View source for Opel Ascona

{{Infobox automobile
| image = Opel Ascona front 20071115.jpg
| name = Opel Ascona
| manufacturer = [[Opel]] ([[General Motors]])
| production = 1970–1988
| predecessor = 
| successor = [[Opel Vectra]]
| class = [[Large family car]] ([[D-segment|D]])
| related = [[Vauxhall Cavalier]]<br>[[Holden Camira]]<br>[[Isuzu Aska]]
}}

The '''Opel Ascona''' is a [[large family car]] ([[D-segment]] in Europe) that was produced by the German automaker [[Opel]] from 1970 to 1988. It was produced in three separate generations, beginning with [[rear-wheel-drive]] and ending up as a front-wheel drive [[GM J platform|J-car]] derivative. The Ascona was developed to fill the gap in the Opel range as the [[Opel Rekord]] was gradually growing in size.

The Ascona took its name from the lakeside resort of [[Ascona|that name]] in [[Ticino]], [[Switzerland]], and already in the 1950s a special edition of the [[Opel Rekord P1]] was sold as an Opel Ascona in Switzerland, where the name was again used in 1968 for a locally adapted version of the [[Opel Kadett#Kadett B (1965–1973)|Opel Kadett B]] into which the manufacturers had persuaded a 1.7-litre engine borrowed from the larger [[Opel Rekord C|Rekord]] model of the time.<ref name=Autocar196803>{{cite journal| journal = [[Autocar (magazine)|Autocar]] |number = 3762 | volume =128 | first = Geoffrey | last = Howard | editor-first = Maurice A. | editor-last = Smith | title = Geneva: Motor Show report | pages = 50–56| date = 1968-03-21 }}</ref> The Opel Ascona A launched in 1970 and sold across Europe was, however, the first mainstream Opel model to carry the name — departing from Opel's long standing convention of using [[German Navy|German naval rank]] designations for its models.

The Ascona was introduced in September 1970, lasting for 18 years and 3 generations and ended production in August 1988, to be replaced by the [[Opel Vectra]] A. The second and third generations of the Ascona were developed as global platforms by Opel's then parent [[General Motors]], with various derivative versions manufactured by other GM divisions around the world.

In motorsport, [[Walter Röhrl]] won the [[1982 World Rally Championship]] [[List of World Rally Championship Drivers' Champions|drivers' title]] with an Ascona 400.

{{TOC limit|3}}
{{clear}}

=={{anchor|A|Ascona A|1970}} Ascona A (1970–1975)==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Ascona A
| image = Opel Ascona 2 d Interlaken 1972.jpg
| assembly = Germany: [[Bochum]]
| production = 1970–1975
| body_style = 2/4-door [[Sedan (car)|saloon]]<br>3-door [[Station wagon|estate]]
| engine = {{ubl | 1196&nbsp;cc ''[[Opel OHV engine#1.2|12S]]'' [[Overhead valve|OHV]] [[Inline-four engine|I4]] | 1584&nbsp;cc [[Opel cam-in-head engine#1.6 litre I4|''16N/16S'']] [[Opel cam-in-head engine|CIH]] I4 | 1897&nbsp;cc [[Opel cam-in-head engine#1.9 litre I4|''19S'']] CIH I4 }}
| wheelbase = {{cvt|95.75|in|mm|0}}
| weight =
| length = {{cvt|164.5|in|mm|0}}
| width = {{cvt|64.375|in|mm|0}}
| height = {{cvt|54.5|in|mm|0}}
| transmission = {{ubl | 4-speed [[manual transmission|manual]] | 3-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] }}
| layout = [[FR layout]]
| designer = [[Chuck Jordan (automobile designer)|Chuck Jordan]]
| aka = Opel 1900 ([[United States|USA]])
}}

In the fall of 1970, Opel presented its completely new vehicle range in Rüsselsheim (internal project code 1.450). The [[Opel Manta]] [[coupé]] was launched on September 9, followed by the Opel Ascona on October 28 in two- and four-door [[sedan (car)|saloon]] forms, plus a three-door [[station wagon|estate]] called the Caravan or Voyage. These models were positioned between the existing [[Opel Kadett]] and the [[Opel Rekord]], and unlike later Asconas — there was no [[Vauxhall Motors|Vauxhall]] sister model.

The Ascona was developed as a replacement to the Kadett, but late in the car's development Opel chose to instead develop a new, smaller Kadett and instead positioned the Ascona as a competitor to the successful [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] mid-sized [[Ford Taunus|Taunus]] range. The Opel Ascona A stayed in production until 1975. By that time, almost 692,000 vehicles of the first series had been produced.

The range featured petrol engines from 1.2&nbsp;L to 1.9&nbsp;L, with power between {{cvt|60| and |90|PS|kW|0}}. The 1.2&nbsp;L had an [[overhead valve]] (OHV) head, while the 1.6&nbsp;L and 1.9&nbsp;L featured the [[Opel cam-in-head engine]] (CIH). The CIH was a compromise effort, with the camshaft mounted next to the valves rather than above them. All used a single barrel [[carburetor]]. Even with this simple design, the Ascona 1.9 SR had a successful career in motorsports, with [[Walter Röhrl]] winning the [[European Rally Championship]] in 1974. Tuner [[Steinmetz Opel Tuning|Steinmetz]] developed a special version of the Ascona SR, with two single-barrel Solex carburettors, raising power to {{cvt|125|PS|kW|0}}.

