Best in class: Opel flagship wins category for “4x4 cars up to €40,000”
Grip-champion: Advanced Twinster four-wheel drive with torque vectoring
Hat-trick: All-wheel drive title already won twice by bestselling Opel Mokka SUV
Opel Insignia with torque-vectoring four-wheel drive is "All-Wheel Drive Car Of The Year 2019"
Opel Insignia with torque-vectoring four-wheel drive is "All-Wheel Drive Car Of The Year 2019". The Opel flagship was elected winner in the category for cars costing up to €40,000 by the readers of Auto Bild Allrad. Opel Insignia thus repeats the success of the bestselling Opel Mokka SUV, which was previously elected all-wheel drive car of the year twice in succession.
“Thank you to the well-informed readers of Auto Bild Allrad for their appreciation”, said Opel Germany Marketing boss, Christina Herzog, at the prize-giving in Berlin. “Our Opel Insignia offers an engaging drive and the highest safety, especially with the advanced four-wheel drive system. This respected award shows that readers and customers see it the same way.”
Opel Insignia model range – with sales of more than one million units – is a wise choice for families as well as fleets. The current generation of the Insignia family comprises the Grand Sport, Sports Tourer, Country Tourer and the top-of-the-line, particularly sporty Insignia GSi NEDC (1) fuel consumption Insignia GSi with 154kW (210hp) BiTurbo diesel and eight-speed automatic transmission: urban 9.6 l/100 km, extra-urban 5.6 l/100 km, combined 7.1 l/100 km, 187-186 g/km CO2; WLTP2 fuel consumption: combined 7.8-7.4 l/100 km, 204-193 g/km CO2).
Sports-chassis of the Opel Insignia GSi offers limpet-like levels of adhesion. A major contribution comes from the all-wheel drive with torque vectoring. In this high-tech system a conventional differential on the rear axle is replaced by two clutches, which can accelerate each rear wheel individually in fractions of a second, depending on the driving situation.
All-Wheel Drive Car Of The Year” competition organised by Auto Bild features ten categories of cars and prices. Experts make a selection of eligible models, which readers then vote for. They have one vote for each category, which they give on www.autobild.de. The winner of each category is decided by the readers’ votes.
[1] WLTP measurements converted to NEDC values for comparison.
[2] For information only, not to be confused with official NEDC values.
Development plan’s targets: Sales start this summer, first deliveries in fall
Polar circle Test Centre, Sweden: Man and machine deep frozen at -30° C
Dudenhofen Test Centre, Germany: Chassis development for balanced handling and comfort
Rüsselsheim EMC lab: Resistance to electro-magnetic waves
Opel engineers have been testing the next-generation Corsa for several months in Swedish Lapland, around 40 kilometres south of the Arctic Circle.
Sixth-generation Opel Corsa is getting ready for its launch this fall. While the new model has been created with the help of the newest, fastest and most efficient virtual development methods, Opel engineers now take it on their usual playgrounds to test, refine and validate it in real-life conditions. Since January chassis, powertrain, electronics, lighting and other Opel engineering experts have been using the long polar winter in Swedish Lapland for intensive testing in ultra-low temperatures on frozen lakes and snow-covered roads. Elsewhere, pre-production cars are currently lapping the test tracks at the Dudenhofen Test Centre while laboratory testing such as electro-magnetic compatibility also takes place at the Russelsheim facilities.
“During the development of the next-generation Opel Corsa, we placed special importance on increasing efficiency,” said Thomas Wanke, Global Lead Development Engineer, Vehicle Performance, who is working on a new generation of the Corsa for the fourth time in his career. “The new model is significantly lighter, which lowers fuel consumption and also increases the fun factor. As with the previous generations I worked on, the chassis we are currently refining was developed on all kinds of European roads including the high-speed German autobahn. Our aim is clearly to offer the customer top chassis execution with an optimum balance between safety, comfort and fun.”
Customers can look forward to a very fun and efficient Opel Corsa. Thanks to lightweight engineering, the new generation of the bestseller – more than 13.6 million units sold so far, with five generations since 1982 – is ten percent lighter than the previous model. Chassis delivers the typical Opel balance of sportiness and comfort, even though the new model is perceptibly more dynamic than its predecessor. Opel will also offer the Corsa for the first time as a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), right from the start of sales early this summer.
