Opel Antara In Depth

Press Release

Page 1 – Overview
Page 2 – Technical data
Page 3 – Market
Page 4 – Design
Page 5 – Features
Page 6 – Bike Carrier
Page 7 – Body & safety
Page 8 – Powertrain
Page 9 – Chassis
Page 10 – Electronic Asst.
Page 11 – Quality
Page 12 – Glossary

Market and Model

Antara: Full Speed Ahead in a Booming Segment

• Crossover and SUV segment has highest growth rates in Europe

• Opel aims for leading role as European volume brand

• Diverse target groups and equipment versions

Crossover and SUV models are more popular than almost any other vehicle on the European car market. A glance at the registration statistics shows that their share of the total passenger car market has increased from just under 1.9 percent to 6.6 percent over the last ten years. Following sales of around 292,000 in 1997, an estimated 1.2 million units of the trendy all-rounders will be sold in Europe in 2006.

There is no end in sight to this growth. According to Opel marketing experts, while the rate of ascent will decline slightly, versatile crossovers and SUVs will continue to enjoy increasing popularity. This is not only true of models that are designed for heavy-duty off-road use, but also those that feature a sporty, elegant look and cut a fine figure during everyday driving. In five years’ time, it is estimated that more than 1.4 million European buyers will choose one of these all-rounders every year – accounting for a 7.4 percent share of the total passenger car market.

The new Opel Antara has everything it needs to spearhead this continuing trend. It is positioned in the mid-size crossover and SUV class, a market segment with particularly strong growth that has long been dominated by non-European brands. Now, Opel plans to become a leading player on this stage, just as the company already did for many years with a similar concept: unveiled in 1991, the Frontera was one of the first SUV models ever and dominated its segment in Western Europe for many years.

Unlike the new Antara, which features a unibody design typical of passenger cars, the Frontera had a ladder frame chassis. In Germany, it was the clear number one for five years. In total, around 285,000 units of the classic robust 4x4 were sold in Europe up to 2003.

Low entry-level price of 26,850 euros

The all-new Antara has everything it takes to rekindle this success. The attractive new Opel crossover is likely to appeal to many of today’s 160,000 Frontera owners. Opel is also confident that the Antara will attract many new customers, who will appreciate its special strengths in a competitive environment: innovative, dynamic and expressive design combined with versatile interior, quality mid-size vehicle ambiance, permanent four-wheel drive partnered with sporty, comfortable driving performance, as well as very favorable Antara prices in Germany start at 26,850 euros.

According to Opel’s market research, the new crossover’s characteristics perfectly match potential buyers’ expectations in this segment. Requirements like “comfort, driving dynamics and the functionality of a mid-size station wagon� top their wish list along with “an expressive design� and “the versatility, flexibility and all-terrain capability of an off-roader.�

Ideal partner for active lifestyle

Market researchers’ analysis shows that people who enjoy active urban lifestyles, outdoor hobbies or sports will find the new Opel crossover particularly attractive. These target groups include double-income couples over 25 without children, as well as family fathers between 35 and 40. Both groups spend a lot of time on leisure activities, which are also increasingly important to the third target group - the large market of 55 to 65-year-olds, whose children are grown up and have left home.

These buyer groups may be at different stages in their lives, but they all share certain preferences and characteristics. They are interested in attractive vehicles with innovative technology, place great importance on driving fun and versatility, and want to stand out from the crowd with their car. They often also share the intention of moving from a mid-size or compact car to an all-rounder with four-wheel drive.

High conquest rate in SUV segment

Another reason for Opel’s optimism is the fact that the Antara is the first modern crossover from a European volume manufacturer to enter the market in the mid-size SUV segment. Additionally, in view of the limited choice of comparable vehicles currently available, buyers in this segment are not known for their loyalty to their previous car brand. While an overall average of around 53 percent of customers change brands when purchasing a car, this figure is 60 percent in the SUV segment. For this reason, Opel expects additional demand for the Antara and anticipates that every second buyer will be new to Opel.

Comprehensive standard equipment ex works

Another strong argument in favor of the Antara is 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)

• central locking with radio remote control

• air conditioning with pollen and particle filter

• front and rear power windows

• Stereo CD-Radio CD 30 MP3 with remote controls on steering wheel and on-board info display

Safety features are also extensive, with the standard equipment range including:

• front airbags

• thorax/pelvis side airbags for driver and front passenger

• head curtain airbags for outer front and rear seats

• three-point safety belts and head restraints for all five seats

• seat-belt tensioners and belt force limiters for front seats

• ISOFIX anchor points for safe and quick mounting of child seats with corresponding fixtures on 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.

Modern common-rail diesel is top choice

Opel predicts that around 60 percent of Antara buyers in Europe will choose the Edition variant, followed by Cosmo (35 percent) and the entry-level version (five percent). Marketing experts expect most buyers to select the 2.0-liter, 150 hp CDTI common-rail turbo-diesel engine, followed by the two gasoline units with 140 hp (2.4 liter) and 227 hp (3.2-liter V6).

Optional additional packages for the Edition and Cosmo variants allow for even greater personalization of the Antara. The Edition model boasts an on-board computer, front and rear Park Pilot, cruise control, as well as mobile phone console with Bluetooth interface and voice control. The Cosmo package includes seats in leather, xenon headlamps with washer system and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), as well as heated power exterior mirrors that also fold in electrically. Other optional extras include a towing hitch, transparent electric tilt and slide sunroof, stereo CD-Radio DVD Navi 100 with mobile phone console, as well as a power adjustable driver’s seat in the Cosmo variant.

The flexible innovative integrated carrier system Flex-Fix, which just made its world premiere in the new Corsa, will be available as an option for the Antara from early 2007.

It is always available on board, easy to use, can be simply pulled out from the rear underbody like a drawer, carries for example two bicycles and completely retracts into the bumper when not in use.

Up to 40,000 new registrations expected for next year

Opel has set a European sales target for the new Antara of between 35,000 and 40,000 units for its first full sales year in 2007. The Antara will be launched in Germany, Austria and Switzerland this year and the rest of continental Europe in the first quarter of 2007. In the few remaining weeks of this year, dealerships intend to go full speed ahead with the Antara, so that it is well-positioned to take over a leading role in its segment.