{{gallery | height = 125
|File:Opel Ascona A 1974.jpg|Opel Ascona (1973–1975)
|File:Opel_Ascona_A_1974_3.jpg|Rear view
|File:Opel Ascona A 4-door at Schaffen-Diest in 2014.JPG|Opel Ascona A 4-door saloon
|File:Opel_Ascona_A_Kombi_rear_20080621.jpg|Opel Ascona Caravan (1973–1975)
}}

;Engines
*''1.2 S'' – 1,196&nbsp;cc, {{cvt|60|PS|kW|0}}
*''1.6 N'' – 1,584&nbsp;cc, {{cvt|60|–|68|PS|kW|0}}
*''1.6 S'' – 1,584&nbsp;cc, {{cvt|75|–|80|PS|kW|0}}
*''1.9 S'' – 1,897&nbsp;cc, {{cvt|88|–|90|PS|kW|0}}

===Opel 1900 (US)===
From 1971 to 1975, the 1.9-litre Ascona was exported to the United States as the "Opel 1900" and marketed at Buick-Opel dealerships. Originally two- and four-door saloons were offered, the former dropped after model year 1973. For 1974, rubber-clad impact bumpers were added in response to federal regulations. All Opels sold in the US in 1975 were equipped with [[Robert Bosch GmbH|Bosch]] L-[[Jetronic]] [[fuel injection]], not available on the European versions, to comply with stricter US emissions requirements. The compression ratio was dropped to 7.6:1, enabling the car to run on 91-octane unleaded gasoline but also lowering maximum power to {{cvt|75|hp|kW PS|0}} at 4800&nbsp;rpm.<ref name=RT75>{{cite journal | journal = Road & Track's Road Test Annual & Buyer's Guide 1975 | issue = January 1975 | title = R&T Buyer's Guide | editor-first = Ron | editor-last = Wakefield | url = https://i1.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/pages0038.jpg | page = 113 }}</ref>

Due to the unfavorable [[Deutsche Mark]] to US dollar exchange rate, all Opels in Buick showrooms were replaced by the Japanese-built [[Isuzu Gemini]]s wearing Opel badges after 1975.

{{Clear}}

=={{anchor|B|Ascona B|1975}} Ascona B (1975–1981)==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Ascona B
| image = Ascona B rechts.jpg
| assembly = {{ubl |Germany: [[Bochum]] |Belgium: [[Antwerp]] |South Africa: [[Port Elizabeth]]}}
| production = 1975–1981
| body_style = [[sedan (car)|2/4-door saloon]]
| layout = [[FR layout]]
| engine = {{ubl | 1196&nbsp;cc ''[[Opel OHV engine#1.2|12N/12S]]'' [[Overhead valve|OHV]] [[Straight-four engine|I4]] | 1297&nbsp;cc ''[[GM Family 1 engine#13N|13N/13S]]'' [[Overhead camshaft|OHC]] I4 | 1584&nbsp;cc [[Opel cam-in-head engine#1.6 litre I4|''16N/16S'']] [[Opel cam-in-head engine|CIH]] I4 | 1897&nbsp;cc [[Opel cam-in-head engine#1.9 litre I4|''19N/19S'']] CIH I4 | 1979&nbsp;cc [[Opel cam-in-head engine#2.0 litre I4|''20N/20S/20E'']] CIH I4 | 2420&nbsp;cc [[Opel cam-in-head engine#400 I4 / Cosworth KAA|''400/KAA'']] [[Overhead camshaft|DOHC]] [[Multi-valve|16V]] I4 (Ascona 400) | 1998&nbsp;cc ''[[Opel cam-in-head engine#20D|20D]]'' OHC [[diesel engine|diesel]] I4 }}
| wheelbase = {{cvt|2518|mm|in|}}<ref name=AutoMotoruSport1978>{{cite journal| author =H.E. | title = Kurztest Opel Ascona 2.0 S: Mehr Mumm |trans-title=Short test: More spunk | journal = [[Auto, Motor und Sport]]| volume = 2 | pages = 46–47 |date = 1978-01-01 }}</ref>
| weight = {{cvt|1050|kg|lb|}}<ref name=AutoMotoruSport1978/> (approx)
| length = {{cvt|4321|mm|in|}}<ref name=AutoMotoruSport1978/>
| width = {{cvt|1670|mm|in|}}<ref name=AutoMotoruSport1978/>
| height = {{cvt|1380|mm|in|}}<ref name=AutoMotoruSport1978/>
| transmission =
| designer = Tsutomu Aoto, Walter Bickelhaupt, George Gallion, Albertus Holsheimer
| related = [[Vauxhall Cavalier]]<br>[[Chevrolet Chevair]]
| aka = Chevrolet Ascona ([[South Africa]])
}}

The second generation Opel Ascona B was presented in August 1975 at the [[Frankfurt Motor Show]]. It was available as a two or four-door saloon. There were related two and three-door coupé models in the Opel Manta range. There was no estate ("Caravan") body available. It was Opel's version of the "U-car" platform ("extended subcompact" — therefore unrelated to the later [[General Motors U platform|GM U-platform]]), and was essentially an enlarged version of the [[General Motors T platform (RWD)|T-Car]] platform which underpinned the smaller [[Opel Kadett C]] and [[Vauxhall Chevette]].

The Ascona B retained the same engine range as its predecessor, versions with higher [[compression ratio]] and needing 98 octane petrol, dubbed S, were available alongside the 90 octane models. The first change took place in January 1976, when laminated window glass became available as a no-cost option. The 1.9&nbsp;L "S" cam-in-head engine was replaced by the modernised 2.0&nbsp;L ([[Opel cam-in-head engine#2.0 litre I4|20S]]) in September 1977. The 20N became available in January 1978, and all models now also received electric windscreen washers. A 2.0&nbsp;L [[Diesel engine|diesel]] motor was added to the Ascona B range in 1978, mostly targeted at the [[Benelux]] countries and Italy, where local tax structures provided an incentive for diesel-powered automobiles — in 1979, 97% of diesels were exported, while 59% of petrol powered cars went in the export.<ref name="AK81">{{cite book | title = Auto Katalog 1981 | editor = Freund, Klaus | publisher = [[:de:Motor Presse Stuttgart|Vereinigte Motor-Verlage GmbH & Co. KG]] | location = Stuttgart | pages = 244, 248 | ref = AK81 | volume = 24 | language = German |date=August 1980}}</ref>

