Especificaciones y análisis del Opel Astra
Power
125HP
Torque
170Nm
Consumption
8.6l/100
Emissions
-g/km
0-100 km/h
11s
Top Speed
198km/h
Weight
1274kg
Price
19,720€
Technical summary
Gasolina
Automático 4v
FWD
5 / 5 doors
370 L
52 L
92 kW
Current
Technical specifications
Engine
Capacities
Detailed analysis of the Opel Astra 5p Elegance 1.8 16v Aut. · 125 CV (2000-2002)
General description
The 1998 Opel Astra 5p Elegance 1.8 16v Aut. is a car that, despite its age, still evokes a sense of reliability and comfort. With its 125 hp gasoline engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission, this Astra was presented as a balanced option for those looking for a versatile and well-equipped compact in its time. Its price of €19,720 in 2002 placed it in a competitive segment, offering an interesting value proposition for everyday use.
Driving experience
Behind the wheel, the Astra 1.8 16v Aut. offers a smooth and predictable driving experience. The rack-and-pinion steering, although without variable assistance, provides a decent connection with the road. The suspension, with McPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, filters irregularities well, prioritizing comfort over extreme sportiness. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 11 seconds and a top speed of 198 km/h are adequate figures for its segment, allowing safe overtakes and highway trips without major difficulties. The combined consumption of 8.6 l/100km is reasonable for an automatic of its time, although in the city it can rise to 12 l/100km. In general, it is a car that invites relaxed and uneventful driving, ideal for daily use and family getaways.
Design and aesthetics
The design of the 1998 Opel Astra is a reflection of late 90s automotive aesthetics: soft lines, rounded shapes, and a functional silhouette. The 5-door version offers good habitability and a 370-liter trunk, practical for everyday luggage. Its compact dimensions (4110 mm long, 1709 mm wide, and 1425 mm high) make it manageable in urban environments, while its 2606 mm wheelbase contributes to adequate stability on the road. Although it is not a design that seeks spectacularity, its sobriety and timelessness allow it to age gracefully.
Technology and features
At the heart of this Astra we find a 1.8-liter gasoline engine with 4 cylinders and 16 valves, delivering 125 hp at 5600 rpm and a torque of 170 Nm at 3800 rpm. Indirect injection and a compression ratio of 10.5:1 are typical characteristics of the era. The 4-speed automatic transmission, although not the most modern, fulfills its function of offering driving comfort. In terms of safety, it has ventilated disc brakes at the front and discs at the rear, a standard configuration for the segment. The front McPherson suspension and the rear torsion beam are proven solutions that seek a balance between comfort and stability. Although it lacks the advanced electronic aids of current cars, its mechanical technology is robust and reliable.
Competition
At the time, the Opel Astra 5p Elegance 1.8 16v Aut. competed with models such as the Volkswagen Golf, the Ford Focus, the Renault Mégane, and the Peugeot 306. Each offered its own virtues, but the Astra positioned itself as a solid option due to its overall balance, driving comfort, and reputation for reliability. Compared to its rivals, the Astra stood out for its habitability and equipment which, in the Elegance version, was quite complete for the time, offering a sensible and well-built alternative in the crowded compact segment.
Conclusion
The 1998 Opel Astra 5p Elegance 1.8 16v Aut. is a car that, despite its age, remains a testament to late 20th-century automotive engineering. It offers a comfortable and predictable driving experience, a functional design, and robust mechanics. It is a vehicle that, while not seeking to excite with extreme performance, more than fulfills its purpose as a reliable and practical companion for everyday life. Its balance between comfort, space, and a capable engine makes it an interesting option for those looking for a modern classic with a touch of nostalgia and proven reliability.