The Vauxhall Astra Mk II Belmont 1.3S, produced between 1984 and 1986, represented an entry-level offering within the broader Mk II Astra range. The Belmont, a three-box sedan variant of the Astra, was primarily aimed at the UK market, where it offered a more traditional saloon car profile compared to the hatchback. The 1.3S trim level signified a specific engine and equipment package designed to balance affordability with reasonable performance. It sat at the lower end of the Belmont lineup, below the more powerful 1.6 and diesel variants, and was intended for buyers prioritizing economy and practicality over outright speed.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Astra |
| Generation | Astra Mk II Belmont |
| Type (Engine) | 1.3S (75 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1984 |
| End of production | 1986 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 34.6 |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 41.5 |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 14.7 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 170 km/h (105.63 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 75 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 57.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 101 Nm @ 4200 rpm (74.49 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 13S, 13SC |
| Engine displacement | 1297 cm3 (79.15 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 73.4 mm (2.89 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Engine oil capacity | 3 l (3.17 US qt | 2.64 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 885 kg (1951.09 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 550 l (19.42 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 52 l (13.74 US gal | 11.44 UK gal) |
| Length | 4218 mm (166.06 in.) |
| Width | 1658 mm (65.28 in.) |
| Height | 1400 mm (55.12 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2520 mm (99.21 in.) |
| Front track | 1400 mm (55.12 in.) |
| Rear track | 1406 mm (55.35 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.32 |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Tires size | 175/70 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 13 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Astra Mk II Belmont 1.3S was the 1297cc inline-four cylinder engine, designated as the 13S or 13SC depending on minor variations. This engine was a relatively simple design, utilizing a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. Fuel delivery was managed by a carburetor, a common feature for vehicles of this era, rather than fuel injection. This carburetor setup, while cost-effective, contributed to the engine’s modest power output and less precise fuel metering compared to later, injected engines. The engine produced 75 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 101 Nm (74.49 lb-ft) of torque at 4200 rpm. The engine was transversely mounted, driving the front wheels. The 1.3S was paired with a five-speed manual transmission, offering a reasonable spread of gears for both economy and performance.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.3S Belmont offered a decidedly unhurried driving experience. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 12.8 seconds, and top speed was limited to 105.63 mph. The carburetor and relatively low compression ratio (9.2:1) meant that the engine felt somewhat sluggish at lower revs, requiring frequent downshifts to maintain momentum, especially when laden with passengers or luggage. The five-speed gearbox helped to mitigate this somewhat, allowing the driver to keep the engine within its optimal power band. Compared to the 1.6-liter versions, the 1.3S lacked the punch needed for brisk overtaking maneuvers. However, the lighter engine weight contributed to slightly improved handling and fuel economy. The steering was light, making it easy to maneuver in urban environments, but lacked the precision of more modern systems.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.3S trim level was considered fairly basic within the Belmont range. Standard equipment typically included cloth upholstery, a basic instrument cluster, and manual windows and door locks. The interior was functional rather than luxurious, with hard-wearing plastics dominating the cabin. Optional extras, such as a radio, upgraded seat fabrics, and a sunroof, were available, but often added significantly to the vehicle’s price. The exterior styling was relatively understated, with minimal chrome trim and standard steel wheels with hubcaps.
Chassis & Braking
The Astra Mk II Belmont utilized a relatively conventional chassis design. Front suspension consisted of MacPherson struts, while the rear employed a twist-beam axle. The 1.3S model typically featured drum brakes on the rear wheels and disc brakes on the front, providing adequate stopping power for its weight and performance. Stabilizer bars were often omitted on the base models to keep costs down, resulting in a slightly more pronounced degree of body roll during cornering. The suspension was tuned for comfort rather than outright handling, providing a reasonably compliant ride on most road surfaces.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Astra Mk II Belmont 1.3S was generally well-received as an affordable and practical family saloon. Critics praised its fuel economy and reliability, but noted its lack of performance compared to higher-spec models. Compared to the 1.6-liter Belmont, the 1.3S offered significantly lower running costs but at the expense of driving enjoyment. The diesel-powered Belmont, while slower still, provided even better fuel economy and was popular with high-mileage drivers. The 1.3S appealed to buyers who prioritized economy and practicality over performance, such as first-time drivers or those on a tight budget.
Legacy
The Vauxhall Astra Mk II Belmont 1.3S, while not a particularly exciting vehicle, played an important role in the UK car market during the 1980s. Its simple, robust engine and relatively low maintenance costs made it a popular choice for many years. Today, surviving examples are becoming increasingly rare and are sought after by classic car enthusiasts. The 13S engine, while not known for its high performance, proved to be reasonably durable, and many examples are still running today. However, age-related issues such as corrosion and carburetor wear are common, requiring careful maintenance and restoration. The 1.3S Belmont represents a snapshot of 1980s British motoring – a practical, affordable, and reliable family car.