By the end of 1978 the 1.6 S engine was discontinued in Germany (where it was replaced by the 19N, with the same power but lower fuel consumption), but continued to be available in some markets in a somewhat detuned version with {{cvt|70|PS|kW|0}}. In January 1979 the street legal version of the Ascona 400 with 2.4-litre engine (16 valves, 144&nbsp;PS) appeared, followed a month later by the more prosaic 1.3-litre OHC engine. This largely replaced the old 1.2-litre pushrod unit which dated back to 1962, but production continued in dwindling numbers into 1980 for some export markets.<ref name="AK83">{{cite book | title = Auto Katalog 1983 | editor-last = Heitz | editor-first = Rudolf | publisher = [[:de:Motor Presse Stuttgart|Vereinigte Motor-Verlage GmbH & Co. KG]] | location = Stuttgart | page = 242 | volume = 26 | language = German | year = 1982 }}</ref>

In September 1979 the Ascona received a minor facelift, including plastic bumpers and a grey front grille with a larger mesh. The 2.0 E engine with a Bosch L-Jetronic electronic [[fuel injection]] arrived in January 1980, after having been first installed in the Manta and Rekord models.<ref name="AK81.15">Ein bewährtes Auto: Opel Ascona [A tried and tested car]. ''[[#AK81|Auto Katalog 1981]]'', p. 15</ref> The 2.0 E equipped Ascona also received an upgraded clutch shared with the sporting Manta GT/E.<ref name="AK81.15"/> In January 1981 the Ascona underwent its last changes, when adjustments made to the 16N and 20N engines. The 1.9 N and 2.0 N engines were discontinued in the German market, while the 1.6 N engine was now only available coupled with an automatic transmission.

Over 1.2 million Ascona B units were produced worldwide until August 1981. The two millionth Ascona was an Ascona B, built in April 1980, and the one millionth Ascona sold in Germany was registered in July of that same year.<ref name="AK81.14">Ein bewährtes Auto: Opel Ascona [A tried and tested car]. ''[[#AK81|Auto Katalog 1981]]'', p. 14</ref> The related Manta coupé versions however, remained in production until 1988.

{{gallery | height = 128
||Opel Ascona two-door, base version
|File:Ascona B seite rechts.jpg|Rear view
|File:Opel Ascona B irmscher 2.jpg|Ascona 2.0 with a factory tuned engine by Irmscher, 120 PS
|File:Vauxhall Cavalier first iteration Brecon.jpg|Vauxhall Cavalier MkI
}}

;Engines
*'''1.2 N''' – 1196&nbsp;cc, {{cvt|55|PS|kW}}
*'''1.2 S''' – 1196&nbsp;cc, {{cvt|60|PS|kW|0}} — 58&nbsp;PS in Sweden and Switzerland (S12S)
*'''1.3 N''' – 1297&nbsp;cc, {{cvt|60|PS|kW|0}}
*'''1.3 S''' – 1297&nbsp;cc, {{cvt|75|PS|kW}}
*'''1.6 N''' – 1584&nbsp;cc, {{cvt|60|PS|kW|0}}
*'''1.6 S''' – 1584&nbsp;cc, {{cvt|75|PS|kW}}, later {{cvt|70|PS|kW|0}}
*'''1.9 N''' – 1897&nbsp;cc, {{cvt|75|PS|kW}}
*'''1.9 S''' – 1897&nbsp;cc, {{cvt|90|PS|kW|0}}
*'''2.0 N''' – 1979&nbsp;cc, {{cvt|90|PS|kW|0}}
*'''2.0 S''' – 1979&nbsp;cc, {{cvt|100|PS|kW|0}}
*'''2.0 E''' – 1979&nbsp;cc, {{cvt|110|PS|kW|0}}
*'''2.4 E''' – 2420&nbsp;cc, {{cvt|144|PS|kW}}
*'''2.0 D''' – 1998&nbsp;cc, {{cvt|58|PS|kW}}

===Export models===
In the [[United Kingdom]], the [[Vauxhall Cavalier]] badge was used on both [[sedan (car)|saloon]] and coupé models from late 1975, which came out of the same factory in [[Belgium]] — the first Vauxhall to be built abroad. The front ends were different, featuring Vauxhall's trademark "droop snoot", as designed by [[Wayne Cherry]].

;{{anchor|Chevrolet Ascona}} South Africa
In [[South Africa]] there was a locally assembled version called the '''Chevrolet Ascona''', identical in many respects to the four-door Opel Ascona B. The Ascona came with a locally built 1.3-litre inline-four from the [[Vauxhall Viva (1963–1979)|Vauxhall Viva]]. A preceding upmarket version with the [[Vauxhall Cavalier]]'s longer front end was sold as the [[Chevrolet Chevair]], equipped with bigger engines of Chevrolet origins. The Ascona was launched in July 1978, and replaced the Vauxhall-based Chevrolet 1300/1900-series. It was available in De&nbsp;Luxe or S trim, with the S receiving a sportier treatment with a three-spoke steering wheel, tartan seat inserts, and [[Rostyle wheel|Rostyle]] rims.<ref name=CarZA0778>{{cite magazine | magazine = CAR (South Africa) | title = New models: Chevrolet Ascona De Luxe and 'S' | editor-last = Wright | editor-first = Cedric | volume = 22 | number = 7 | date = August 1978 | ref = DNLCV | page = 13 | publisher = Ramsay, Son & Parker (Pty) ltd. }}</ref>

==={{anchor|400}} Ascona 400 rally car===
[[File:Opel Ascona Rallye Rothmans.JPG|thumb|right|The Rothmans Ascona 400 which won the 1983 [[Safari Rally]] in the hands of [[Ari Vatanen]].]]

