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10 September 2025 Opel Astra H Caravan engines
The Opel Astra H Caravan was introduced in 2004 as the estate version of the third Astra generation and quickly established itself as a practical alternative to the sedan and hatchback versions. The Opel Astra H Caravan engines continued to evolve throughout the entire production period from 2004 to 2014, offering an impressive variety from economical diesels to powerful turbo petrol engines.
Opel Astra H Caravan engines (2004-2014)
The Opel Astra H Caravan generation was characterized by exceptional engine variety and solid reliability, with most engines easily reaching 250,000 to 350,000 kilometers with proper maintenance. Major repairs were typically due between 150,000 and 200,000 kilometers, with the diesel engines generally requiring less maintenance than the gasoline engines. The absolute top engine of this generation was the 1.9 CDTI with 150 hp, which perfectly combined power, reliability and economy and was considered one of the best diesel engines of its time. In technical terms, the generation was characterized by the transition from atmospheric to turbocharged engines, while modern common-rail diesel technology was introduced at the same time. In a market comparison, the Astra H Caravan positioned itself between the VW Golf Variant and the Ford Focus Turnier, whereby it particularly impressed with its balanced price-performance ratio.
Opel Astra H Caravan petrol engines (2004-2014)
The Opel Astra H Caravan engines began with proven atmospheric engines before modern turbo technology was introduced from 2007. The 1.4-liter engine (Z14XEP) with 66 kW (90 hp) was the entry-level engine, which proved to be reliable but weak-chested. The 1.6-liter (Z16XEP/Z16XER) with 85-87 kW (115-118 hp) was much more popular and was replaced from 2007 by a revised version with improved efficiency. The most powerful atmospheric engine was the 1.8-liter (Z18XER) with 103 kW (140 hp), which was characterized by its smooth running and reliability. From 2007, the turbo engines revolutionized the range: the 1.4 turbo (Z14NET/A14NET) with 88-103 kW (120-140 hp) offered significantly more torque, but was prone to turbocharger problems and increased oil consumption. The top-of-the-range petrol engine was the 1.6 Turbo (Z16LET/A16LET) with 132 kW (180 hp), which was mainly used in the OPC, but was considered problematic due to its complexity and susceptibility to overheating.
Opel Astra H Caravan diesel engines (2004-2014)
The CDTI diesel engines dominated the Opel Astra H Caravan range and established themselves as the most reliable engines in the series. The 1.3 CDTI (Z13DT/Z13DTJ) with 66 kW (90 hp) served as the entry-level diesel and impressed with minimal fuel consumption of just 4.2-4.8 liters per 100 km, but was often underpowered for the heavy caravan. The 1.7 CDTI (Z17DTH/Z17DTJ/A17DTJ) with 74-92 kW (100-125 hp) developed into the workhorse of the series - the later A17DTJ variants from 2009 onwards in particular were considered virtually indestructible and regularly achieved mileages of over 400,000 kilometers. The absolute highlight, however, was the 1.9 CDTI (Z19DT/Z19DTH/A19DTR) with outputs of 88-110 kW (120-150 hp). The 150 hp version with bi-turbo technology (A19DTR) not only offered impressive driving performance, but also proved to be exceptionally durable. All CDTI engines had modern common-rail injection and, from 2009, particulate filters as standard, although the latter occasionally caused problems on short journeys.
| Opel Astra H Caravan engine | Power output | Fuel consumption | Typical weaknesses | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,4 16V | 90 HP | 7.2-7.8 l/100km | Weak engine, valve clearance | Average |
| 1,6 16V | 115-118 HP | 6.8-7.4 l/100km | Ignition coils, thermostat | Good |
| 1,8 16V | 140 HP | 7.4-8.1 l/100km | Very reliable | Very good |
| 1.4 Turbo | 120-140 HP | 6.9-7.6 l/100km | Turbocharger, oil consumption | Moderate |
| 1.6 Turbo | 180 HP | 8.2-9.1 l/100km | Overheating, turbocharger | Problematic |
| 1.3 CDTI | 90 HP | 4.2-4.8 l/100km | Underpowered, DPF | Average |
| 1.7 CDTI | 100-125 HP | 4.6-5.2 l/100km | DPF for short distances | Very good |
| 1.9 CDTI | 120-150 HP | 5.1-5.8 l/100km | Very robust, occasional DPF | Very good |
Conclusion: The best Opel Astra H Caravan engines
The Opel Astra H Caravan engines showed remarkable variety and rock-solid quality over the entire production period, with the diesel engines proving to be the most reliable powerplants. While the atmospheric petrol engines impressed with their simplicity and durability, the early turbo petrol engines struggled with the typical teething troubles of the turbocharging technology of the time. The CDTI diesel engines, on the other hand, established themselves as the benchmark for economy and durability in this segment.
- Best Opel Astra H Caravan gasoline engine:
The 1.8-liter 16V with 140 hp combined sufficient power with high reliability and moderate maintenance costs - a perfect compromise for everyday drivers.
- Best Opel Astra H Caravan diesel engine:
The 1.9 CDTI with 150 hp (A19DTR) offered the best combination of performance, economy and durability and is considered one of the best diesel engines of its time.
- Best Opel Astra H Caravan engine for frequent drivers:
The 1.7 CDTI with 125 hp proved to be the most economical and reliable engine for high mileage with minimal maintenance.
For maintenance and spare parts for all Opel Astra H Caravan engines, AUTODOC offers a comprehensive range of original and quality spare parts with fast delivery and expert advice.
