The Vauxhall Astra Mk V Convertible 1.6 (105 hp) was a front-wheel-drive, two-door convertible produced between 2006 and 2011. Positioned as an entry-level offering within the Mk V Astra Convertible range, it provided an accessible route to open-top motoring. The Mk V Astra Convertible, based on the Astra H platform (shared with Opel and later Buick models), aimed to offer a stylish and affordable alternative to more premium convertibles. This 1.6-liter variant was primarily targeted at buyers prioritizing fuel economy and lower running costs over outright performance.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Astra |
| Generation | Astra Mk V Convertible |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (105 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2006 |
| End of production | 2011 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe – Cabriolet |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.1 l/100 km (25.8 US mpg, 31 UK mpg, 11 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg, 50.4 UK mpg, 17.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.9 l/100 km (34.1 US mpg, 40.9 UK mpg, 14.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 168 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 192 km/h (119.3 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.7 kg/Hp, 72.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.6 kg/Nm, 104.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 105 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 65.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 150 Nm @ 3900 rpm (110.63 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z16XEP, Z16XE1 |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81.5 mm (3.21 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6.1 l (6.45 US qt | 5.37 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1440 kg (3174.66 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1865 kg (4111.62 lbs.) |
| Max load | 425 kg (936.96 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 205 l (7.24 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 440 l (15.54 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 52 l (13.74 US gal | 11.44 UK gal) |
| Length | 4476 mm (176.22 in.) |
| Width | 1759 mm (69.25 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2021 mm (79.57 in.) |
| Height | 1411 mm (55.55 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2614 mm (102.91 in.) |
| Front track | 1491 mm (58.7 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1481 mm (58.31 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 130 mm (5.12 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Astra Mk V Convertible 1.6 utilized the Family 0 engine series, specifically the Z16XEP or Z16XE1 engine code depending on the specific market and year. This 1.6-liter, inline-four cylinder engine featured a naturally aspirated configuration and multi-port fuel injection. The engine produced 105 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 150 Nm (110.63 lb-ft) of torque at 3900 rpm. It employed a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design with four valves per cylinder. The engine’s relatively simple design contributed to its reliability and affordability. The transmission was a five-speed manual gearbox, optimized for fuel efficiency rather than rapid acceleration. The engine oil capacity was 4 liters, and it required coolant of 6.1 liters.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6-liter engine, paired with the five-speed manual transmission, provided adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took approximately 11.8 seconds, and the top speed was around 119.3 mph. The gear ratios were tuned for economy, meaning the engine needed to be revved to access its power. Compared to the more powerful 1.8-liter or turbocharged variants, the 1.6 felt noticeably slower, particularly when fully loaded or tackling inclines. However, the lighter engine weight contributed to better balance and handling compared to its heavier counterparts. The steering was light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in urban environments.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6-liter Astra Convertible typically came with a base level of equipment. Standard features included power steering, central locking, electric front windows, and an AM/FM radio. Safety features included ABS brakes and driver/passenger airbags. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a straightforward layout. Optional extras included alloy wheels, air conditioning, a CD player, and upgraded interior trim. The trim level was generally considered the entry point to the Astra Convertible range, appealing to buyers seeking a stylish and affordable open-top experience.
Chassis & Braking
The Astra Mk V Convertible utilized a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. The front brakes were ventilated discs, providing good stopping power, while the rear brakes were solid discs. The suspension was tuned for comfort, offering a relatively smooth ride, although it wasn’t as sporty as some of its rivals. The car’s curb weight of 1440 kg (3174.66 lbs) influenced the suspension setup, requiring a balance between handling and ride quality. The front track measured 1491 mm (58.7 in.) and the rear track 1481 mm (58.31 in.).
Market Reception & Comparison
The Astra Mk V Convertible 1.6 received mixed reviews. Critics praised its affordability and stylish design, but noted its lack of outright performance. Compared to the 1.8-liter and turbocharged variants, the 1.6 offered significantly lower fuel economy (6.9 l/100 km combined) but also considerably less power. The 1.6 was often seen as a sensible choice for buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and lower running costs over driving excitement. It competed with other affordable convertibles such as the Peugeot 206 CC and Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet.
Legacy
The Z16XEP/Z16XE1 engine, while not known for exceptional performance, proved to be relatively reliable. Common issues included occasional oil leaks and sensor failures, but these were generally inexpensive to repair. Today, the Astra Mk V Convertible 1.6 represents an affordable entry point into classic convertible ownership. Its simple mechanicals and readily available parts make it a relatively easy car to maintain. While not a collector’s item, it remains a popular choice for those seeking a stylish and affordable open-top motoring experience.
