscher supplementary sheet. Retrieved July 9, 2019 .
  3. ^ Opel: Vehicle Chronicle Volume 3: 1991-2012, pp. 16-19

Web links

Commons : Opel Astra F  - Collection of pictures, videos and audio files