The Vauxhall Astra Mk VII 1.6 CDTi (110 hp) represents a significant entry point into the seventh generation of the Astra, produced between 2015 and 2019. Positioned as a fuel-efficient and practical option within the Astra range, this variant aimed to appeal to buyers prioritizing economy and everyday usability. It was built on the General Motors Delta platform, also known as the 1HX0, shared with other Opel/Vauxhall and Chevrolet models. The 1.6 CDTi offered a diesel alternative to the petrol engines available, catering to European markets where diesel fuel was prevalent and often incentivized.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Astra |
| Generation | Astra Mk VII |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 CDTi (110 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 4.2 l/100 km (56 US mpg, 67.3 UK mpg, 23.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.3 l/100 km (71.3 US mpg, 85.6 UK mpg, 30.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 3.7 l/100 km (63.6 US mpg, 76.3 UK mpg, 27 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 97 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 195 km/h (121.17 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.3 kg/Hp, 81.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.5 kg/Nm, 222.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 3500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 68.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 1750-2000 rpm (221.27 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B16DTE |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79.7 mm (3.14 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80.1 mm (3.15 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16:1 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1350 kg (2976.24 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1870 kg (4122.64 lbs.) |
| Max load | 520 kg (1146.4 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 370 l (13.07 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1210 l (42.73 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 48 l (12.68 US gal | 10.56 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 620 kg (1366.87 lbs.) |
| Length | 4370 mm (172.05 in.) |
| Width | 1809 mm (71.22 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 1871 mm (73.66 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2042 mm (80.39 in.) |
| Height | 1485 mm (58.46 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2662 mm (104.8 in.) |
| Front track | 1548 mm (60.94 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1565 mm (61.61 in.) |
| Front overhang | 960 mm (37.8 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 748 mm (29.45 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 150 mm (5.91 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| 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 | 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 | 6 J x 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Astra Mk VII 1.6 CDTi (110 hp) is the B16DTE engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine is part of the ‘Whisper Diesel’ family developed by General Motors, known for its focus on refinement and fuel efficiency. It utilizes a common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. A turbocharger with an intercooler is employed to boost power output and improve torque across a wider rev range. The engine features 16 valves (four per cylinder) and a compression ratio of 16:1. The engine’s design incorporates features aimed at reducing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), contributing to a more comfortable driving experience. The 1.6 CDTi was paired with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, delivering power to the front wheels.
Driving Characteristics
The 110 hp output of the 1.6 CDTi, combined with the six-speed manual gearbox, provides adequate performance for everyday driving. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes around 10.5 seconds, and top speed is rated at 121.17 mph. While not a particularly sporty configuration, the engine delivers a respectable 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque between 1750 and 2000 rpm, providing good low-end grunt for overtaking and navigating urban environments. The gear ratios are tuned for fuel efficiency, meaning the engine doesn’t feel overly stressed at highway speeds. Compared to higher-output versions of the Astra, such as those with the 1.4 Turbo petrol engine, the 1.6 CDTi prioritizes fuel economy over outright performance. The manual transmission offers precise shifts, but the clutch pedal can feel slightly heavier than in some competitors.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 CDTi (110 hp) typically sat in the mid-range of the Astra Mk VII lineup. Standard equipment generally included air conditioning, electric front windows, a basic audio system with USB connectivity, and stability control. Higher trim levels, such as ‘Energy’ or ‘Tech Line’, added features like alloy wheels, cruise control, a touchscreen infotainment system, and parking sensors. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for upgraded materials on higher trims. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, and advanced safety features like lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking.
Chassis & Braking
The Astra Mk VII 1.6 CDTi utilizes a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provides a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear brakes are solid discs. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard. The suspension tuning is geared towards comfort, resulting in a relatively soft ride quality. Stabilizer bars are fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Astra Mk VII 1.6 CDTi (110 hp) was generally well-received by critics for its fuel efficiency and practicality. It offered a compelling alternative to petrol-powered rivals, particularly for drivers covering high mileages. Compared to the more powerful Astra variants, the 1.6 CDTi was seen as a more sensible and economical choice. However, some reviewers noted that the engine could feel slightly underpowered when fully loaded or tackling steep hills. Fuel economy figures of around 63.6 US mpg combined were a major selling point. Reliability was generally good, although, like all diesel engines, the 1.6 CDTi could be susceptible to issues with the diesel particulate filter (DPF) if not driven on longer journeys regularly.
Legacy
The 1.6 CDTi engine proved to be a reliable and durable unit, and many examples are still on the road today. In the used car market, the Astra Mk VII 1.6 CDTi (110 hp) represents a good value proposition for buyers seeking an economical and practical hatchback. Maintenance costs are generally reasonable, although regular servicing is essential to ensure the longevity of the engine and DPF. The engine’s fuel efficiency and relatively low running costs continue to make it an attractive option for budget-conscious drivers.
