Editing Opel Ascona (section)

=={{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)
|File:Opel Ascona C 16.08.21 JM (2).jpg|5-door hatchback (C3)
|File:Opel Ascona C 16.08.21 JM (3).jpg|5-door hatchback (C3)
}}

; 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)
}}