The Vauxhall Astra Mk VII Sports Tourer 1.6 CDTi (136 hp) ecoFLEX start&stop, produced from 2015 to 2019, represents a significant offering in the compact estate (station wagon) segment. Positioned as a fuel-efficient and practical option within the broader Astra Mk VII range (based on the GM Delta platform), this variant aimed to appeal to buyers prioritizing economy and space. It served as a key model in the UK and European markets, where the Astra traditionally held a strong presence. This particular configuration, combining a diesel engine with a manual transmission, was a popular choice for fleet buyers and private customers alike.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Astra |
| Generation | Astra Mk VII Sports Tourer |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 CDTi (136 Hp) ecoFLEX start&stop |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg, 62.8 UK mpg, 22.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.4 l/100 km (69.2 US mpg, 83.1 UK mpg, 29.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 3.8 l/100 km (61.9 US mpg, 74.3 UK mpg, 26.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 101 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 205 km/h (127.38 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.8 kg/Hp, 102.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.2 kg/Nm, 241 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 136 Hp @ 3500-4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 85.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 2000-2250 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 2000-2250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B16DTH |
| 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 | 1328 kg (2927.74 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1975 kg (4354.13 lbs.) |
| Max load | 647 kg (1426.39 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 540 l (19.07 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1630 l (57.56 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%) | 1403 kg (3093.09 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 680 kg (1499.14 lbs.) |
| Length | 4702 mm (185.12 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 | 1510 mm (59.45 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 | 1080 mm (42.52 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.05 m (36.25 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| 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; 225/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16; 7.5J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Astra Sports Tourer is the 1.6-liter (1598 cc) four-cylinder diesel engine, designated B16DTH. This engine belongs to Vauxhall/Opel’s ‘CDTi’ family, known for its relatively refined operation and fuel efficiency. It features 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 utilizes a 16:1 compression ratio, typical for diesel engines, and an inline configuration. The engine produces 136 horsepower at 3500-4000 rpm and a substantial 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque between 2000-2250 rpm. This torque figure is particularly noteworthy, providing strong pulling power for everyday driving and load-carrying. The engine is transversely mounted in the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6 CDTi engine, paired with a six-speed manual transmission, delivers a balanced driving experience. While not overtly sporty, the Astra Sports Tourer 1.6 CDTi offers adequate performance for most situations. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes around 9.6 seconds, and it reaches a top speed of 127.38 mph. The engine’s strong low-end torque makes it easy to navigate urban environments and provides confident overtaking capability on the highway. The manual gearbox is generally well-matched to the engine’s characteristics, offering precise shifts and a reasonable spread of ratios. Compared to higher-output Astra variants (like those with more powerful petrol engines), this version prioritizes fuel economy over outright speed. It feels less strained during long journeys and offers a more relaxed driving experience.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 CDTi ecoFLEX trim typically included a good level of standard equipment. Features commonly found in this variant include air conditioning, electric front windows, a CD/MP3 stereo system, alloy wheels, and ABS brakes. Higher trim levels, such as ‘Tech Line’ or ‘Sportive’, added features like cruise control, parking sensors, a touchscreen infotainment system, and upgraded interior trim. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for leather upgrades. The dashboard layout was functional and straightforward, prioritizing usability over extravagant design.
Chassis & Braking
The Astra Mk VII Sports Tourer 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, offering good stopping power, while the rear brakes are solid discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking. The suspension tuning is geared towards comfort, but the car still feels reasonably stable and controlled in corners. Stabilizer bars are fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Astra Sports Tourer 1.6 CDTi ecoFLEX was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and comfortable ride. However, some reviewers noted that the engine could be a little noisy under hard acceleration. Compared to other trims in the Astra lineup, this variant offered the best fuel economy, making it a popular choice for high-mileage drivers. Against competitors like the Ford Focus Estate and Volkswagen Golf Estate, the Astra offered a competitive package in terms of price, practicality, and running costs.
Legacy
The B16DTH engine, while not without its occasional issues (such as potential DPF problems common to modern diesels), has proven to be relatively reliable in the long term when properly maintained. The Astra Mk VII Sports Tourer 1.6 CDTi remains a popular choice on the used car market, offering a practical and economical option for buyers seeking a spacious estate car. Its fuel efficiency and relatively low running costs continue to make it an attractive proposition, even as newer models become available. Parts availability is generally good, and the car’s relatively simple mechanical design makes it reasonably straightforward to maintain.
