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Passenger car drive and practical transport aids such as "Flex-Fix" Dynamic five-seat crossover available this year
Kraftvolle Dieselmotoren / Benzin-Top-Triebwerk 3.2 V6 mit 227 PS Pkw-Fahrerlebnis und innovative Transportlösungen wie „Flex-Fix“ |
Opel AntaraRüsselsheim. Opel is back in the four-wheel drive segment. With the new Antara, which combines dynamic, elegant design with intelligent four-wheel drive as standard, Opel is again staking a claim as leader among volume manufacturers in the SUV and crossover segment.
Crossover and SUV segment has highest growth rates in Europe Since 1998, the total share of the combined SUV and crossover market in Europe has doubled from three to six percent. An increasing number of active families, who enjoy outdoor hobbies and sports, prefer versatile, practical SUV and crossover vehicles that also look good. With the Antara, Opel aims to play a leading role in this increasingly competitive segment, which is still growing and has long been dominated by non-European brands. In its first full year of sales in 2007, Opel forecasts up to 40,000 registrations of the newcomer in Europe, with a conquest rate of around 50 percent of buyers who have previously driven other brands. Opel back in four-wheel drive segment Opel already led the field in this segment before with a vehicle that stood out at the time. Unveiled in 1991, the Frontera was one of the first SUV models ever. It was number one in its segment across Europe for a number of years and was also the Opel model with the highest conquest rate. Unlike the Antara with its unibody construction, the Frontera had a ladder frame chassis typical of off-road vehicles. In total, around 285,000 units were sold in Europe up to 2003, with 37,500 sold in its peak year of 1993. Comprehensive standard equipment ex works
Expressive design language underlines claim to leadership
Clever, innovative: Rear carrier Flex-Fix and FlexOrganizer for luggage compartment
As dynamic as a passenger car with the talents of an off-roader With its agile handling, precise speed-dependant power steering and stiff chassis, the Antara is clearly designed as a dynamic vehicle with off-road abilities. The new crossover was tuned by Opel chassis experts at various circuits, including GM test centers in Pferdsfeld, Germany and Millbrook, United Kingdom. During the development phase, the model prototypes covered over five million test kilometers worldwide. The McPherson suspension in front and a four-link suspension in the rear provide a high-quality chassis concept similar to that of the Opel Vectra and Signum models. The Antara comes standard with 225/70 R 16 tires. The Antara Edition has 17-inch alloy wheels and the top Antara Cosmo variant 18-inch. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is also available as an option. The Antara’s four-wheel drive system combines the benefits of front-wheel drive - such as low fuel consumption and virtually effortless maneuvering - with those of four-wheel drive. While the engine normally powers the front wheels, the propulsion power can also be quickly and seamlessly distributed between the front and rear axle at a ratio of up to 50:50 when needed. The key element for this active function is an electronically controlled, electro-magnetically operated, electro-hydraulic differential on the rear axle. The compact and light four-wheel drive system is fully integrated in the ABS and ESP systems and supports the driver effectively in all driving situations, such as during heavy acceleration. The braking system comprises large, stable ventilated disc brakes and a modern four-channel ABS with brake assist function. The modern ESP system boasts numerous additional functions that further increase active safety, including Descent Control System (DCS), noteworthy as a standard feature in the Antara segment. DCS allows the vehicle to safely maintain a constant speed even down steep inclines without the driver needing to brake. Active Rollover Protection (ARP), another safety feature, can apply high braking pressure within milliseconds at individual wheels. Powerful engines: Four units, output from 127 to 227 hp A high torque plateau, plenty of traction power, durability, but all with low consumption. It is no wonder that diesel engines are in such high demand in SUV and crossover models. The Opel Antara is available with a newly-developed 2.0 CDTI engine with an output of 150 hp. A 127 hp version will be added to the range in the near future. Both engines feature newest generation common-rail technology with up to 1600 bar injection pressure, aluminum cylinder head and turbo charger with variable turbo geometry. Both variants come standard with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter, which requires no additives. The top diesel unit can be mated to a five-speed automatic transmission instead of the standard five-speed manual gearbox. In addition to the two diesels, the ECOTEC engine range also includes two sophisticated gasoline units. The base unit is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 103 kW/140 hp and features double overhead camshafts, a balance shaft with two rotating counterweights, as well as electronic throttle control. The most powerful engine is the 3.2-liter V6 with 167 kW/227 hp. With its standard five-speed automatic transmission incorporating ActiveSelect, the gasoline V6, a close relative of the 2.8 V6 ECOTEC unit in the Vectra and Signum models, accelerates the Antara to a top speed of 203 km/h. This engine's high-tech features include variable camshaft phasing for both induction and exhaust sides, as well as a variable intake manifold.