First shown at Frankfurt in September 1979, the Ascona 400 was a homologation special sold only to make it eligible for rallying's Group 4 category.<ref name=Keesings18>{{cite journal | title = Zuinigheid verkoopt beter dan veiligheid |trans-title=Thrift outsells frugality | language = nl-be | journal = Keesings Auto Magazine | location = Antwerp, Belgium | date = 1979-09-15 | volume = 2 | number = 18 | page = 18 | editor-last = Rombauts | editor-first = Walter }}</ref> The Ascona 400s were built at General Motors' plant in Antwerp. The [[1980 World Rally Championship season|1980]] world champion [[Walter Röhrl]] took the rally car to victory and won the [[World Rally Championship]] [[List of World Rally Championship Drivers' Champions|drivers' title]] in the [[1982 World Rally Championship season|1982 season]].

The car was developed by Opel alongside the [[Opel Manta 400|Manta B 400 model]] which consisted of the same changes. Irmscher and Cosworth were hired as partners for the project, Cosworth to deliver a 16 valve double cam crossflow head for the engine, and Irmscher for the exterior and interior styling. Cosworth delivered the heads to Opel and Opel soon discovered a major mistake. The plan was to use the 2.0-litre engine block but this did not produce enough power. Time was running out and Opel badly needed to do something. Opel took the 2.0E block, installed forged pistons, different connecting-rods, and forged crankshaft with 85mm stroke. The result was a 2.4-litre engine. The 2.4-litre engine gave rise to some massive power outputs using the 16 valve head. The street versions of the 400 therefore came with {{cvt|144|HP|kW|0}} engines, using the Bosch fuel injection of the Manta GSi and GT/E series. However, in race trim they were delivered putting out {{cvt|230|HP|kW|0}}, which could be improved further to {{cvt|340|HP|kW|0}}, while still using normally aspirated engine components.

Irmscher delivered the rally trim for the exterior. Large and widened wings, light weight hood, front wings, rear boot lid and doors were also installed.

By 1984, the [[Audi Quattro]] appeared more powerful than ever and the Ascona 400 was rendered obsolete. But the Ascona 400 still has some remarkable records. The Ascona 400 was the last rear wheel drive rally car to win the drivers' world championship, ensuring its place in motorsports history.

====WRC victories====

:{|class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%; "
! No.
! Event
! Season
! Driver
! Co-driver
! Car
|-
| 1
| {{Flagicon|Sweden}} [[Rally Sweden|30th International Swedish Rally]]
| [[1980 World Rally Championship season|1980]]
| {{Flagicon|SWE}} [[Anders Kulläng]]
| {{Flagicon|SWE}} [[Bruno Berglund]]
| Opel Ascona 400
|-
| 2
| {{Flagicon|Monaco}} [[Monte Carlo Rally|50éme Rallye Automobile de Monte Carlo]]
| [[1982 World Rally Championship season|1982]]
| {{Flagicon|GER}} [[Walter Röhrl]]
| {{Flagicon|GER}} [[Christian Geistdörfer]]
| Opel Ascona 400
|-
| 3
| {{Flagicon|Ivory Coast}} [[Rallye Côte d'Ivoire|14ème Rallye Côte d'Ivoire]]
| [[1982 World Rally Championship season|1982]]
| {{Flagicon|GER}} [[Walter Röhrl]]
| {{Flagicon|GER}} [[Christian Geistdörfer]]
| Opel Ascona 400
|-
| 4
| {{Flagicon|Kenya}} [[Safari Rally|31st Marlboro Safari Rally]]
| [[1983 World Rally Championship season|1983]]
| {{Flagicon|FIN}} [[Ari Vatanen]]
| {{Flagicon|GBR}} [[Terry Harryman]]
| Opel Ascona 400
|-
|}

{{Clear}}

=={{anchor|C|Ascona C|1981}} Ascona C (1981–1988)==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Ascona C
| image = Opel Ascona C front 20130104.jpg
| aka = [[#Monza|Chevrolet Monza]] (South America)<br>[[Vauxhall Cavalier#Mark II|Vauxhall Cavalier Mk II]]
| production = 1981–1988<br>1982–1996 (Brazil)
| assembly = {{ubl |Belgium: [[Antwerp]] |Germany: [[Rüsselsheim]] |Yugoslavia: [[Kikinda]] ([[IDA-Opel]]) |United Kingdom: [[Luton]] |Brazil: [[São Caetano do Sul]] |Venezuela: [[Valencia, Carabobo]] |Colombia: [[Bogotá]] |South Africa: [[Port Elizabeth]] ([[General Motors South Africa]]) }}
| body_style = 2/4-door [[sedan (car)|saloon]]<br>5-door [[fastback]]/[[hatchback]]<br>
2-door convertible
3-door [[hatchback]] (Brazil)
| platform = [[GM J platform]]
| related = [[Buick Skyhawk]]<br />[[Cadillac Cimarron]]<br />[[Chevrolet Cavalier]]<br />[[Isuzu Aska]]<br />[[Oldsmobile Firenza]]<br />[[Holden Camira]]<br />[[Pontiac J2000]]<br />[[Vauxhall Cavalier]]
| layout = [[FF layout]]
| engine = 
| transmission = 4/5-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]]<br>3-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]
| wheelbase = {{cvt|2574|mm|in|1}}
| length = {{cvt|4366|mm|in|1}} (saloon)<br>{{cvt|4264|mm|in|1}} (hatchback)
| width = {{cvt|1668|mm|in|1}}
| height = {{cvt|1395|mm|in|1}} (saloon)<br>{{cvt|1385|mm|in|1}} (hatchback)
| weight = {{cvt|920|–|1090|kg|0}}
}}

