I have the 1.3 cdti in the Corsa 90hp version and to the best of my knowledge it has a DPF, not sure whether the Astra id different. Certainly in my handbook it indicates that I have the DPF. I will concede it is not the best engine I have ever driven but its certainly not the worst!.Derv Dave - I posted a thread on here recently about my engine - basically it has a slight lumpiness whilst accelarating gently through 34, and 5th gear, normally between about 1750-2000 rpm. If i accelarate hard its not there. Did your Astra have this?
I had the 1.3ctdi 75bhp in a new (57) Corsa. (No DPF but fitted on next model year) That had severe judderring in a very narrow band around 1300rpm, made tootling around a car park a nightmare. Also very prone to stalling when pulling away at roundabouts and in a very violent way. It would start off, hesitate, judder and, IMO, the ECU would decide its had enough, cut out and the engine stopped stone dead either on compression or backfire i.e. bang and violent stop. It eventually caused a severe accident, as a guy behind me ran straight into the back on me causing over £2k damage. Luckily no whiplash - my young grandson was in a well designed baby seat.
Occasionally it appeared to backfire while starting an again in my opinion ran backwards for a couple of revs - extremely painful noises - god knows what was happenning.
Dealer were useless and would never find a problem - not surprising as their technicians drive everywhere at full revs.
It did have a software update which cured another problem - the tendency to accellerate sharply by itself when braking e.g. approaching a red light and the engine revs dropping below about 1500 revs it would suddenly pick up by itself and surge forward for about 1-2 seconds - very disconcerting....
IMO the injector system and software were not fit for purpose. The multiple injection design maybe on the limit of what is physically possible.
Also it sounded like a very clattery sewing machine, bounced around on the road unpleasantly usually not in a straight line, never returned much above 50mpg and had a crap heater. I will not buy a small diesel again.
I lost my faith in GM completely with that car, but more recently I've hired a basic 1.4 petrol Astra (not the latest shape) twice whilst abroad and on both occasions been pleasantly surprised about how nice it is to drive - plain and simple - sure the internal styling is kitch but very reassuring drive and surprising economy - almost 50mpg. However, as a negative, the air filter box had to be removed to change a headlight bulb and the engine bay looked a nightmare for DIY servicing.
Think twice about buying a small diesel....
Edited by brum on 05/02/2012 at 16:37
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