Information concerning specifications
and equipment applies to the models offered in Germany. There may be differences
in other markets. All data on fuel consumption refers to combined fuel
consumption of the base model in the European test cycle. Prices recommended
retail prices in Germany ex works including VAT. Subject to
alteration.
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The high-tech five-seat four-wheel drive crossover puts the
looks of the threedoor Antara GTC crossover concept car into series production,
following their enthusiastic reception at the IAA 2005. It boasts the handling
of a passenger car, generous interior space yet compact dimensions, innovative
transport features such as "Flex-Fix", high levels of functionality and a
raised seat position. Prices for the new Antara, which can be ordered now,
start at 26,850 euros. The 4x4 is perfect for everyday and leisure-time use
and will reach dealerships already this year. Initially, three transverse
engines with four valves per cylinder are available for the Antara. The most
powerful is a V6 gasoline engine with a displacement of 3.2 liters and output
of 167 kW/227 hp. Opel expects the 110 kW/150 hp, 2.0-liter common-rail
turbo-diesel to be the top seller. Within a few months, it will be joined
by a second version which produces 93 kW/127 hp. Both engines come with a
maintenance-free diesel particulate filter as standard. The entry-level engine
is a 2.4-liter, 103 kW/140 hp four-cylinder gasoline unit. The Antara’s
intelligent four-wheel drive system combines the benefits of front-wheel
drive - such as tractional stability when accelerating and increased driving
dynamics - with those of permanent four-wheel drive. It features an
electronically controlled electro-hydraulic differential which ensures optimal
torque distribution between the front and rear axles in all situations. The
drivetrain is fully integrated in the ABS and ESP systems, enhancing vehicle
control and active safety.
A strong argument in favor of the Antara is also its comprehensive
standard equipment, which boasts high-value features such as intelligent
four-wheel drive with traction control, Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
with Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Descent Control System (DCS), as well
as Active Rollover Protection (ARP). Standard equipment also includes radio
remote control central locking, air conditioning with pollen filter, front
and rear power windows, electric heated/adjustable exterior mirrors, on-board
info display as well as stereo CD-Radio CD 30 MP3 with remote controls on
steering wheel and seven loudspeakers, and a roof-mounted antenna to ensure
excellent radio reception. All Antara diesel models also feature a diesel
particulate filter and electric heater Quickheat as standard. Safety features
are also extensive. The standard equipment range includes front airbags,
thorax/pelvis side airbags for driver and front passenger, head curtain airbags
for the front and outer rear seats, three-point safety belts and head restraints
for all five seats, seat-belt tensioners and belt-force limiters for the
front seats, as well as ISOFIX mountings for fast and secure fitting of child
seats with corresponding fixtures on the outer rear seats. The Edition variant
also features 17-inch alloy wheels with 235/60 R 17 tires and comfort features
such as Electronic Climate Control (ECC), heated front seats and Automatic
Lighting Control (ALC). The top Antara version, Cosmo, boasts an even broader
range of standard features, including 18-inch aluminum rims with 235/55 R
18 tires, leather steering wheel and gearshift knob, seats in a fabric/leather
combination, on-board computer, cruise control, Park Pilot, windshield in
heat-absorbing glass and rain sensor. Optional packages for the Edition and
Cosmo variants allow for even greater personalization of the Antara. The
Edition boasts an on-board computer, front and rear Park Pilot, and cruise
control, as well as mobile phone console with Bluetooth interface and voice
control. The Cosmo package includes seats with leather upholstery, xenon
headlamps with washer system and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS),
as well as exterior mirrors that also fold electrically. Other optional extras
include a towing hitch, transparent electric tilt and slide sunroof,
MP3-compatible stereo CD-Radio DVD Navi 100 with 6 x CD changer and mobile
phone console, as well as a power adjustable driver’s seat in the Cosmo
variant.