[[File: Opel Ascona x 2.JPG|thumb|right|The Ascona C3, introduced for 1986, featured a body-coloured grille, in contrast with the black "CD" grille used across the Ascona range since 1984 (on the C2).]]
The Ascona C was launched in August 1981 as part of [[General Motors J-body|General Motors' J-car project]]. This was Opel's second [[front-wheel drive]] car since the introduction of the [[Opel Kadett|Kadett D]] in 1979. This car was manufactured in [[Rüsselsheim]], [[Germany]], [[Antwerp]], [[Belgium]], [[São Caetano do Sul]], [[Brazil]] and [[Luton]], [[England]], and was sold in the UK under the name [[Vauxhall Cavalier]] and as the Chevrolet Monza in Latin America. The Cavalier Coupé was phased out, but the Opel Manta was retained in the UK (the last car to be badged as an Opel in the UK before the brand was phased out there in 1988). There were no longer sheet metal differences between Opel and Vauxhall models after 1982. The Ascona C won the "Goldenes Lenkrad" (Golden Steering Wheel) award at the end of 1981 and was West Germany's biggest selling car. The new Ascona no longer had the sporty character of its predecessors, being a more unadulterated family car which was considerably more space-efficient than earlier models.<ref name=TV282>{{cite magazine | title = Mästare i mellanvikt |trans-title=Middleweight Champion | ref = TVn2 | language = Swedish | journal = [[Teknikens Värld]] | publisher = Specialtidningsförlaget AB | location = Stockholm, Sweden | pages = 26–27 | date = 1982-01-13 | issue = 2 | volume = 34 | first = Michael | last = Åhman }}</ref>

It was narrowly beaten to the [[European Car of the Year]] award by the [[Renault 9]] in 1982. It took another 27 years before its successor model, the [[Opel Insignia]], won the 2009 European Car of the Year award by only 1 point, from the Second placed [[Ford Fiesta]]. The Ascona C underwent two notable facelifts during its term of production.

The range added an option of a five-door [[fastback]]/[[hatchback]] Bodystyle, named CC in a few markets — short for "Combi Coupé." The hatchback model was shorter than the saloons, with a marginally smaller luggage compartment and {{cvt|5|cm|in}} less headspace in the backseat.<ref name=TV2p28>[[#TVn2|Åhman]], p. 28</ref> All engines were now SOHC crossflow designs with a [[Ignition system#Electronic systems|breakerless ignition system]] and [[hydraulic tappet]]s.<ref name=TV282/> The base model was the 1.3&nbsp;L introduced in 1978 in the Ascona B, with {{cvt|60|PS|kW|0}}, followed by a 1.6&nbsp;L with {{cvt|75|PS|kW|0}}. "S" versions with higher compression ratio had power increased by as much as twenty per cent. The top of the line was the sporty GTE model, with [[electronic fuel injection]], pushing power to {{cvt|130|PS|kW|0}} in the last two model years. Diesel power came from an 1.6SH derived block, with 1.6-litres. [[Catalytic converter]]s were optional in the larger petrol units starting from 1986.

The Ascona C was also assembled in [[South Africa]], where it was sold by [[General Motors South Africa|GM South Africa]], replacing the Chevrolet Ascona which was based on the Ascona B. It was dropped in 1986 and replaced by a saloon version of the Kadett E called the [[Opel Monza]].<ref>{{cite journal | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=IOcwAQAAIAAJ&q=%22discontinued%22+ | journal = South African Digest | publisher = Department of Information | date = 1986 | page = 58 | location = South Africa | title = South African Digest }}</ref>

As before, there was no [[station wagon|estate car]] version of the Ascona, although Vauxhall in the UK brought in the rear ends of the [[Holden Camira]] wagon (estate car) and adapted them to the Cavalier beginning with the 1984 model year.<ref>{{citation | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=K0svAAAAYAAJ&q=holden+camira+estate+vauxhall+cavalier | title = The Effect of Different State Aid Measures on Intra-Community Competition: Exemplified by the Case of the Automotive Industry | first = Krish N. | last = Bhaskar | publisher = University of East Anglia. Motor Industry Research Unit, Commission of the European Communities | date = 1990 | page = 37 | isbn = 9789282603819 }}</ref><ref name="Autocar">{{cite magazine | url = https://www.google.co.uk/search?tbm=bks&hl=en&q=%22shipped+the+panels+to+Europe+for+Vauxhall%22 | magazine = [[Autocar (magazine)|Autocar]] | volume = 209 | number = 11 | title = Buying Cars | date = 1996-09-11 | page = 13 }}</ref> Opel continued to use the Ascona nameplate until the [[Opel Vectra|Vectra]] was launched in 1988, while the Cavalier name was retained by Vauxhall until 1995.

{{gallery | width = 175 | height = 111
|File:Opel Ascona C rear 20130104.jpg|Rear view, 1981–84 model
|File:Opel_Ascona_2d_Algarve.JPG|2-door saloon (1981–1984)
|File: Opel Ascona C front 20071004.jpg|Touring five-door (C3, 1988)
}}

