Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Astra |
| Generation | Astra J Sports Tourer |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 (100 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2010 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 139 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 175 km/h (108.74 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 100 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1850-4900 rpm (147.51 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A14XER |
| Engine displacement | 1398 cm3 (85.31 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 73.4 mm (2.89 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82.6 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.75 l (3.96 US qt | 3.3 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6.2 l (6.55 US qt | 5.46 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1393 kg (3071.04 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1960 kg (4321.06 lbs.) |
| Max load | 567 kg (1250.02 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 550 l (19.42 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1550 l (54.74 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 56 l (14.79 US gal | 12.32 UK gal) |
| Length | 4698 mm (184.96 in.) |
| Width | 1814 mm (71.42 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2013 mm (79.25 in.) |
| Height | 1535 mm (60.43 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2685 mm (105.71 in.) |
| Front track | 1544 mm (60.79 in.) |
| Rear track | 1558 mm (61.34 in.) |
| Front overhang | 974 mm (38.35 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1039 mm (40.91 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 117 mm (4.61 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.33 |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric |
| Tires size | 215/50 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
The Opel Astra J Sports Tourer 1.4 (100 hp) was a station wagon produced between 2010 and 2012, belonging to the broader Astra J series (2009-2015). It served as an entry-level option within the Sports Tourer (estate) body style, designed to offer a practical and fuel-efficient choice for families and individuals requiring increased cargo space. This model occupied the lower end of the Astra J range, positioned below more powerful engines like the 1.6L turbo and the 2.0L diesel variants. The Astra J Sports Tourer was primarily marketed in Europe, where the station wagon body style continues to be popular, offering a compelling alternative to SUVs and hatchbacks.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Astra J Sports Tourer 1.4 (100 hp) was powered by the A14XER engine, a 1.4-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine was part of Opel’s Family 1 engine series, recognized for its relatively compact size and focus on fuel efficiency. The A14XER incorporated direct fuel injection, a technology that enhanced combustion efficiency and power output compared to older port fuel injection systems. The engine utilized a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, optimizing airflow for improved performance. It produced 100 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 200 Nm (147.51 lb-ft) of torque between 1850 and 4900 rpm. A five-speed manual transmission was standard with this variant, selected to strike a balance between fuel economy and drivability. While an automatic transmission was offered on other Astra J models, it wasn’t typically paired with this specific 1.4L engine.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.4L 100 hp engine in the Astra J Sports Tourer provided adequate, though not particularly spirited, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took around 13.8 seconds, and the top speed was approximately 108.74 mph. The engine’s torque curve offered reasonable responsiveness in typical driving scenarios, but overtaking required careful consideration. Compared to the 1.6L turbo or diesel versions, the 1.4L felt noticeably less powerful. The five-speed manual transmission complemented the engine’s characteristics, providing smooth gear changes and a usable range of ratios. However, the absence of a sixth gear, common in some competitors, slightly impacted highway fuel economy at higher speeds. The suspension was tuned for comfort, delivering a relatively smooth ride, but it wasn’t designed for particularly sporty handling.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.4L Sports Tourer generally came with a base level of equipment, prioritizing practicality and value. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, a basic audio system with a CD player, and ABS brakes. Safety features like front and side airbags were also standard. Interior upholstery was usually cloth, and the dashboard featured a functional, if somewhat simple, design. Optional extras included alloy wheels, upgraded audio systems, parking sensors, and cruise control. Trim levels varied depending on the specific market, but the 1.4L generally represented the entry point to the Sports Tourer range, often designated as ‘Essentia’ or a similar base trim.
Chassis & Braking
The Astra J Sports Tourer employed a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. This configuration provided a good compromise between ride comfort and handling. The front brakes were ventilated discs, offering good stopping power, while the rear brakes were solid discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking. The steering was electrically assisted, providing light and precise control. The chassis was engineered to maximize interior space while maintaining a reasonable level of structural rigidity, crucial for a station wagon designed to carry loads.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Astra J Sports Tourer 1.4 (100 hp) was generally well-received as a practical and fuel-efficient estate car. Critics praised its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and reasonable running costs. However, some reviewers pointed out that the engine lacked significant performance, especially when the car was loaded with passengers and cargo. Compared to the 1.6L turbo version, the 1.4L offered lower running costs but sacrificed performance. The diesel variants provided even better fuel economy but came with a higher initial purchase price. In terms of reliability, the A14XER engine was generally considered reasonably dependable, although some owners reported potential issues with the timing chain, a common concern for this engine family over longer periods.
Legacy
The Opel Astra J Sports Tourer 1.4 (100 hp) remains a relatively common vehicle on European roads today. Its reputation for reliability and affordability has made it a popular choice in the used car market. While not the most exciting version of the Astra J, it represents a sensible and practical option for those seeking a spacious and fuel-efficient estate car. The A14XER engine, while not known for its high performance, has proven to be a durable and relatively easy-to-maintain powerplant, contributing to the model’s continued appeal. It often represents a good value proposition for buyers seeking a dependable and economical family vehicle.
