1994 Opel Astra F Caravan (facelift 1994) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Astra F Caravan facelift ranges from 1040 kg to 1195 kg (2293 to 2634 lbs) depending on the specific trim and equipment. This relatively lightweight structure for a station wagon of its era helps in achieving decent fuel economy and agile handling. The lighter curb weight also contributes positively to acceleration and braking performance, which enhances the driving experience. Considering the maximum permissible weight varies between 1555 kg and 1660 kg (3429 to 3659 lbs), the vehicle can handle a substantial payload, making it practical for families and carrying luggage or sports equipment.

The estate version of the Astra F facelift offers a practical luggage volume of 500 liters (17.7 cubic feet) with the rear seats up, which is sufficient for everyday family errands or weekend trips. When the rear seats are folded down, the luggage capacity significantly increases to 1630 liters (57.6 cubic feet), enabling the transport of larger items such as bicycles, furniture, or extensive luggage for holidays. This versatility makes the station wagon a flexible option for users needing both passenger seating and a spacious cargo area.

The Opel Astra F Caravan facelift features a ground clearance of 135 mm (5.3 inches). This moderate ride height strikes a balance by providing sufficient clearance for typical urban and suburban roads, including occasional rough patches or speed bumps, while maintaining a low center of gravity to support stable handling. The ground clearance may not be ideal for aggressive off-road driving but is suitable for everyday driving conditions and ensures good aerodynamic performance and reduced wind resistance at highway speeds.

This generation of the Opel Astra Caravan came equipped with a variety of rim and tire sizes to suit different driving preferences and trim levels. Rim sizes included 5.5J x 13 ET49, 5.5J x 14 ET49, 6.0J x 15, and 6J x 14 ET49. Tire sizes commonly fitted were 175/65 R14 (both 82T and 82H ratings), 175/70 R13 82T, 195/55 R15, and 195/60 R14 V. These options allowed a balance between ride comfort, handling, and aesthetics, accommodating different seasonal tire choices and driving requirements.

Yes, the Opel Astra F Caravan facelift generally fits into most standard residential garages. With a length of 4278 mm (168.5 inches) and a width of up to 1852 mm (72.9 inches) including mirrors, it fits comfortably within typical garage dimensions that usually start around 2400 mm (94.5 inches) in width and 5000 mm (196.9 inches) in length. However, care should be taken when parking to avoid damage to the mirrors due to their added width. The height of 1525 mm (60 inches) also poses no issues for standard garage clearances, which are often above 2000 mm (78.7 inches).

Compared to the predecessor Astra F Caravan before the 1994 facelift, the facelifted model maintained very similar external dimensions with minor refinements in styling rather than size. The overall length, width, and height remained nearly the same, ensuring that existing users experienced familiar space and drivability while benefiting from updated aesthetics and upgraded features. Any adjustments were primarily focused on improving aerodynamics and interior comfort rather than expanding the footprint, allowing it to retain its appeal as a practical family wagon.

In the mid-1990s segment of compact station wagons, the Opel Astra F Caravan facelift was competitive in terms of dimensions, cargo capacity, and weight. Compared to rivals like the Volkswagen Golf Variant and Ford Escort Wagon, the Astra offered a comparable length and slightly larger cargo space with 500 liters (17.7 cu ft) rear-seat capacity and 1630 liters (57.6 cu ft) when folded, which was quite generous. Weight was also on the lighter side, aiding fuel efficiency relative to some heavier competitors. Styling and ride comfort were generally well received, making it a strong contender for families and those needing practical, affordable estate cars.

The station wagon body style of the Opel Astra F facelift generation offers exceptional practicality and versatility. Its extended rear roofline provides significantly more cargo space than a hatchback or sedan, accommodating large or bulky items with ease. The folding rear seats increase flexibility by expanding the luggage area to nearly 1630 liters, a great benefit for families, sports enthusiasts, or those needing to transport equipment regularly. The station wagon also often features enhanced rear passenger headroom compared to sedans, improving comfort on long journeys. Additionally, the slightly higher ride height compared to hatchbacks aids in easier entry and exit while maintaining stable road manners.

Compared to the sedan and hatchback variants of the Astra F facelift, the Caravan station wagon excels in offering increased cargo capacity and flexibility. With 500 liters (17.7 cu ft) of luggage space behind the rear seats, the Caravan surpasses typical sedans which generally have smaller trunks. Folding down the rear seats raises capacity up to 1630 liters (57.6 cu ft), a considerable advantage for transporting bulky goods or larger items like sports gear or camping equipment. Passenger comfort remains similar to the hatchback, but the wagon design makes it easier to carry more luggage without compromising seating space, making it ideal for families or users with active lifestyles.