Winter testing: High comfort and safety under all conditions
As they have done for decades now, the Opel engineers have been testing the next-generation Corsa for several months in Swedish Lapland, around 40 kilometres south of the Arctic Circle. Among others, experts from the chassis controls department have been setting up the electronically controlled systems for stability, traction and anti-lock braking on low-grip surfaces, at temperatures as low as -30° C. The purpose of these extreme tests: regardless of ice, snow, slush or asphalt, and differing levels of grip on either side of the car, the control systems must always function reliably. As for delivering high levels of safety, comfort and driving dynamics, Opel engineers are refining the calibration of the chassis systems down to the smallest detail: where does “fun-to-drive” stop and stability control begin? At the Arctic Circle, the conditions for such fine tuning are more suitable than anywhere else. The engineers therefore repeatedly lap the specially prepared handling course, oval and surfaces, continuously optimising the control systems.
Testing with heavily camouflaged cars in Lapland began shortly after Christmas on public roads. From January through March, the ice on the frozen lakes was around one metre thick, so that the test cars, snow-ploughs and water sprinkler trucks could drive on them. The long polar nights also enabled extensive testing of the Adaptive IntelliLux LED technology which, after having premiered in their respective segments with the Astra and Insignia, will also be available for the first time in the Corsa class. The climate and environment in Northern Sweden made it possible to precisely evaluate and optimise the automatic glare-free matrix headlights which continuously adapt to the prevailing traffic situation and surroundings and simply “cut out” approaching traffic and preceding vehicles from the illuminated area. Making this system, which minimises glare while constantly providing drivers with optimum visibility, available in a popular, small car such as the Corsa is another demonstration of the democratisation of technology from Opel.
High-speed testing: Around the banked oval at Dudenhofen Test Centre
During their night-time test drives on the oval, handling circuit and comfort track at the Dudenhofen Test Centre, the Opel engineers also appreciate the high output of the new Corsa’s headlights. The long straights were used to prepare the new generation for driving on the autobahn, where Opel sets especially high standards for the steering and suspension.
“We place the highest importance on body control,” said Wanke. “For example, every Opel must deliver a firm, precise ride over undulating surfaces at autobahn speeds. The car must never feel too soft. The new Corsa impresses in this regard.”
The speed-dependent steering has been tuned for optimum precision, a progressive build-up of steering force and good feedback. The shock absorbers are designed to react immediately to the slightest ripple in the road surface or change in direction. The pre-production cars used for conducting all these tests also had to meet high standards for lane-changing and stability under braking. The new Corsa must remain controllable even at speeds higher than 140 km/h; brake-oversteer is forbidden. The bodywork is also tested while the car is driving at high speed on the oval – no part is allowed to flutter or vibrate, or cause annoying noises.
After completing all its tests for the autobahn, the new Opel Corsa can take a bath – in the drive-through water trough, at various depths from a minimum of 25cm. Although the car pushes a big wave ahead of itself, water is not allowed to enter the vehicle; the engine must not “inhale” any water, the electrical system and every part must remain protected from the wave. The lower engine cover in particular, although under high pressure from the water, must not malfunction.
Electronic testing: Around the clock in the Rüsselsheim EMC
While development prototypes and pre-production vehicles drive in the far north, in Dudenhofen and at various secret places in and outside of Germany, others also undergo severe testing in Rüsselsheim’s test rigs and laboratories. Electro-magnetic compatibility, (EMC) tests, for instance, take place throughout development. They ensure there is no susceptibility of the various electronic systems to disturbances. In the past it was only necessary to prevent the crackling on the radio that was caused by the alternator, the ignition, the windscreen wipers or similar systems. Nowadays the task is much more complex – after all, the new Opel Corsa is full of highly advanced electronic equipment. These include safety devices such as ESP, numerous assistance systems like matrix headlights, as well as the whole infotainment system.
In a purpose-built chamber at the EMC lab in Rüsselsheim, the Opel team tests the immunity of the car’s electronic systems against electro-magnetic emissions. These can be conducted along cables in the wiring harness or over the air. The test car is exposed to emissions radiated across a wide range of frequencies. The special absorbers on the walls “soak up” the transmitted emissions so that they do not reflect uncontrollably back into the chamber. The engineers thus obtain clean, reliable data. The car receives the green light only when all its systems have demonstrated their immunity against electro-magnetic emissions. New Opel Corsa has already passed its test; the electronics are optimally protected from disturbances.
From Opel Corsa to Opel Senator: Three-way catalytic converter on every model
Pro-environmental investment: DM 1.0 billion for new test facilities and equipment
Opel Ascona 1.8i: First German car with catalytic converter especially for Europe
Today: All Opel passenger cars meet strict EURO 6d-TEMP emissions standard
Thirty years ago, on April 21, 1989, Opel announced it would become the first German car manufacturer to offer the three-way catalytic converter as standard equipment on all its passenger cars – from Corsa and Kadett, to Vectra, Omega and Senator. Or as Opel’s Managing Director at the time, Louis R. Hughes, told the journalists at the press conference in Bonn: “Opel is the first carmaker to offer the best environmental technology as standard across the model range, from compact car to limousine.”
