The Vauxhall Astra Mk V CC Sport Hatch 1.9 CDTi, produced between 2005 and 2010, represented a sporty and efficient offering within the Astra Mk V range. Positioned as a mid-range trim, it catered to drivers seeking a balance between performance and fuel economy. The “CC” designation stood for “Coupe Cabriolet” despite being a fixed-roof hatchback, a marketing strategy employed by Vauxhall at the time to emphasize its sleek, sporty styling. This variant played a significant role in bolstering the Astra Mk V’s appeal in the competitive European small family car segment, offering a diesel-powered alternative to petrol models.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Astra |
| Generation | Astra Mk V CC Sport Hatch |
| Type (Engine) | 1.9 CDTi (150 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2005 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 157 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 209 km/h (129.87 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 281 Nm @ 2000-2750 rpm (207.25 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z19DTH |
| Engine displacement | 1910 cm3 (116.56 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90.4 mm (3.56 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 17.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1341 kg (2956.4 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1880 kg (4144.69 lbs.) |
| Max load | 539 kg (1188.29 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 312 l (11.02 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 52 l (13.74 US gal | 11.44 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 690 kg (1521.19 lbs.) |
| Length | 4290 mm (168.9 in.) |
| Width | 1753 mm (69.02 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2033 mm (80.04 in.) |
| Height | 1415 mm (55.71 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2614 mm (102.91 in.) |
| Front track | 1488 mm (58.58 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1488 mm (58.58 in.) |
| Front overhang | 910 mm (35.83 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 766 mm (30.16 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 130 mm (5.12 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.28 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10 m (32.81 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Astra Mk V CC Sport Hatch 1.9 CDTi was the Z19DTH engine, a 1.9-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine was a product of Fiat’s JTD (Jet Turbo Diesel) technology, licensed to Vauxhall/Opel. It featured a common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. The engine utilized a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) and an intercooler to boost power and efficiency. The VGT allowed the turbocharger to adjust its turbine geometry based on engine speed and load, providing strong low-end torque and improved responsiveness. The engine produced 150 horsepower at 4000 rpm and a substantial 281 Nm (207 lb-ft) of torque between 2000 and 2750 rpm. This engine was paired with a six-speed manual transmission, offering precise gear changes and contributing to the car’s overall driving experience. The engine’s robust construction and advanced fuel injection system contributed to its relatively good reliability.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.9 CDTi engine, coupled with the six-speed manual gearbox, provided a surprisingly engaging driving experience. While not a sports car, the Astra CC Sport Hatch offered brisk acceleration, reaching 60 mph in around 7.9 seconds. The abundant low-end torque made it particularly well-suited for everyday driving, providing effortless overtaking and comfortable cruising. The gear ratios were well-matched, allowing the engine to remain within its optimal power band. Compared to the lower-powered 1.7 CDTi variant, the 1.9 CDTi offered a noticeable performance improvement. It also felt more refined and less strained at higher speeds. Compared to the petrol-powered Astra models, the 1.9 CDTi provided superior fuel economy, making it a practical choice for drivers covering long distances.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The CC Sport Hatch trim level included a number of standard features designed to enhance both comfort and style. These typically included alloy wheels, sports suspension, air conditioning, electric front windows, a CD stereo system, and a multi-function steering wheel. Interior upholstery was usually a sporty cloth material. Optional extras included features like a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and a more advanced audio system. The “Sport” designation meant a slightly more aggressive body kit, including a rear spoiler and side skirts, differentiating it from more basic Astra models.
Chassis & Braking
The Astra Mk V utilized a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. The Sport trim often featured a slightly stiffer suspension setup to improve handling. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs on the front wheels and solid discs on the rear. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, providing enhanced braking performance and stability. The steering was a rack and pinion system, offering precise and responsive control. The chassis was well-balanced, providing a comfortable ride without sacrificing handling agility.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Astra Mk V CC Sport Hatch 1.9 CDTi was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, strong performance, and comfortable ride. The diesel engine was seen as a significant advantage, offering a compelling alternative to petrol engines. Compared to rivals like the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf, the Astra offered a competitive package in terms of price, features, and performance. However, some critics noted that the interior quality wasn’t quite as refined as some of its competitors. The 1.9 CDTi variant was often considered the sweet spot in the Astra Mk V range, offering a good balance between performance, economy, and price.
Legacy
The Z19DTH engine proved to be a reliable and durable unit, and many Astra Mk V 1.9 CDTi models are still on the road today. While diesel engines have faced increased scrutiny in recent years due to emissions concerns, the Z19DTH remains a relatively well-regarded engine. Common issues include wear and tear on the turbocharger and potential problems with the fuel injectors, but these are generally manageable with regular maintenance. In the used car market, the Astra Mk V 1.9 CDTi continues to be a popular choice for buyers seeking an affordable, fuel-efficient, and reliable hatchback.
