Today I drove a CTDi 150 Astra with a 200 bhp chip

[Zak33]

What a stunning performer

The Astra Sports hatch CDTi 150's are very popular anyway, and rightly so, with plenty of grunt. But the 200 bhp chip makes it a much much better car. And the regular driver of the car (nothing to prove) claims nearly 10% better fuel consumption too.

I reset the trip, before smoking it for a dozen miles and even with repeated stop start acceleration tests, and lots of revs, and only lanes and B roads, it still came in at over 30mpg. The daily fast 30 mile run to work (no motorways) is giving him 47mpg and he can now do an extra 70 miles on a tank full when doing long motorway trips. He's pleased, as you'd expect.

Not as pleased as I was when I drove it

Aparently it took 15 minutes to fit, mostly spent fannying around with the plastic tray in the engine compartment not the dead simple plug in wiring adaptor.

The claim that the already huge 315 Nm of torque goes up to 410 Nm was most evident as likely to be damn close to the truth. I was shocked. Once warm, (nd not it 1st gear where it seemed to restrict revs) it was monsterous!

I have a sneaky suspicion it would live with a VXR now....and that's just....weird!

[kidzer]

The daily fast 30 mile run to work (no motorways) is giving him 47mpg

I get that out of a 1.1l Pug 106!
(Well, by my rough calculation, on using about a quarter tank - it may well be slightly more or less)


I'd much rather have it out of the Astra though, sounds good!

[Lowe]

Might feel quick because of all the torque but the gear changes will slow it down compared to a petrol screamer. Wouldn't want to mess with one on the motorway though, bet it rips through the high gears!

[badass]

I wonder if it significantly shortens the life of the turbo?

[Zak33]

Might feel quick because of all the torque but the gear changes will slow it down compared to a petrol screamer. Wouldn't want to mess with one on the motorway though, bet it rips through the high gears!

nope...not as bad I'd thought.

Quite remarkable performance, and the gears are well judged. In fact, better with this much torque and revs available. Goes to the red line (5k) perfectly.

I'm scared by it tbh. I am a pro diesel man anyway, but this is really a dominant car. It's proper fast, not just a 5 minute wonder. It's the latest nail in the "its good for a diesel" coffin lid for me. This thing kicks butt.

But the suspension (well, in my judgement, the alloy size) still lets it down. It had the 18" alloys on, and it jiggled too much, and threw the car up a little on the inside of a bend, which it shouldn't do. But it is a great car with this much motive force. It is very quick indeed.

It's not a Type R, but a Type R would only pull out on a very twisty section, with lots of slow speed 90's and 180's where it's pure revs would dominate. As soon as you're in 2d and 3rd, this is a tool.

[GavinS]

Any increased smokiness after the chip?

Another curious fact - the Sports Hatch is less aerodynamic than the Astra Estate

[dangel]

I wonder if it significantly shortens the life of the turbo?

410nm + standard clutch is more of a worry - particularly if it's ragged. That's the problem with engine mods - they lead to needing to spend on other things too!

[Ben_]

410 nm of torque are you sure?

That nissan gtr is only 500..

Performance deisel cars make me break out in an un-controlable yawning fit.

[SHare]

Yeah, chipping diesels almost always results in chewing up clutches shortly after due to the increased torque so he'll have to either be very careful or just start saving for a new one just now

[kalniel]

Any increased smokiness after the chip?

Another curious fact - the Sports Hatch is less aerodynamic than the Astra Estate

Not all that surprising - short cars have rubbish aero for the most part.

410 nm of torque are you sure?

That nissan gtr is only 500..

At what RPM?

[Grey M@a]

I know exactly where you are coming from Zak. A mate of mine bought one of the limited edition Tripple 8 Stealth's and thats a diesel and boy does that thing fly and its a well balanced car after Thorney tinker with it before the car is handed over. I was expecting a standard diesel with a few toys but when he put his foot down the thing flies like no tomorrow.

Looking at one of these 1.9CDTi 150's when I get rid of the car I have now.

[[GSV]Trig]

The 1.9CDTi is a brilliant engine, thank god VX have started sorting the bottom ends out these days..

[Behemoth]

Hmmm I think I'll be getting one of those when it's time to part company with the Vectra in 2 years time then.

[badass]

410 nm of torque are you sure?

That nissan gtr is only 500..

How is that relevant?
Diesels always have mega torque compared to petrol engines. Just because it has more torque does not mean its going to accelerate harder.

[kalniel]

How is that relevant?
Diesels always have mega torque compared to petrol engines.

I think his point was the petrol GTR has more torque..

[Ben_]

No my point was it seems alot.

A hell of a lot actually.

Having more torque doesnt mean its going to accelerate harder? erm.. what does it mean then?

It means surley that its got more pull at any rev range and means it will accelerate quicker( or more be responsive ) when you flatten it..

It will go through tyres well being fwd too surley?