The Vauxhall Astra Mk VII Sports Tourer (facelift 2019) 1.4 Turbo (145 hp) Automatic represents a mid-cycle refresh of the J-series Astra, marketed as a practical and efficient estate car for the European market. Production of this specific variant ran from 2019 until November 2021. Positioned as a mainstream offering within the Sports Tourer range, it aimed to balance fuel economy with reasonable performance, appealing to families and individuals needing versatile cargo space. This model falls within the broader context of the Astra Mk VII, built on the GM Delta platform, and the facelift brought updated styling, improved technology, and refined engine options.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Astra |
| Generation | Astra Mk VII Sports Tourer (facelift 2019) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 Turbo (145 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2019 |
| End of production | November, 2021 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 5.8-6.1 l/100 km (40.6 – 38.6 US mpg, 48.7 – 46.3 UK mpg, 17.2 – 16.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC, WLTP equivalent) | 114 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 209 km/h (129.87 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d |
| Power | 145 Hp @ 5000-6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 108 Hp/l |
| Torque | 236 Nm @ 1500-3500 rpm (174.06 lb.-ft. @ 1500-3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | F14SHT |
| Engine displacement | 1342 cm3 (81.89 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, VVT |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.25 l (6.6 US qt | 5.5 UK qt) |
| Engine systems | Start & Stop System |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 540 l (19.07 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1630 l (57.56 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 48 l (12.68 US gal | 10.56 UK gal) |
| Length | 4702 mm (185.12 in.) |
| Width | 1809 mm (71.22 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2042 mm (80.39 in.) |
| Height | 1510 mm (59.45 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2662 mm (104.8 in.) |
| Front overhang | 960 mm (37.8 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1080 mm (42.52 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.25 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.05 m (36.25 ft.) |
| 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 | automatic transmission Stepless |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 276 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 264 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 225/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
INTRODUCTION
The 2019 facelift of the Vauxhall Astra Mk VII Sports Tourer, specifically the 1.4 Turbo (145 hp) Automatic variant, aimed to provide a practical and fuel-efficient option within the competitive European estate car segment. Building upon the established Astra platform (J-series), this version offered a blend of cargo capacity, comfort, and modern technology. The facelift brought revised front-end styling, updated interior trim, and improvements to the infotainment system. This particular engine and transmission combination was positioned as a mid-range offering, appealing to buyers who prioritized ease of driving and fuel economy over outright performance. It sat below the more powerful petrol and diesel options, and above the base-level engine choices.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of this Astra Sports Tourer lies the F14SHT, a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-three cylinder petrol engine. This engine is part of Vauxhall/Opel’s Small Engine Family (SEF), known for its compact design and efficiency. The engine utilizes direct fuel injection, delivering fuel directly into the combustion chamber for improved combustion efficiency and reduced emissions. It also features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with variable valve timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust valves, optimizing engine performance across a wider RPM range. The turbocharger, coupled with an intercooler, provides a boost in power and torque. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), offering seamless gear changes and contributing to improved fuel economy. This CVT, while smooth, differs from traditional automatic transmissions with fixed gear ratios, instead utilizing a belt and pulley system to provide a virtually infinite number of gear ratios.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.4 Turbo (145 hp) Automatic Sports Tourer delivers a comfortable and refined driving experience, prioritizing ease of use over sporty handling. The CVT transmission provides smooth acceleration, although it can sometimes feel less responsive than a traditional automatic or manual gearbox. The engine produces adequate power for everyday driving, with peak torque available from 1500-3500 rpm, making it suitable for overtaking and highway cruising. However, compared to the higher-output versions of the Astra, or the diesel variants, this model feels noticeably less powerful. The CVT’s programming is geared towards fuel efficiency, which can result in the engine holding higher RPMs during acceleration. The steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in urban environments. Overall, the driving experience is geared towards comfort and practicality rather than outright performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.4 Turbo Automatic Sports Tourer typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. These included air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, alloy wheels, and a suite of safety features such as ABS, electronic stability control, and multiple airbags. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for upgrading to leather. Higher trim levels offered additional features such as heated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. The dashboard layout was functional and well-designed, with a focus on ergonomics. Optional extras included a navigation system, upgraded sound system, and parking sensors.
Chassis & Braking
The Astra Sports Tourer’s chassis is based on the GM Delta platform, providing a good balance of ride comfort and handling. The front suspension utilizes an independent McPherson strut setup, while the rear suspension employs a semi-independent torsion beam configuration. This setup is tuned for comfort, providing a smooth ride over most road surfaces. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, providing enhanced braking performance in emergency situations. The steering is electric power-assisted, offering light and precise steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1.4 Turbo Automatic Astra Sports Tourer received generally positive reviews from automotive critics. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and spacious interior. However, some critics noted that the engine lacked the punch of its more powerful counterparts, and the CVT transmission could feel somewhat unresponsive. Compared to the 1.6 diesel variants, the 1.4 Turbo offered lower running costs but less torque and fuel economy. Against the petrol-powered 1.0-liter turbo models, it provided more power but at the expense of slightly higher fuel consumption. The Astra Sports Tourer competed with other popular estate cars such as the Ford Focus Estate, Volkswagen Golf Estate, and Skoda Octavia Estate.
Legacy
The F14SHT engine, while not known for being exceptionally robust, generally proved to be reliable with regular maintenance. The CVT transmission, however, can be a potential weak point, requiring careful servicing and fluid changes. In the used car market, the 1.4 Turbo Automatic Astra Sports Tourer represents a good value proposition for buyers seeking a practical and fuel-efficient estate car. Its relatively low running costs and comfortable driving experience make it a popular choice for families and individuals needing a versatile vehicle. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for CVT transmission issues and ensure that the vehicle has been properly maintained.
