Choosing the right battery for the Opel Astra J (also known as Astra 4), manufactured between 2009 and 2015, is essential to ensure optimal performance and avoid starting issues, especially during colder months. Since this generation of the Astra was available in a variety of engine configurations, from small petrol units to powerful diesels, selecting a battery that matches your specific model is key. The type of start-stop system, engine displacement, and required cold cranking amps (CCA) all influence the ideal battery choice.
For petrol engines without the start-stop feature, such as the 1.4, 1.4 LPG, 1.6, and 1.6 Turbo variants, traditional lead-acid batteries are sufficient. These engines typically require batteries with a capacity between 60–62 Ah and a starting power in the range of 540–600 A. A critical consideration in these cases is the height of the battery: the battery compartment in these Astra models necessitates a reduced height of 175 mm, so standard-height batteries may not fit. Some of the example models that meet these criteria include Bosch S40 04, Exide EA612, and Varta D21, among others. These are widely available and reliable choices for daily driving needs.
For models equipped with the start-stop system, such as the 1.4 Turbo or 1.6 SIDI engines with that functionality, the requirements are more demanding. These vehicles benefit from advanced AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) technology, which is better suited to frequent engine starts and stops. In these cases, batteries with a capacity of 70–72 Ah and higher CCA ratings (720–760 A) are recommended. Example AGM models include Bosch S5A 08, Exide EK700, and Varta E39. AGM batteries not only provide greater cycling capacity but also tend to last longer under urban driving conditions, where the start-stop system is more frequently engaged.
Diesel variants such as the 1.3 CDTI and 1.7 CDTI without start-stop systems follow a similar pattern to petrol engines, with 60–62 Ah batteries being sufficient. Again, due to limited space under the bonnet, make sure to opt for a battery no taller than 175 mm. For instance, models like Exide EB602 or Lucas LP075 are commonly recommended in such cases.
For diesel models with start-stop systems, such as the 1.3 CDTI, 1.7 CDTI, and 2.0 CDTI, either EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) or AGM batteries are used, depending on the model. The 1.3 CDTI with start-stop can use EFB batteries such as Bosch S4 E05 or Varta D53. The 2.0 CDTI BiTurbo and similar high-performance diesels with start-stop demand the robustness of AGM batteries, again in the 70–72 Ah capacity range.
A noteworthy fact is that start-stop systems significantly increase the number of battery cycles per day, which standard lead-acid batteries are not designed to handle. This is why EFB and AGM technologies were developed, providing greater charge acceptance and longevity. While AGM batteries are more expensive, they deliver enhanced reliability, especially for those who drive often in traffic or short distances.
One more tip for Opel Astra J owners: always double-check the terminal layout and battery dimensions before purchase. Some battery trays are designed for specific dimensions, and a mismatch may cause fitment issues. Additionally, newer batteries often come with improved cold-start performance even within the same Ah class, so it’s worth considering slightly higher CCA ratings if you live in colder climates.
In summary, the best battery for your Opel Astra J depends heavily on the engine version and presence of a start-stop system. Whether choosing a standard lead-acid battery or investing in AGM technology, selecting a model like the Bosch S40 04 or Varta E39—depending on your configuration—will help ensure smooth and reliable performance.
Opel Astra in version J (Astra 4) was produced in the years 2009 – 2015. We invite you to a list of batteries matching individual engine versions.
Basic parameters of batteries suitable for Opel Astra (2009-2015):
| Layout | Terminal types | Base hold-down |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – positive on the right side | 1 | B13 |
Opel Astra J (Astra 4) – petrol engines:
- 1.4
- 1.4 LPG
- 1.4 Turbo
- 1.6
- 1.6 LPG
- 1.6 SIDI
- 1.6 Turbo (180 KM)
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 04 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 04 | 61 Ah 600 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB602 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA612 | 61 Ah 600 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 075 | 60 Ah 550 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP075 | 60 Ah 540 A | 243x175x175 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS075 | 62 Ah 600 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic D59 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic D21 | 61 Ah 600 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
Opel Astra J (Astra 4) – petrol engines:
- 1.4 Turbo – with Start-Stop
- 1.6 SIDI – with Start-Stop
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S5 AGM S5A 08 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK700 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK720 | 72 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard AGM 096 | 70 Ah 720 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Advanced AGM 096 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Fusion AGM LF096 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic AGM E39 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
Opel Astra J (Astra 4) – diesel engines:
- 1.3 CDTI
- 1.7 CDTI
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 04 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 04 | 61 Ah 600 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB602 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA612 | 61 Ah 600 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 075 | 60 Ah 550 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP075 | 60 Ah 540 A | 243x175x175 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS075 | 62 Ah 600 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic D59 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic D21 | 61 Ah 600 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
Opel Astra J (Astra 4) – diesel engines:
- 1.3 CDTI – with Start-Stop
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 EFB S4 E05 | 60 Ah 560 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide EFB EL600 | 60 Ah 640 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Advanced EFB 027 | 65 Ah 600 A | 243x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Fusion EFB LE027 | 60 Ah 560 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic EFB N60 | 60 Ah 640 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic EFB D53 | 60 Ah 560 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
Opel Astra J (Astra 4) – diesel engines:
- 2.0 CDTI
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 07 | 72 Ah 680 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 07 | 74 Ah 750 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB712 | 71 Ah 670 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA722 | 72 Ah 720 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP100 | 72 Ah 680 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS100 | 74 Ah 750 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic E43 | 72 Ah 680 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic E38 | 74 Ah 750 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
Opel Astra J (Astra 4) – diesel engines:
- 1.7 CDTI – with Start-Stop
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 EFB S4 E08 | 70 Ah 650 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide EFB EL700 | 70 Ah 720 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Advanced EFB 096 | 75 Ah 700 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Fusion EFB LE096 | 70 Ah 650 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic EFB N70 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic EFB E45 | 70 Ah 650 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
Opel Astra J (Astra 4) – diesel engines:
- 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI – with Start-Stop
- 2.0 CDTI – with Start-Stop
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S5 AGM S5A 08 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK700 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK720 | 72 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard AGM 096 | 70 Ah 720 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Advanced AGM 096 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Fusion AGM LF096 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic AGM E39 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
If you’re still unsure which battery fits your Opel Astra , or if you want to help others in their selection, please send us a photo of your current battery in the comment section at the bottom of the page. You can also send the picture to contact@whatbattery.co.uk (we will place it in the comments to also help other users). Be sure to specify the car model, year, type, as well as the engine capacity and power. We’ll do our best to assist you!