Opel Antara: Compact Crossover for Everyday and Leisure Use

• At home both on and off-road with active four-wheel drive

• High utility value blended with pronounced elegance

• Refined 3.2-liter V6 gasoline engine is top-of-the-line unit

Opel again sends a clear signal in the SUV segment with the Antara, which combines dynamic, elegant design with robust four-wheel drive as standard. The technologically sophisticated compact five-seat crossover boasts the handling of a passenger car, generous interior space despite compact exterior dimensions, high levels of functionality, a raised seat position and innovative transport features such as the 'Flex-Fix' carrier system, which pulls out from the rear bumper. The interior echoes the style and elegance of a top-of-the-line sedan, and with its electronically networked chassis, precise speed-dependent power steering and active four-wheel drive, the Antara is at home in the city or off-road.

New in model year 2009

The Antara is already known for its attractive equipment lines. But this didn't stop Opel from making them even more appealing. The customer favorite, the Edition equipment line, is now called Edition Plus and includes dark-tinted rear windows. The Edition package also gets 'Plus' added to its name and comprises cruise control, on-board computer, park pilot, graphic info display and 18-inch alloy wheels in 5-spoke V design.

Design and packaging

The Antara's distinctive design character is emphasized by an attractive contrast: while the car's lower section clearly displays the crossover's robustness, above that the body's striking lines and taut surfaces unite stylish elegance with a sporty, athletic look. Typical Opel style details include the crease on the hood and the grille accentuated by the wide chrome bar with large Opel logo. With its compact dimensions (length x width x height: 4576 x 1850 x 1704 mm) the crossover takes up no more space than a mid-size passenger car.

The interior is reminiscent of the style and elegance of a luxury sedan. Sporty, contoured seats and a center console with central info display dominate the driver-oriented cockpit. Eye-catching interior features include three large round air vents on the center console and a distinctively shaped handbrake grip. With its elevated seating position, spaciousness and large glazed surfaces, the Antara conveys a casual, easy-going lifestyle. The trunk has a transport volume of up to 1420 liters.

Passive safety

The Antara's stiff body structure safeguards occupants' survival space in the passenger cell: side and cross members as well as front wheel carriers distribute impact forces along a total of three load paths in the event of a frontal collision. The doors, which are reinforced in the middle and upper sections, also serve as side impact protection, as do the especially stable B-pillars produced from tailored blanks. Impact energy is also absorbed by the crashboxes on the front and rear body frame.

The Opel Antara's extensive standard safety package includes front and side airbags for driver and front passenger, head curtain airbags for the front and outer rear seats, height-adjustable three-point seat belts and head restraints for all five seats. The front seats feature seat belt pretensioners, belt-force limiters and the seat belt warning system, while the outer rear seats are fitted with ISOFIX child seat mountings.

Equipment and extras

Opel offers the Antara in three extensively equipped model lines. Highlights include:

Antara – Fog lamps and halogen headlamps, door-to-door lighting, radio remote control central locking, height-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support, driver and front passenger comfort seats, reading light, three-spoke height and reach-adjustable steering wheel, air conditioning, heated power exterior mirrors, chrome window frames and interior door handles, stereo CD-Radio CD 30 MP3 with steering wheel remote control and board info display, front and rear power windows, collapsible rear bench seat back split 60:40, 12V power socket in trunk, storage compartment under front passenger seat, sunglasses holder, nets on center console and back of front seats, front and rear beverage holders

Antara Edition Plus (in addition to Antara) – 17-inch alloy wheels in five-spoke design, dark-tinted side windows aft of the B-pillars and dark-tinted rear window, leather steering wheel, Electronic Climate Control (ECC), heated front seats, Automatic Lighting Control (ALC), Trailer Stability Assist (TSA), center armrest

Antara Cosmo (in addition to Antara Edition Plus) – 18-inch alloy wheels, fabric/leather upholstery, onboard computer, cruise control, front and rear park pilot, windshield with heat-absorbing glazing, rain sensor, chrome exterior door handles, door sills and tailpipe

The range of optional extras includes trailer hitch, transparent power slide/tilt sunroof and power driver seat adjustment in combination with the Cosmo package, as well as stationary heating. An innovation in the SUV segment is the integrated rear carrier system Flex-Fix, which stows away into the rear bumper, can be easily pulled out when needed and carries up to two bicycles.

