Press Release
Page 1 - Overview
Page 2 - Design
Page 3 - Comfort
Page 4 - Chassis
Page 5 - Engines
Page 6 - Specs
Elegant 4WD Crossover for Everyday and Leisure Use
-
Powerful diesel engines / Top-of-the-line gasoline 3.2 V6 with 227 hp
-
Passenger car driving experience and clever transport features such as "Flex-Fix"
-
Dynamic crossover launch in fall 2006
Following the enthusiastic reaction to the Antara GTC crossover concept car at the IAA 2005, Opel launches the production version of the all-new Antara this year. The technically sophisticated five-seater combines dynamic, elegant design with intelligent four-wheel drive, high levels of functionality, generous interior space, a raised seat position and clever transport features such as "Flex-Fix". Prices start at 26,850 euros for the five-door Antara, with which Opel is again staking a claim as leader among volume manufacturers in the SUV and crossover segment. The Antara makes its public world premiere at the Mondial de l´Automobile in Paris (September 30 - October 15, 2006). It can already be ordered now and will be available at dealerships from November.
Initially, three transversally-mounted 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. The entry-level engine is a 2.4-liter, 103 kW/140 hp four-cylinder gasoline unit with two overhead camshafts and one balance shaft.
The Antara's intelligent active 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.
Crossover vehicles: Opel re-enters four-wheel drive segment
-
Crossover segment has highest growth rates in Europe
-
As diverse as its target groups and equipment versions
-
Opel aims to revive success of 1990s
"With the Antara, we offer a high-quality, dynamic and elegantly designed crossover. We intend to take a leading role in this fiercely competitive market."
Alain Visser, Executive Director, European Opel Marketing
Since 1998, the total share of the combined SUV and crossover market in Europe has doubled from three to six percent, with continued growth expected. An increasing number of active families with children who enjoy outdoor hobbies and sports prefer versatile and practical SUV and crossover vehicles that also look good.
With the Antara, Opel makes a strong comeback in a segment that has long been dominated by non-European brands. 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 design typical of off-road vehicles. In total, around 285,000 units were sold in Western and Central Europe up to 2003, with 37,500 sold in its peak year of 1993.
The Antara embodies the new SUV and crossover character and is poised to revive Opel's success in this segment. It has everything it takes including an elegant, dynamic design and comprehensive standard equipment.
The new crossover boasts safety features such as intelligent four-wheel drive and the latest ESP system as standard, as well as numerous comfort elements such as air conditioning, central locking, front and rear power windows and the stereo CD-Radio CD 30 MP3 with seven loudspeakers as well as a silver front and rear underbody protector. The Edition equipment line also comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, electronic climate control, heated front seats, Automatic Lighting Control (ALC) and a front center armrest. The Antara Cosmo goes one step further, featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, leather/Morrocana/fabric seats, onboard computer, cruise control, Park Pilot, rain sensor, leather steering wheel and chrome door handles and gearshift knob ex works.