; Timeline
*September 1981 — Introduction of the Ascona C as the successor for the Ascona B. This, the original version, is usually referred to as "'''C1'''" to distinguish it from the later, facelifted versions. Available bodystyles for the Ascona included 2- and 4-door saloons and a 5-door hatchback (the CC). Initial engine choice included the '''1.3N''' (60&nbsp;PS), '''1.3S''' (75&nbsp;PS), '''1.6N''' (75&nbsp;PS) and '''1.6S''' (90&nbsp;PS), all of which had a four-speed gearbox or optional three-speed automatic transmission for all except the 1.3 N. Trim variations included '''Base''', '''Luxus''', '''Berlina''', and '''SR'''.
*1982 — Introduction of the '''Ascona Diesel''' with a 1.6 (55&nbsp;PS) engine, available with a five-speed gearbox. Introduction of the '''Ascona CD''' with higher level of equipment. A new 1.8E engine with LE-Jetronic (115&nbsp;PS) and five-speed gearbox is introduced in September.<ref name="AR83">{{cite book | title = Automobil Revue '83 | ref = AR83 | editor-last = Büschi | editor-first = Hans-Ulrich | publisher = Hallwag, AG | language = German, French | page = 426 | location = Berne, Switzerland | volume = 78 | date = March 10, 1983 | isbn = 3-444-06065-3 }}</ref> Optional [[power steering]], electric windows, electric mirrors and computer available at extra cost. The five-speed transmission was now also made available in the 1.6S. Introduction of Chevrolet Monza in Brazil, with a 1.6 engine and 3 door hatchback body style. Later the 1.8 engine was made available.
*1983 — Modified ignition switch and door locks. Improvements made to water pump, valve seals and radiator hoses. Aftermarket convertibles were now available from [[Keinath]]<ref name=AK84>{{cite book | ref = AK84 | title = Auto Katalog 1984 | publisher = [[:de:Motor Presse Stuttgart|Vereinigte Motor-Verlage GmbH & Co. KG]] | location = Stuttgart | pages = 41–42 | year = 1983 }}</ref> (later also by Hammond & Thiede). Optional central locking and heated mirrors. Optional Sports suspension available for SR and 1.8 E engine. Automatically adjustable rear brakes now standard. As of May, the five-speed transmission was available in all models.<ref name="AR84">{{cite book | title = Automobil Revue '84 | ref = AR84 | editor-last = Büschi | editor-first = Hans-Ulrich | publisher = Hallwag, AG | language = German, French | page = 404 | location = Berne, Switzerland | volume = 79 | date = March 1, 1984 | isbn = 3-444-06070-X }}</ref> Introduction of 2 and 4 door saloon bodystyle in Brazil.
*1984 — '''C2''': All models have a facelift with new CD-style radiator grille, new wheel trims, new front seat mountings, modified centre console, remote-adjustable door mirrors and height-adjustable steering wheel. 1.3S engine now has a new start-stop system. Improved clutch damping and headlight seals. Model names also changed: Base becomes '''LS''', L becomes '''GL''', Berlina becomes '''GLS''', and SR becomes '''GT'''.
*1985 — '''1.8i''' engine with three-way catalyst introduced (100&nbsp;PS). This engine was built in Rüsselsheim and only installed in cars built in that plant, meaning that it was not available in the two-door bodywork as that style was only manufactured in Antwerp.<ref name=ascinfo>{{cite web | url = https://www.ascona-info.de/Ascona_Motoren.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211204203000/https://www.ascona-info.de/Ascona_Motoren.html | archive-date = 2021-12-04 | title = Ascona C — Motoren | trans-title = Ascona C: Engines | work = ascona-info.de | language = de }}</ref> One-way catalysts are available for all engines. Modified clutch lining and door seals.
*1986 – '''C3''': All models are facelifted, this time with clear front indicator lenses, dark taillight lenses with fewer ridges, colour-keyed radiator grille, air vent, and front spoiler. GT now has front and rear spoilers. New engines were also available: '''1.6i''' and '''2.0i''' with three-way catalysts. The 1.6i has Multec-central Injection system and {{cvt|75|PS|kW|0}}, while the 2.0i has Bosch Motronic Injection system and {{cvt|115|PS|kW|0}}, with or without catalyst ([[20NE|20NE/C20NE]]). The 1.3 was no longer available in the German market.
*1987 — Non-catalyst 2.0i replaced by {{cvt|130|PS|kW|0}} [[20SEH]] version, only available with GT trim. Introduction of 2.0 engine in Brazil.
*1988 — The GL model changes name to "Touring" (already used in 1986 for the last of the C2 Ascona's). August marks the end of production for the Ascona C, replaced by the [[Opel Vectra|Opel Vectra A]].
*1990 — 2 and 4 door saloon models are facelifted in Brazil.
*1991 — Electronic fuel injection is adopted in Brazil.
*1996 — End of production in Brazil.

; Models
The following versions of the Ascona C were available, all with inline fours. Data is for the German market. There were certain differences in various export market models:<ref>''[[#AK84|Auto Katalog 1984]]'', pp. 206–207</ref><ref name=AK88>{{cite book | title = Auto Katalog 1988 | publisher = [[:de:Motor Presse Stuttgart|Vereinigte Motor-Verlage GmbH & Co. KG]] | location = Stuttgart | pages = 58, 209, 248–249 | year = 1987 }}</ref><ref name=WC82>{{cite book | title = World Cars 1982 | publisher = The Automobile Club of Italy/Herald Books | location = Pelham, NY | pages = 124–125 | year = 1982 | isbn = 0-910714-14-2 }}</ref><ref name=WC85>{{cite book | title = World Cars 1985 | publisher = The Automobile Club of Italy/Herald Books | location = Pelham, NY | pages = 121–122 | year = 1985 | isbn = 0-910714-17-7 }}</ref>