3-Way Catalytic Converter
But true to the entrepreneurial motto, “do the unexpected”, Opel went even further: in order to make it easier for customers to buy a car with the climate-friendly technology, the company also lowered prices for many models.
Opel continues to take its responsibility for the environment seriously today. All current Opel passenger cars already meet the strict Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard; and on the eve of the breakthrough for electric mobility, the carmaker is now putting the finishing touches to two of its next big steps towards sustainable mobility: Opel Grandland X as plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and the battery-powered version of the next-generation Corsa. Opel will open the order banks for both cars later this year. Every European Opel passenger car model will have an electrified version by 2024.
From Corsa to Senator: Three-way catalytic converter on every model
March 1988: with 20,451 units, Opel has established itself as the leader in new registrations of cars with three-way catalytic converters in Germany. By the end of the year the number had increased to 208,000. The amount of Opel cars equipped with catalytic converters rose again in early 1989 following the introduction of the Vectra, which Opel offered with the three-way catalytic converter as standard right from the start of sales.
The automotive engineering community at the time was convinced that there was no alternative to the three-way catalytic converter if exhaust emissions were to be reduced as much as possible. While the three-way converter removed around 90 per cent of the emissions, it was only about 50 per cent with a conventional two-way converter or 60 percent with a lean-burn engine. The three-way converter performed even better when it came to nitrogen oxides, with a reduction of 90 percent.
Opel’s smallest car with three-way catalytic converter in 1989 was the Corsa, fitted as standard with a 44 kW (60hp) 1.3-litre fuel-injection engine. Then came the 1.3-litre Kadett in the compact class, while the midsize Vectra featured not only a 55 kW (75 hp) 1.6-litre base engine, but also an 85 kW (115 hp) 2.0-litre power unit.
In the upper midsize class, the Omega was equipped as standard with the 85 kW (115 hp) 2.0 engine. The top-of-the-line model with three-way catalytic converter was the Senator. The Opel flagship was available with two 3.0-litre, in-line six-cylinder engines that produced 115 kW (156 hp) and 130 kW (177 hp) respectively.
Offering the three-way catalytic converter as standard across the range was the provisional climax of an environmental offensive that Opel had started five years before.
Exemplary behaviour: Opel shows responsibility for environmental protection
In the early 1980s, a discussion about acid rain and dying forests took hold in Germany. Emissions of nitrogen oxides were identified as a contributory factor. Road traffic, as well as industry, was seen as a cause.
Opel immediately recognised its responsibility for the protection of the environment and committed more than one billion Deutsche Mark (DM), as well as hundreds of engineers, to the development of catalytic converters.
Opel invested DM 100 million alone in new test rigs and test equipment for durability and high-speed testing. The new facilities included a 13-storey-high “soak tower”. In this insulated building, more than 130 cars could be prepared simultaneously for emissions testing. The legal standards required that, before the emissions test, each car had to be stored for at least 12 hours at a temperature of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Initially, most catalytic converters in Europe were just modifications of the U.S. version. But with the introduction of the Opel Ascona 1.8i in early 1985, Opel was the first German manufacturer to bring a model onto the market with a catalytic converter that was specially developed for European conditions. The first example actually produced was delivered to the Rhineland-Palatinate police force.
Environmental offensive: Catalytic converter at no extra cost
Environmental offensive continued the following autumn, when Opel presented the first European small car with three-way catalytic converter, the Corsa 1.3i. In 1986, the carmaker offered the new Opel Omega at no additional cost for the catalytic converter. Launches of the Opel Senator (1987) and the Opel Vectra (1988) followed the same strategy. Additionally, all Opel cars with three-way catalytic converter were equipped with active carbon filters for capturing hydrocarbons that escaped from the fuel tank.
Lightweight design: Opel weight-reduction initiative continues with all-new Corsa
Flyweight: Lightest five-door tips scales at only 980kg
Difference: Next Opel Corsa weighs up to 108 kg less than predecessor
Benefits: Improved dynamics, lower energy consumption and CO2 emissions
Sixth-generation Opel Corsa is based on a completely new design, which is the basis for an increase in efficiency. Opel Corsa will celebrate its premiere before the end of this year. Whether diesel, petrol or – for the first time – electrically powered, every new Opel Corsa benefits from the lower weight: the driving dynamics improve, the fuel consumption falls. The lightest version of the next generation even undercuts the magical 1,000 kilogramme mark – excluding driver, the five-door will weigh only 980 kg. Compared with its predecessor, this model variant is a useful 108 kg lighter. This is a weight-saving of around 10 %, although the new model has a similar length of 4.06 metres. Reducing so much weight while retaining similar dimensions is a remarkable development achievement that directly benefits the customer.