Chassis and active safety

With its agile handling, precise speed-dependent power steering, firm, electronically networked chassis and active four-wheel drive, the Antara is designed as a road car with off-road capabilities. Thanks to the CAN Bus networking of ABS, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Active Rollover Protection (ARP), Traction Control (TC), Descent Control System (DCS) and electronically controlled four-wheel drive, the compact SUV offers an extraordinary combination of dynamics and comfort. The active four-wheel drive system Intelligent Torque Controlled Coupling (ITCC) is fitted as standard and combines the benefits of pure front-wheel drive - such as low fuel consumption and virtually effortless maneuvering - with those of four-wheel drive. While the Antara is a front-wheel drive car under normal conditions, propulsion power can be quickly and seamlessly distributed between the front and rear axles at a ratio of up to 50:50 when needed. The four-wheel drive system's principal component is an electronically controlled electro-hydraulic differential on the rear axle, which ensures more driving safety in all road and weather conditions.

Engines and transmissions

The Antara is available with two gasoline and two diesel engines. The entry-level gasoline engine is the 2.4-liter, 103 kW/140 hp four-cylinder gasoline unit. Its double overhead camshafts and balance shaft with two rotating counterweights ensure rapid response and refinement. The most refined engine is the 3.2-liter gasoline V6 with 167 kW/227 hp, which produces 297 Nm of torque. The two-liter 93 kW/127 hp CDTI ECOTEC diesel engine is an alternative to the Antara's popular 2.0 CDTI ECOTEC unit with 110 kW/150 hp. The two-liter common-rail turbo-diesel unit produces 320 Nm of torque at 2000 rpm and has become the top-selling Antara engine. All engines are transversally mounted and coupled to a five-speed manual transmission. The one exception is the V6 engine, which comes with a newly developed five-speed automatic transmission (optional for 150 hp turbo-diesel unit) for top driving comfort.

Quality and economic efficiency

Plenty of Opel know-how went into the Antara's repair-friendly design. Drivers profit from this through low workshop costs and favorable insurance premiums. Construction details that help minimize costs for minor front and rear damage include easily replaceable radiator supports, bumper fascias and headlamp mounting brackets. In addition, Opel also galvanizes all body sections prone to corrosion. Further plus points include the long service intervals of 15,000 kilometers or one year, the two-year new-car manufacturer's warranty and the 12-year anti-perforation warranty.

by Opel

New Opel Antara with Front-Wheel Drive: Loads of Space at Lower Cost

• For sporty souls seeking space and style

• Price savings of 2,000 euros over the 4WD

• High value for money, great features

Opel now offers the Antara with front-wheel drive for active people and families who seek space and high seating and prefer the look of a crossover. By opting for a 4X2, buyers have a cost savings on a car that already offers high value for money.

The Antara front-wheel drive is available with the Common Rail Turbo diesel 2.0 CDTI with 93 kW/127 hp as well as the 2.4 liter gasoline engine with 103 kW/140 hp. Regardless of the motor chosen, the price of the front-wheel drive is 2,000 euros less than Antara's all-wheel version: The gasoline Antara FWD costs 25, 970 euros, while the diesel sells for 27,880 euros in Germany.

The technologically sophisticated five-seat crossover boasts the handling of a passenger car, with generous interior space despite compact exterior length of 4.58 meters in length. At the same time it offers a high level of functionality, with a raised seat position for high visibility and innovative transport features like the 'Flex-Fix' carrier system, which can easily be pulled out from the rear bumper to carry up to two bicycles.

The interior echoes the style and elegance of a top-of-the-line sedan. Heated front seats, electronic climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels and a leather steering wheel are just some of the comfort features that are standard in the Antara Edition Plus. Trailer Stability Assist is another standard feature that reinforces the high value for money in the crossover vehicle.

Starting in summer 2009, the interior of the Antara Edition can also be ordered in the Morocanna Fabric in black or beige without any extra cost. The Cosmos trim level will offer a choice of black or beige leather as standard. In addition, linen beige will be a new color available as standard, starting in mid-2009.

Moreover, with its electronically networked chassis and precise, speed-dependent power steering, the Antara offers a smooth drive. Its sleek, harmonic styling fits well in city, suburban and country settings. The hatchback and storage space make it easy for owners to throw in gear and groceries and be on their way.