{{Table alignment}}
{| class="wikitable defaultcenter" style="font-size:85%;"
|-
!rowspan=2 colspan=2 |Engine
! rowspan="2" |{{Abbr|Cat.|Catalyzed?}}
!colspan=4|Power
!colspan=3|Torque
!rowspan=2|Transmission
!colspan=2|Top speed
!rowspan=2|Fuel type
!colspan=2|Equipment levels
!rowspan=2|Years
|-
!PS
!kW
!hp
!at rpm
!N·m
!lb·ft
!at rpm
!km/h
!mph
!before facelift
!after facelift
|-
|'''1.3N''' ||1297&nbsp;cc || –
| {{convert|60|PS|kW hp|0|disp=table}}
| 5800
| {{convert|94|N.m|disp=table}}
| 3400–3800
| 4MT
| {{convert|150|km/h|mph|0|disp=table}}
| normal
| Std/J/Luxus/Berlina
| LS/GL/GLS
| 81–86
|-
|'''1.3S''' ||1297&nbsp;cc ||–
| {{convert|75|PS|kW hp|0|disp=table}}
| 5800
| {{convert|101|N.m|disp=table}}
| 3800–4600
| 4MT, 3AT
| {{convert|160|km/h|mph|0|disp=table}}
| super
| Std/J/Luxus/Berlina
| LS/GL/GLS
| 81–86
|-
|'''1.6N''' ||1598&nbsp;cc || –
| {{convert|75|PS|kW hp|0|disp=table}}
| 5600
| {{convert|123|N.m|disp=table}}
| 3000–4000
| 4/5MT, 3AT
| {{convert|160|km/h|mph|0|disp=table}}
| normal
| Std/J/Luxus/Berlina
| LS/GL/Touring/GLS
| 81–88
|-
|'''1.6E''' ||1598&nbsp;cc || ●
| {{convert|75|PS|kW hp|0|disp=table}}
| 5200
| {{convert|121|N.m|disp=table}}
| 3400
| 4/5MT, 3AT
| {{convert|160|km/h|mph|0|disp=table}}
| unleaded
| —
| LS/GL/Touring/GLS
| 86–88
|-
|'''1.6S''' ||1598&nbsp;cc || –
| {{convert|90|PS|kW hp|0|disp=table}}
| 5800
| {{convert|126|N.m|disp=table}}
| 3800–4200
| 4/5MT, 3AT
| {{convert|170|km/h|mph|0|disp=table}}
| super
| Std/J/Luxus/Berl./SR
| LS/GL/GLS/GT/CD
| 81–86
|-
| ↓ || ↓ || –
| {{convert|82|PS|kW hp|0|disp=table}}
| 5400
| {{convert|130|N.m|disp=table}}
| 2600
|  ↓
| {{convert|165|km/h|mph|0|disp=table}}
| ↓
| —
| LS/GL/GLS
| 86–87<ref>{{cite book | title = Auto Katalog 1987 | publisher = [[:de:Motor Presse Stuttgart|Vereinigte Motor-Verlage GmbH & Co. KG]] | location = Stuttgart | pages = 216–217 | year = 1986 }}</ref>
|-
|'''1.8N''' ||1796&nbsp;cc || –
| {{convert|84|PS|kW hp|0|disp=table}}
| 5400
| {{convert|143|N.m|disp=table}}
| 2600
| 4/5MT, 3AT
| {{convert|168|km/h|mph|0|disp=table}}
| normal
| —
| LS/GL/Touring/GLS/GT
| 87–88
|-
|'''1.8E''' ||1796&nbsp;cc || –
| {{convert|115|PS|kW hp|0|disp=table}}
| 5800
| {{convert|151|N.m|disp=table}}
| 4800
| 5MT, 3AT
| {{convert|187|km/h|mph|0|disp=table}}
| super
| Luxus/Berl./SRE/CD
| GL/Touring/GLS/GT/CD
| 82–86
|-
| ↓ || ↓ || ●
| {{convert|100|PS|kW hp|0|disp=table}}
| 5800
| {{convert|140|N.m|disp=table}}
| 3000
| ↓
| {{convert|180|km/h|mph|0|disp=table}}
| ↓
| —
| LS/GL/GLS/GT/CD
| 85–86<ref>{{cite book | title = Auto Katalog 1986 | publisher = [[:de:Motor Presse Stuttgart|Vereinigte Motor-Verlage GmbH & Co. KG]] | location = Stuttgart | pages = 192, 203 | year = 1985 }}</ref>
|-
|'''2.0E''' ||1998&nbsp;cc || –
| {{convert|115|PS|kW hp|0|disp=table}}
| 5800
| {{convert|175|N.m|disp=table}}
| 3000
| 5MT, 3AT
| {{convert|187|km/h|mph|0|disp=table}}
| super
| —
| GL/Touring/GLS/GT
| 86–87
|-
| ↓ || ↓ || ●
| ↓ || ↓ || ↓
| 5400
| {{convert|170|N.m|disp=table}}
| ↓
| ↓
| ↓ || ↓
| sup. unld.
| —
| LS/GL/Touring/GLS/GT
| 86–88
|-
| ↓ || ↓ || –
| {{convert|130|PS|kW hp|0|disp=table}}
| 5600
| {{convert|180|N.m|disp=table}}
| 4600
| 5MT
| {{convert|193|km/h|mph|0|disp=table}}
| ↓
| —
| GT
| 87–88
|-
|'''1.6D''' ||1598&nbsp;cc || –
| {{convert|54|PS|kW hp|0|disp=table}}
| 4600
| {{convert|96|N.m|disp=table}}
| 2400
| 4/5MT, 3AT
| {{convert|143|km/h|mph|0|disp=table}}
| diesel
| Std/J/Luxus/Berl./CD
| LS/GL/Touring/GLS/CD
| 82–88
|}

==={{anchor|Monza}}Chevrolet Monza===
In [[Brazil]], the Ascona C was sold from May 1982 until August 1996 as the Chevrolet Monza.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BTa4eEqAH4&nohtml5=False Comercial Chevrolet Monza 1983]</ref> Chevrolet did not use the Ascona brand because the Spanish and Portuguese word "asco" means "disgust, repugnance". Instead, it was named after the [[Monza Circuit|famous Italian circuit]].

