- Winter weather no problem for Opel Ampera, Mokka & Co.
- Wealth of Opel driver assistance systems and comfort features for a stress free drive
- All wheel drive system for plenty of grip, AFL+ lighting for great visibility
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| Opel Mokka 4x4 SUV with AFL Bi-Xenon lights |
The first frosty nights are already behind us, snow has fallen in
some regions. It is high time for drivers to prepare themselves for
winter weather and road conditions. This is no problem for Opel
vehicles: modern technologies and assistance systems including adaptive
all wheel drive, the AFL+ Adaptive Forward Lighting system, heated
steering wheel and cabin heating ensure that the driver experiences a
safer and more comfortable drive in poor visibility, darkness, ice and
snow. So in that sense all the vehicles made by the Rüsselsheim
manufacturer are well equipped for the next few months ahead, including
of course the electric Opel Ampera – “Car of the Year 2012”.
Drive with electricity: Winter travel in the Opel Ampera
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| Opel Ampera EV |
Electric vehicles are especially put to test by winter weather
conditions. Temperature fluctuations can greatly influence battery
output. For this reason, the Ampera’s battery pack is
temperature controlled via an advanced liquid cooling system which
continually monitors and maintains temperature for optimum performance
and durability. Circulating coolant passes through a series of internal
cooling fins in the battery modules. In cold weather, the battery is
preheated during charging to provide a full power capability. In
addition there is a significant comfort bonus: The cabin heating
which is electrically powered and comes as standard ensures that the car
is always acclimatized for the driver. Thus driver and car can operate
independently from the weather and without restrictions.
Drive safely: All Wheel Drive, ESPPlus and Traction Control
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| Opel Mokka 4x4 SUV |
In icy road conditions, chassis and powertrain technology play a central role. The active on demand All Wheel Drive (AWD)
is especially effective in ice and snow conditions. It ensures for
example that the new sub-compact Mokka SUV can grip wintry road
surfaces. In normal conditions such as when travelling on dry road
surfaces, all front wheels drive the car, ensuring low fuel consumption.
Torque is always seamlessly and automatically shifted and can vary from
100-0 (front: rear) to 50-50, for example in the snow. When traction
requires it, the electronically controlled torque transfer device
automatically and seamlessly distributes torque between the front and
rear axle. It thus optimizes the AWD system according to the prevailing
road conditions. The system activates itself automatically in a fraction
of a second as soon as there is wheel spin on the front axle, thus
providing maximum grip. It also deactivates itself to save fuel when no
additional support for the rear wheels is required.
Just as important, especially on wet and slippery roads, is the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®Plus). In the Mokka it includes state-of-the art Traction Control (TC) as standard which decelerates the engine and applies the brakes to wheels to prevent wheel spin.
Drive with good visibility: AFL+, rain sensor and “intelligent” rear view mirror
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| Opel Insignia 4x4 with AFL Bi-Xenon lights, rain sensor |
Dark mornings and early sunsets are part of the daily routine for
many commuters during this cold period of the year. When snow and heavy
rain fall onto the windshield, good visibility becomes even more
important. The latest generation of the Adaptive Forward Lighting system
AFL+ which is optionally available for the Mokka and other models comes
complete with Bi-Xenon headlamps and comprises up to 9 intelligent
lighting functions. They include country light, motorway light, town
light, pedestrian light, adverse weather light, increased high beam,
static bending light, dynamic bending light, daytime running light with
LED and High Beam Assist. AFL+ thus increases the safety of all those
involved in road traffic and makes driving at night or in adverse
weather conditions a more relaxing affair.
An electrochromatic anti-dazzle rearview mirror safeguards the driver against being dazzled by traffic that is behind his vehicle. A rain sensor function for the windscreen wipers ensures good visibility to the front. In sub-zero temperatures, electrically heated wing mirrors provide a clear view to the rear.
Drive in comfort: Heated steering wheel and seating plus cabin heating
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| Opel Insignia 4x4 - Heated steering wheel button |
For more comfort during cold weather driving, the optionally available heated steering wheel can
be ordered by customers. The steering wheel warms hands within one
minute. The highlight of the system: when activated, the whole rim of
the steering wheel is heated, but heat is distributed more quickly in
the main grip areas around the lateral spokes. The wellbeing of the
driver and his co-pilot is further supported by the optional seat
heating that is available for all Opel models. Depending on personal
heating requirements, the seat shell and the backrests can be heated in
several levels.
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| Opel Mokka 4x4 - Climate control, Heated seats and steering wheel |
The cabin heating that is available in almost all
Opel models offers a comprehensive, care-free package: it can be easily
and directly activated by remote control and allows the user to
pre-program it with a timer function. Thus the driver will always enter a
perfectly acclimatized car. Extra effort and time normally spent on
scraping off ice is now no longer necessary and visibility out of the
windows always remains high. Neither winter coats nor bulky puffer
jackets are needed which would otherwise reduce the effectiveness of the
safety belts. The engine benefits from pleasant cabin temperatures thus
speeding up cold starts.
Smart driving: Tips before taking off
Numerous Opel kit options ensure that the drive experience during the
coldest time of the year is as pleasant and safe as possible. However,
in addition drivers should take great care to personally prepare
themselves and their vehicle for the challenges that harsh winter
weather poses. For those who have not changed to winter tires yet,
it is now high time to do so. Such tires provide better grip and
shorten the braking distance, not only in snow but also in low
temperatures. And don’t forget: regularly top up the windscreen washer
reservoir with anti-freeze. This prevents water pipes and washer
nozzles from freezing. This way the view to the front and the rear stays
clear, especially in critical situations.
Before the early morning drive, a few minutes should always be set aside. In the case of snow overnight, the car has to be completely cleared of all snow and ice
for better personal safety and that of others on the roads. This
protects any vehicles at the rear from being hit by stray remains of
snow. It also makes sure that one is not “blinded” by snow rests that
fall of the roof when brakes are applied suddenly. The driving style
should generally be adapted to the prevailing conditions: in other
words with more foresight and greater safety distances. Abrupt steering
manoeuvers should be avoided when the car is travelling on slippery
surfaces. When snow covered roads turn into ice rinks even with winter
tires, snow chains become the last resort. The fitting of the
chains needs to be well rehearsed in order to avoid for example being
stranded at the foot of hill.