The 93 kW/127 hp-strong 2.0 CDTI common rail diesel engine needs only 7.3 liters to travel 100 kilometers and sprints in 11.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. A maintenance-free diesel particle filter which requires no additives is standard. The 2.4 liter gasoline engine has an output of 103 kW/140 hp. This 4-cylinder engine features two overhead camshafts, a balance shaft with two rotating counterweights as well as an electronic throttle control. In 11.6 seconds it reaches a speed of 100 kilometers per hour from a standstill and needs 9.3 liters of gas to travel 100 kilometers.

by Opel

Safely through the Wintertime: Tips and Tricks for the Cold Months

• Drive carefully, defensively and have the right equipment to get through the fall and winter months safely

• Modern four-wheel drive vehicles, such as the Opel Antara, provide additional safety for fall and winter driving

• Opel's new Flex-Fix transport box is ideal for bulky winter sport equipment

• Practical options with Opel Astra, such as curve light, stationary heating and Quickheat, increase safety and comfort in the winter

Drive carefully, defensively and have the right equipment to get through the fall and winter months safely

Modern four-wheel drive vehicles, such as the Opel Antara, provide additional safety for fall and winter driving

Opel's new Flex-Fix transport box is ideal for bulky winter sport equipment

Practical options with Opel Astra, such as curve light, stationary heating and Quickheat, increase safety and comfort in the winter

Advantages of modern four-wheel drive vehicles:

A reliable car with sophisticated technology is required to provide a feeling of safety and control in every driving situation. Be it a skiing trip or a drive along snowy roads, the ideal vehicle in the winter is a modern four-wheel drive car like the Opel Antara, which optimally distributes torque between the front and rear axles in a split-second. This ensures that the car always maintains traction even on slippery surfaces. The Antara's intelligent active four-wheel drive system is completely integrated in the ABS and ESP systems, thus additionally increasing vehicle control and active safety. The DCS (Descent Control System), noteworthy as a standard feature in the Antara segment, also uses the ABS and ESP sensors. DCS allows the vehicle to safely maintain a constant speed even down steep inclines without the driver needing to brake. For instance during the winter when driving on snow-covered city streets, the system ensures that the vehicle does not exceed a certain speed, remaining easily controllable.

Opel's practical Flex-Fix transport box:

With long skis and wide snowboards on the roof, bulky clothes and ski or soft boots in the car - even weekend trips to the piste often require a great deal of equipment. With its practical and easily accessible luggage compartment extension, the innovative Flex-Fix carrier system is the answer. A new transport box specially designed for Flex-Fix provides the ideal additional storage compartment particularly for items one doesn't necessarily want to have in the car such as used snow chains or wet boots. The box carries up to 25 kilograms additional cargo and has a volume of 160 liters. It is made of robust, waterproof synthetic material and is theft-proof mounted by an integrated lock. The special 'extra': the box comes black ex works but can be painted in the car color at any Opel Service Partner.

Suitable winter equipment:

It's all a question of the right equipment - this is also true for safe driving on wintery roads. Besides the high active and passive safety levels of all Opel model lines, the cars are also available with a wide range of options that make driving in the cold months safer and more comfortable.

The Opel Astra, for example, is available with over 50 accessories. The new edition of the compact class bestseller has been available since February 2007 with more economical engines, enhanced design and technology, as well as an expanded equipment range. Options available to make winter driving more pleasant include the Winter Package (with headlamp cleaning system, seat heating in front and footwell heating in rear) as well as Quickheat (standard in1.7 CDTI) and stationary heating.

And those who have already traveled through the mountains with it know what a difference AFL bi-xenon curve light makes. Introduced into the compact class in the Opel Astra, this steering-linked headlamp system with dynamic curve and adaptive highway light enables bright illumination into serpentines or tight curves.

by Opel

Opel Antara: Elegant 4WD Crossover for Everyday and Leisure Use

• Powerful diesel engines / Top-of-the-line gasoline 3.2 V6 with 227 hp

• Passenger car drive and practical transport aids such as 'Flex-Fix'

• Dynamic five-seat crossover available this year

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. The high-tech five-seat four-wheel drive crossover puts the looks of the three-door 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.

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

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.

Expressive design language underlines claim to leadership

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.

Clever, innovative: Rear carrier Flex-Fix and FlexOrganizer for luggage compartment

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.

by Opel