It was originally only available as a three-door [[hatchback]], a body style unique to Latin America.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=wZ4qAQAAMAAJ&q=%22under+the+Chevrolet+Monza+name%22 Brazil's J-Car, the Chevy Monza, bows in May], ''[[Automotive News]]'', Crain Automotive Group, 1982, page 108</ref> However, two and four-door saloons appeared in March 1983.<ref name="AR89">{{cite book | ref = AR89 | title = Automobil Revue 1989 | editor-last = Büschi | editor-first = Hans-Ulrich | publisher = Hallwag AG | location = Berne, Switzerland | language = German, French | page = 210 | volume = 84 |date=9 March 1989 | isbn = 3-444-00482-6 }}</ref> GM do Brasil also considered offering the Monza as an [[station wagon|estate car]], and produced two full-size clay models, one with five doors and one with three doors, with a similar rear to the [[Holden Camira]] in Australia, which was also used as the basis of the [[Vauxhall Cavalier]] in the UK, but it never entered into production.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://autoesporte.globo.com/carros/colunistas/post-coluna/2019/10/exclusivo-fotos-da-perua-monza-que-chevrolet-quase-fabricou-no-brasil.ghtml | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210506181630/https://autoesporte.globo.com/carros/colunistas/post-coluna/2019/10/exclusivo-fotos-da-perua-monza-que-chevrolet-quase-fabricou-no-brasil.ghtml | archive-date = 2021-05-06 | title = Exclusivo: Fotos da Perua Monza que Chevrolet quase fabricou no Brasil | trans-title = Exclusive: photos of the Monza station wagon which Chevrolet nearly manufactured in Brazil | work = Auto Esporte | date = 2019-10-21 | language = pt | first = Marcos | last = Rozen | publisher = Editora Globo S/A }}</ref> However, Envemo began converting the four-door Monza saloon into an estate called the Camping, although it retained the rear doors and taillights of the saloon.<ref>[https://www.picuki.com/media/2295026086096093495 Teste: Monza Camping Envemo], ''[[Quatro Rodas]]'', July 1985</ref> Envemo also converted the two-door Monza saloon into a convertible.<ref>[https://www.flickr.com/photos/30336246@N05/3186649078/in/photostream/ Monza conversível Envemo 1985]</ref> In 1989 the slow-selling liftback was discontinued, leaving only the two- and four-door three-box saloons.<ref name="AR90">{{cite book | ref = AR90 | title = Automobil Revue 1990 | editor-last = Büschi | editor-first = Hans-Ulrich | publisher = Hallwag AG | location = Berne, Switzerland | language = German, French | page = 212 | volume = 85 |date=8 March 1990 | isbn = 3-444-00495-8 }}</ref> 

Originally it was available with either a 1.6- or 1.8-litre engine with {{cvt|75|or|84|PS|kW}}.<ref name=TAM85>{{Cite book | title = Quattroruote: Tutte le Auto del Mondo 1985 | editor = Mastrostefano, Raffaele | publisher = Editoriale Domus S.p.A | ref = TAM85 | year = 1985 | language = Italian | pages = 176–178 | location = Milano | isbn = 88-7212-012-8 }}</ref> These were changed to more powerful 1.8 and 2.0s in 1986.<ref name="AR89"/>

The Monza received a number of facelifts, the last one bringing its looks in line with those of current European GM products, with new fenders front and rear to accommodate new head and taillights. Diesel versions were available for export markets, most notably [[Uruguay]] and [[Argentina]], powered by [[List of Isuzu engines#Isuzu E engine|Isuzu's 4EC1 engine]].{{citation needed|date=December 2012}}

The Monza first went on sale in [[Colombia]] in 1985 in a 4-door saloon body style, assembled locally by [[GM Colmotores]]. In Colombia, a top of the line saloon version was sold from 1987 to 1992 as the Monza Classic with a three-speed automatic transmission.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mantilla|first=Óscar Julián Restrepo|date=2018-01-07|title=Chevrolet Monza: Un sedán con clase y estilo para los colombianos|url=https://www.elcarrocolombiano.com/clasicos/chevrolet-monza-un-sedan-con-clase-y-estilo-para-los-colombianos/|access-date=2021-01-31|website=El Carro Colombiano|language=es-CO}}</ref> In Venezuela it was assembled and sold from 1985 to 1990. Originally it was equipped with a carbureted 1.8-litre engine, but this was later replaced with a fuel-injected 2-litre unit.

{{gallery | width = 178 | height = 125
|File:Monza-sr-achados-3.jpg|Brazilian-made Monza 1.8 S/R Hatchback three-door
|File:Chevrolet Monza 1.8 SR sedan in Punta del Este 01.JPG|Chevrolet Monza 1.8 S/R two-door saloon
|File:Chevrolet Monza 1.8 GL 1996 (12530626234).jpg|1996 Chevrolet Monza GL (facelift model)
}}

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Opel Ascona}}
* [http://www.cavalierandchevetteclub.co.uk Vauxhall Cavalier and Chevette Club — A vibrant Club that caters for owners, enthusiasts and restorers of the Vauxhall Cavalier MK1, Mk2 and Mk3]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20020211175826/http://www.hacoma.de/ascona-a-page/main1_e.html Unofficial Opel website]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070206090435/http://www.fortunecity.com/silverstone/toyota/29/index.htm Opel Ascona C]
* [http://www.classicopelparts.com/ Classic Opel Parts database contain Ascona part information]
* [https://www.opel-ascona.com/ Website dedicated to the Opel Ascona B]

{{Opel}}
{{Opel timeline}}
{{Chevrolet (South America) timeline 1980 to date}}

[[Category:Opel vehicles|Ascona]]
[[Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Mid-size cars]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1970]]
[[Category:1980s cars]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 1988]]
[[Category:Hatchbacks]]
[[Category:Sedans]]
[[Category:Station wagons]]
[[Category:Group 4 (racing) cars]]