Opel will unveil its all-new, 1.6 CDTi diesel engine in the Astra at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Available in two power trims, in the 110hp version it emits just 97g/km of CO2, putting it in road tax Band A2, equating to €180 annually.
Mechanicals
This engine made its debut in the Zafira Tourer last year and its raison d'être is to bring the brand into line with EU6 emissions - the 1.6 CDTi will completely replace the old 1.7-litre engines across the Opel range in the near future. It's an all-aluminium turbodiesel unit and we're promised best-in-class levels of noise/vibration levels, thanks in part to additional acoustic measures. You'll be able to opt for it in hatchback, saloon and Sports Tourer estate body styles.
The 110hp model has 300Nm of torque, which is seven per cent more than its 280Nm 1.7-litre predecessor with similar power. The bigger 136hp variant is also seven per cent up on torque over its 130hp 1.7 forebear, churning out 320Nm as opposed to 300Nm. Fuel consumption on the 110hp engine is quoted as 3.7 litres/100km (76.3mpg) combined, the 136hp version returning 3.9 litres/100km (72.4mpg) with CO2 emissions of 104g/km.
Performance stats suggest the 136hp model can get from 0-100km/h in around 10.3 seconds, depending on which body you pick, while the 110hp does the same sprint in 12 seconds dead - this is apparently the case for all models. Top speeds are 186km/h for all 110hp models, 200km/h for the 136hp hatch and, due to some quirk of gearing or aerodynamics, 205km/h for the 136hp saloon.
Finally, following a purported €50 million investment by Opel, the gearbox is also a low-friction, six-speed manual that is said to be 'more precise and silky smooth'.
Anything else?
More information on prices and Irish market launch dates for the 1.6 CDTi Astras will follow soon, though Opel Ireland confirmed that the new engine would be in the Astra here by the summer.