The Vauxhall Astra Mk VI Sports Tourer 1.6 VVT (115 hp) was a popular estate car produced between 2010 and 2015. Part of the Astra J generation (internally designated as A04), the Sports Tourer – Vauxhall’s name for its station wagon – offered a practical and relatively affordable option in the competitive European family car market. This particular variant, powered by the 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine and paired with a six-speed manual transmission, occupied a mid-range position within the Sports Tourer lineup, appealing to buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and reasonable running costs over outright performance. It represented a core offering for Vauxhall, aiming to provide a versatile vehicle for families and individuals needing ample cargo space.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Astra |
| Generation | Astra Mk VI Sports Tourer |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 VVT (115 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2010 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.9 l/100 km (26.4 US mpg, 31.7 UK mpg, 11.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.4 l/100 km (43.6 US mpg, 52.3 UK mpg, 18.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg, 42.2 UK mpg, 14.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 149 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 185 km/h (114.95 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.7 kg/Hp, 85.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.6 kg/Nm, 115.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 115 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 72 Hp/l |
| Torque | 155 Nm @ 4000 rpm (114.32 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A16XER |
| 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 | 10.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.6 l (5.92 US qt | 4.93 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1340 kg (2954.19 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1980 kg (4365.15 lbs.) |
| Max load | 640 kg (1410.96 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 (Back) track | 1558 mm (61.34 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 117 mm (4.61 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.33 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.5 m (37.73 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE, Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 215/50 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Astra Sports Tourer is the A16XER engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder petrol engine. This engine is a member of Vauxhall/Opel’s ‘Family 1’ engine family, known for its relatively simple design and durability. It features multi-point fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The variable valve timing (VVT) system, hence the ‘VVT’ designation, optimizes engine performance and fuel efficiency across a wider range of engine speeds. The engine produces 115 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 155 Nm (114 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. The six-speed manual transmission provides a good balance between fuel economy and driver control. Gear ratios were tuned for everyday usability rather than outright acceleration.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6 VVT engine, while not particularly powerful, offered adequate performance for typical driving conditions. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 11.7 seconds, and top speed was approximately 115 mph. The manual transmission allowed for a more engaging driving experience compared to the automatic options available on other Astra variants. However, the engine required frequent downshifts when overtaking or climbing hills. The suspension, tuned for comfort, provided a reasonably smooth ride, although it wasn’t particularly sporty. The steering was light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in urban environments.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 VVT Sports Tourer typically came equipped with features such as air conditioning, electric front windows, a CD/radio system, and ABS brakes. Higher trim levels, such as ‘Excite’ or ‘SE’, added features like alloy wheels, cruise control, and upgraded interior trim. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, with options for partial leather available. The dashboard layout was functional and straightforward, prioritizing usability over aesthetic flair.
Chassis & Braking
The Astra Sports Tourer utilized a McPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent coil spring rear suspension. This setup provided a good compromise between ride comfort and handling. Front brakes were ventilated discs, while rear brakes were solid discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking situations. The chassis was designed to maximize interior space while maintaining a reasonable level of structural rigidity.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Astra Sports Tourer 1.6 VVT was generally well-received by critics as a practical and affordable family car. It offered a good balance of fuel economy, space, and equipment. Compared to the more powerful 1.8-liter or diesel variants, the 1.6 VVT was less expensive to purchase and insure, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. However, its performance was noticeably slower, and it lacked the refinement of the higher-spec models. Fuel economy figures of around 35-42 mpg combined were competitive for its class.
Legacy
The A16XER engine, while not known for being particularly groundbreaking, proved to be a reliable unit when properly maintained. The Astra J Sports Tourer, in general, has established a reputation as a dependable used car. The 1.6 VVT variant remains a relatively affordable option on the used market, appealing to buyers seeking a practical and economical estate car. Common issues, if any, typically relate to routine maintenance items such as timing chain wear and sensor failures, but these are generally not major concerns if the vehicle has been well-serviced.
