The Opel Ascona A Voyage 1.9 S, produced briefly between January and July of 1975, represented a practical and relatively affordable offering within the Ascona A range. Positioned as a mid-range variant of the Voyage (estate/station wagon) body style, it aimed to provide a balance between performance, fuel economy, and cargo capacity for family-oriented buyers in Europe. The Ascona A, launched in 1970, was Opel’s competitor in the mid-size segment, seeking to challenge established models like the Ford Cortina and Volkswagen Passat. The Voyage, introduced later in the Ascona A’s lifecycle, expanded the model’s appeal by offering increased versatility. This particular 1.9 S trim, with its 88 horsepower engine and four-speed manual transmission, was a common sight on European roads during its short production run.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Ascona |
| Generation | Ascona A Voyage |
| Type (Engine) | 1.9 S (88 Hp) |
| Start of production | January, 1975 |
| End of production | July, 1975 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 160 km/h (99.42 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.5 kg/Hp, 86.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.8 kg/Nm, 147.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 88 Hp @ 4800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 46.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 150 Nm @ 2600-3800 rpm (110.63 lb.-ft. @ 2600-3800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 19S |
| Engine displacement | 1897 cm3 (115.76 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 93 mm (3.66 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 69.8 mm (2.75 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 8.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | CIH |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.8 l (4.02 US qt | 3.34 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.1 l (6.45 US qt | 5.37 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1015 kg (2237.69 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1535 kg (3384.1 lbs.) |
| Max load | 520 kg (1146.4 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 46 l (12.15 US gal | 10.12 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1000 kg (2204.62 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Length | 4180 mm (164.57 in.) |
| Width | 1632 mm (64.25 in.) |
| Height | 1400 mm (55.12 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2430 mm (95.67 in.) |
| Front track | 1331 mm (52.4 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1320 mm (51.97 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 134 mm (5.28 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.50 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 9.76 m (32.02 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Independent coil spring, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm, Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 165/80 R13; 185/70 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 13; 5.5J x 13 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Ascona A Voyage 1.9 S was the 19S engine, a 1.9-liter (1897 cc) inline-four cylinder unit. This engine belonged to Opel’s CIH (Cylinder Head Inclined) family, known for its robust construction and relatively simple design. The ‘S’ designation indicated a slightly higher state of tune compared to the standard 1.9-liter engine. Fuel delivery was managed by a single carburetor, a common setup for the era, providing adequate but not exceptional performance. The engine featured a two-valve per cylinder configuration and a compression ratio of 8.8:1. The four-speed manual transmission was a standard unit for Opel at the time, offering a straightforward driving experience. The longitudinal engine placement and rear-wheel drive configuration were typical for European cars of this size and class in the 1970s.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.9 S, producing 88 horsepower, offered modest performance. Acceleration to 60 mph took around 13.3 seconds, and top speed was approximately 99 mph. While not a sports car, the Ascona A Voyage 1.9 S provided sufficient power for everyday driving and highway cruising. The four-speed manual transmission allowed for reasonable control, but the gear ratios were spaced to prioritize fuel economy over outright acceleration. Compared to the more powerful Ascona models, such as those equipped with larger engines, the 1.9 S felt noticeably less responsive. However, it offered a smoother and more economical driving experience, making it a practical choice for families and commuters. The rear-wheel drive setup provided a balanced feel, although handling was not as precise as more modern vehicles.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Ascona A Voyage 1.9 S was positioned as a mid-range trim level. Standard equipment included cloth upholstery, basic instrumentation (speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge), and a heater. The interior was functional and durable, reflecting the car’s practical focus. Optional extras included a radio, upgraded upholstery, and a sunroof. The Voyage body style itself added to the car’s appeal, offering a large cargo area accessible through a rear tailgate. The trim level was identifiable by subtle badging and interior details.
Chassis & Braking
The Ascona A Voyage featured a conventional chassis design for the era. The front suspension utilized independent coil springs and a transverse stabilizer bar, providing a comfortable ride. The rear suspension employed a rigid axle with coil springs and a transverse stabilizer bar. Braking was accomplished via disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. While adequate for the car’s weight and performance, the braking system lacked the sophistication of more modern setups. Steering was via a rack and pinion system, offering reasonable precision.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Ascona A Voyage 1.9 S was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and affordable family car. It offered a good balance of space, comfort, and fuel economy. However, its performance was considered modest compared to some of its rivals. Compared to the higher-powered Ascona variants, the 1.9 S was less appealing to drivers seeking a more engaging driving experience. However, its lower price and improved fuel efficiency made it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers. The Volkswagen Passat and Ford Cortina were its main competitors, offering similar levels of practicality and affordability.
Legacy
The Opel Ascona A Voyage 1.9 S, while not a particularly rare or collectible car today, holds a place in automotive history as a representative of 1970s European family motoring. The 19S engine proved to be relatively durable, and many examples are still on the road today. However, finding well-maintained examples can be challenging due to age and corrosion. The Ascona A Voyage, in general, is remembered for its practicality and affordability, and it remains a popular choice among classic car enthusiasts seeking a simple and reliable vehicle.
