Opel Astra GTC Sport gets new 1.6 SIDI Turbo and 6-speed auto

Opel will debut its new 1.6-litre SIDI (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) turbo petrol engine in the Opel Astra GTC Sport next month. Mated to a standard six-speed automatic transmission, the new automatic Astra GTC Sport will be priced from $36,990, or $2,000 more than the manual.

The new 1.6-litre SIDI turbo engine boasts 125kW of power (down slightly from 132kW on the manual only 1.6-litre ECOTEC Turbo) and 280Nm of torque between 1,650 and 4,250rpm. It consumes 6.8L/100km of petrol and emits 160g/km of CO₂.

The enhanced automatic transmission also contributes to better economy. The updated, low-friction six-speed automatic transmission features an Active Select function to allow manual shifting.

Opel is said to employ many ‘sound engineering’ measures to provide the driver with lower levels of radiated noise and vibration with the new SIDI engine. Optimisation of the induction and exhaust systems included decoupling the cam cover from the cylinder head via specific fasteners and a sealing system. In spite of direct injection and pulsed combustion, engineers were able to substantially reduce noise levels in the vehicle.

The automatic variant will share the six-speed manual Astra GTC Sport’s long list of standard equipment, including its sport chassis, HiPerStrut front suspension, AGR heated front sports seats and Mondial leather appointed trim throughout the cabin.