Opel Astra 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX Now Available

With no other new models on the horizon over the next few months, German carmaker Opel is now focusing on bettering the existing models, by adding new features or, as is the case here, a new engine option.

The Opel Astra 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX takes advantage of an entire array of mechanical and aerodynamic improvements to provide a combined fuel consumption of 4.1l/100 km and a CO2 emission level of only 109 g/km.

The turbo diesel unit develops 95 hp and 190 Nm of torque between 1,750 and 3,250 rpm. The engine uses common rail, multiple fuel injection, a turbo charger with variable geometry and exhaust gas recirculation to achieve all the above figures. The engine, fitted with Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) as standard, is paired with a five-speed manual transmission.

Pricing for the new Opel Astra 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX start at 19,390 euros in Germany. The car is part of the ecoFLEX Experience, the competition where drivers can test their fuel efficient driving skills for a chance to win the first Opel Ampera cars ever built.

"Opel is investing some one billion euros in new powertrains on its way to establish clean mobility. This starts with right-sizing the powertrain line up, offering alternative fuels like LPG and CNG and introducing start/stop technology. It will extend to new, alternative propulsion systems like extended-range electric vehicles and all-battery electric vehicles and hybrid," the carmaker says in a release.

A variant of the same engine was announced in the end of 2009 for the Opel Corsa ecoFLEX. For this smaller model, the unit provides 10 percent more power, while at the same time bringing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions down by 10 percent.