As dynamic as a sporty station wagon, as robust as a classic
all-terrain vehicle: at first glance, the Antara’s distinctive design
character is emphasized by an attractive contrast. While the lower section
clearly displays the new Opel crossover’s robustness, the body’s
striking lines and taut surfaces unite stylish elegance with a sporty, athletic
look. Opel designers translated the Antara GTC concept’s dynamic design
language into a five-door, five-seat production crossover with a spacious,
versatile interior. With its deliberately compact dimensions (length x width
x height: 4575 x 1850 x 1704 mm), the four-wheel drive crossover takes up
no more space than a mid-size passenger car. Opel-typical details such as
the crease on the hood and the grille accented by the wide chrome bar with
its large Opel logo confidently emphasize the car’s high quality and
brand identity. Carefully crafted side air vents with integrated turn indicator
in the front fender also set fresh accents. The interior echoes the style
and elegance of a top-of-the-line sedan, with contoured seats that reflect
the Antara's dynamic SUV character. In typical Opel style, all instruments
and operating controls are ergonomically placed and clearly laid out. Large,
distinctive instruments and a center console with central info display give
the cockpit a driver-oriented layout. Eye-catching interior features include
three large round air vents on the center console and a distinctively shaped
handbrake.
The Opel Antara conveys a casual, easy-going lifestyle with
its spacious interior, numerous compartments, as well as many clever and
practical features. The sense of spaciousness created by the elevated seating
position and large glazed surfaces is superb, and the Antara doesn’t
just seem spacious: measurements confirm that passengers enjoy plenty of
space. With 933 millimeters of rear legroom, for example, the Antara is at
the top of its segment. The trunk has a capacity of 370 liters up to the
luggage compartment cover. Cargo capacity increases to 865 liters with the
rear bench seat back folded down and up to 1420 liters when loaded to the
roof. The rear seat back can be split 60:40 and both sections folded forward
separately. With the front passenger seat also folded down (an option available
from early 2007), objects up to 2.63 meters can be transported with the tailgate
closed. A storage box under the load floor ensures practical organization
of the luggage compartment, as does the optional FlexOrganizer system, which
is already familiar from the Astra and Vectra station wagon models. Nets,
dividing walls, rods and hooks can be snapped into two rails on each of the
side walls of the Antara's luggage compartment when needed. The Antara also
features numerous compartments and boxes throughout its interior, including
a drawer under the passenger seat, sunglasses holder in the roof liner, nets
on the front seat backs, a parking garage ticket holder left of the steering
wheel, a net on the center console, compartments in the front and rear central
arm rests, as well as storage boxes in the rear wheelhouses. Available from
spring 2007, the integrated rear carrier Flex-Fix boasts unbeatable practicality.
Flex-Fix has the potential to set the new benchmark in flexible exterior
transportation, just as the Zafira’s “Flex7” does for interior
seating systems. In typical Opel style, its full on-board functionality
eliminates the need for cumbersome assembly, dismantling or storage of parts.
Just like in the new Corsa, the integrated rear carrier stows away almost
invisibly under the rear bumper and can easily be pulled out to carry up
to two bicycles.