Especificaciones y análisis del Opel Astra
Power
125HP
Torque
170Nm
Consumption
7.8l/100
Emissions
-g/km
0-100 km/h
9.5s
Top Speed
205km/h
Weight
1254kg
Price
18,390€
Technical summary
Gasolina
Manual 5v
FWD
5 / 4 doors
460 L
52 L
92 kW
Current
Technical specifications
Engine
Capacities
Detailed analysis of the Opel Astra Sedan Elegance 1.8 16v · 125 CV (1998-2002)
General description
The 1998 Opel Astra Sedan Elegance 1.8 16v is a vehicle that, at first glance, evokes the essence of an era where functionality and sobriety were fundamental pillars. With its four-door body, it presented itself as a sensible option for those looking for a family car without great pretensions, but with the reliability expected from the Opel brand in those years. Its 1.8-liter, 125 hp engine promised a balance between performance and efficiency, ideal for daily use and occasional getaways.
Driving experience
Behind the wheel of the Astra Sedan Elegance, the sensation is one of control and predictability. It is not a car that seeks strong emotions, but rather prioritizes comfort and safety in driving. The steering, although not excessively communicative, fulfills its function, and the suspension, McPherson type at the front and trailing arm with torsional element at the rear, absorbs road irregularities with remarkable smoothness. The 125 hp engine, with its indirect injection, offers a linear and sufficient response to move the assembly with ease, reaching 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 205 km/h. The precise and well-geared five-speed manual gearbox allows maximum use of the 170 Nm torque at 3800 rpm. It is a car that invites calm journeys, where acoustic comfort and stability are its best assets.
Design and aesthetics
The design of the 1998 Opel Astra Sedan Elegance is a reflection of the automotive aesthetic of the late 90s: clean lines, rounded shapes, and a silhouette that prioritizes aerodynamics and habitability. The four-door body gives it a more formal and classic image compared to its three or five-door siblings. The generously sized headlights integrate harmoniously into the front, while the grille, with the Opel emblem in the center, denotes a clear brand identity. Inside, sobriety is the dominant note, with a functional and ergonomic dashboard, where all controls are within reach of the driver. The materials, although not luxurious, are robust and designed to withstand the passage of time, contributing to the overall sense of durability.
Technology and features
In terms of technology, the 1998 Opel Astra Sedan Elegance is placed in the context of its time. Its 1.8-liter, 16-valve gasoline engine with indirect injection was a proven and efficient solution for the era. The five-speed manual transmission, although simple, was reliable and effective. In terms of safety, it featured ventilated disc brakes on the front axle and solid discs on the rear, a standard configuration for the segment. The rack-and-pinion steering, without variable assistance, offered a direct response. Although it lacked the sophisticated driving aids we find today, its technology was aimed at offering a safe and predictable driving experience, with a focus on durability and simple maintenance.
Competition
At the time, the Opel Astra Sedan Elegance 1.8 16v faced tough competition in the compact sedan segment. Its main rivals were models such as the Volkswagen Bora, the Ford Focus Sedan, the Renault Mégane Classic, or the Seat Toledo. Each of them offered their own virtues, but the Astra stood out for its overall balance, mechanical reliability, and good value for money. Although it perhaps did not excel in any specific aspect outstandingly, its overall package made it a very solid and attractive option for an audience that valued practicality and durability above all else.
Conclusion
The 1998 Opel Astra Sedan Elegance 1.8 16v is a car that, despite the years, remains a testament to late 20th-century automotive engineering. It is an honest vehicle, without artifice, that more than fulfills its purpose of transporting its occupants comfortably and safely. Its engine, although not a prodigy of power, offers adequate performance for daily use, and its design, although sober, has aged with dignity. It is a car that evokes nostalgia for an era where simplicity and robustness were fundamental values. For those looking for a modern classic, reliable, and with affordable maintenance, this Astra Sedan remains an option to consider, a travel companion that, with proper care, still has much to offer.