Paris 2006: Opel Antara World Debut

[siko]

Opel Antara World Debut at Paris

Just one year after the three-door GTC crossover concept car’s enthusiastic reception at the IAA 2005, the production version of the all-new Opel Antara now makes its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show (September 30 to October 15). The technologically sophisticated crossover for everyday and leisure use combines dynamic, elegant design with intelligent four-wheel drive and agile handling. At the same time, the Antara boasts generous interior space yet compact dimensions, innovative transport features such as the integrated rear carrier “Flex-Fix”, high levels of functionality and a raised seat position. Initially, the Antara is available with a 2.4-liter, 103 kW/140 hp gasoline engine, a 167 kW/227 hp, 3.2-liter V6 gasoline unit or a 2.0-liter, 110 kW/150 hp diesel. Within a few months, this common-rail turbo-diesel unit will be joined by a second version which produces 93 kW/127 hp. Both CDTI engines come with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter as standard.

Further Opel highlights in Paris are the new Corsa, which enters the market in three and five-door versions in October, and the performance-enhanced Vectra OPC, which now offers even more dynamics with a 280 hp engine and modified chassis. Opel also presents OPC versions of the Astra, Meriva and Zafira in Paris, and provides an overview of its diverse model range, including the Astra GTC with panorama windshield, the Tigra TwinTop and Astra TwinTop cabrio-coupés, as well as the new Opel GT roadster, which will be at dealerships next spring.

This year, the Opel stand is in Hall 5.2, together with all other GM brands in Paris.

 

[Mr. M]

There's a lot of Audi inspiration in the interior... The instrument dials can be seen as taken off from the A8, in the way the cowled shapes are arranged as well as the chrome edges.



The airconditioning unit at the centre stack reminds me of the TT!



And the door panels, the A6.

Who's with me!

 

[LaArtist]

what they should do is..not to copy audi design but audi quality

 

[siko]

what they should do is..not to copy audi design but audi quality

Agreed... although the Antara's interior looks pretty well refined for that vehicule class. But it's hard to tell quality from a pic.

 

[Yperion]

So this is the new Vauxhaul Antara, Saturn Vue and Holden xxxx?

 

[siko]

So this is the new Vauxhaul Antara, Saturn Vue and Holden xxxx?

Yup... but this is a much better execution than the Saturn Vue !

 

[kovachian]

Another car for Saturn to swap badges on? No wonder Saturns seem like they're improving, they're not even building the cars that show improvement. Doesn't surprise me a bit.

 

[Snake Vargas]

Well, whoever makes it, I don't mind - quality is quality, which is good.

I expect it'll come here as a Holden - probably still as the Antara (saves them thinking up some other new name). They'll be itching to get their hands on it - the soon-to-be-released Captiva will be in the medium-large SUV segment, which is sliding badly, supposedly due to fuel prices. It'll be especially galling after the Ford Territory made a killing. They're late to the party - and all the beer's gone.

The compact SUV segment, however, is still doing reasonably well.

James - yeah, some of the styles and shapes do remind me of Audi. Still, I don't mind this time - the two are hardly comparable. IMO, Opel is welcome to all the inspiration it can get.

 

[siko]