Opel Corsa has been a trendsetter, bestseller and favourite of millions ever since its introduction in 1982. Since then, more than 13.6 million units of the Corsa have been built at the plants in Zaragoza (Spain) and Eisenach (Germany).
Sixth generation is now about to go into production and will be available to order this summer.
New Opel Corsa: Multi-energy platform allows various propulsion systems
Intelligent lightweight design begins on the computer, using the newest virtual development methods. The specific use of various steel grades and connection methods enabled the Corsa’s big weight reduction. This includes the consistent use of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steels, as well as the optimization of load paths, connections, structure and form. Compared with the previous model, the body-in-white is 40 kg lighter. Next Opel Corsa is based on the multi-energy platform for small and compact cars, which allows a variety of propulsion systems. Customers can choose from combustion engines or the all-electric version.
The extra-light, all-aluminium engines, together with optimization of the front and rear axles, also contribute to the low total weight. The particularly compact three-cylinder petrol engines weigh around 15 kg less than the previous generation of similarly powerful four-cylinder units. Highly unusual in the small-car-sector is the new Corsa’s aluminium engine bonnet, which although longer, saves 2.4 kg in comparison to the previous model’s bonnet made of steel. Insignia flagship was previously the only model in the Opel range with an aluminium bonnet. Seats also have been put on a diet. New optimized seat structure saves a total of 10 kg – 5.5 kg at the front, 4.5 kg at the rear. New lighter insulating material was used for fine tuning. Altogether the measures result in a weight reduction that, in combination with optimum aerodynamics and the efficient powertrains, will lead to a considerable reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
From Astra to Insignia: lightweight design strategically important at Opel
Acceleration and braking benefit from every kg saved. Lightweight design is therefore strategically important at Opel. Current Opel Astra, which premiered in 2015, set new standards in this respect.
The 2016 “European Car Of The Year” is up to 200 kg lighter than its predecessor. As a result, the agility and ride comfort of the Astra are significantly improved; throttle reaction is more responsive, the steering reacts more dynamically, the driving experience is more engaging. The weight reduction will have a similar effect on the new Corsa.
Opel Insignia flagship followed exactly the same initiative as the Astra. Once again the Opel engineers’ main objective was efficiency. Thanks to optimized packaging and lightweight materials they could save up to 175 kg on the Insignia Grand Sport compared with its predecessor – much to the benefit of dynamics and fuel consumption.
Depending on powertrain and equipment, the current Opel Insignia Sports Tourer even weighs up to 200kg less than the similar model variant from the first generation.
Opel Grandland X is also designed for optimum efficiency and is one of the lightweights in its class.
New-generation Opel Corsa follows the same route of consequent weight reduction – for improved driving dynamics, lower energy consumption and reduced CO2 emissions.
All-New Opel Corsa - IntelliLux LED Matrix headlight
Anniversary model: Bestselling Opel Grandland X special model with leading technologies and comfort
Learning curve: From box seat to ergonomic seat with massage function in 120 years
Experts’ approval: Seats in Opel models certified by Campaign for Healthier Backs
Second-row comfort: Heated rear seats in Opel Insignia, Astra and Grandland X SUV
Opel Grandland X “120 Years”
Opel has been developing and producing automobiles since 1899. “Democratise top technologies and make them accessible to everyone” has been the motto since day one. Driven by this commitment, the automaker is celebrating “120 Years of Opel Automobile Production” this year. Through the decades, Opel has introduced numerous technical advancements and made them accessible to the general public. These include efficient engines and superior chassis, as well as state-of-the-art assistance systems. At the same time, Opel has always made the comfort of drivers and passengers a top priority. After all, motorists want one thing above all else: a comfortable and relaxed journey. Seats play a key role; they are the interface between man and machine. Accordingly, Opel also focused on seat development at an early stage, as seats with a perfect ergonomic shape increase not only comfort, but also safety. Both aspects have been at the top of the German carmaker’s agenda since the introduction of the first automobiles – after all, the 1899 Opel “Patentmotorwagen” already had leather seats.
The list of seating-milestones in 120 years of Opel engineering ranges from the introduction of longitudinal adjustment in 1931 and the legendary reclining seats in the Opel Kapitän, to height adjustment in the Opel Monza and Senator in the late 1970s and the Flex7 seating system in the first Opel Zafira exactly 20 years ago. Then in 2003 the first ergonomic seat certified by Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. (Campaign for Healthier Backs) made its Opel premiere in the mid-size Signum. Today, models like the Opel Astra, Opel Insignia and Opel Grandland X can be ordered with the award-winning, continuously developed ergonomic active seats.
Opel Grandland X - Ergonomic active seats
A prime example of top technologies and first-class comfort for everyone is the Opel Grandland X “120 Years” (fuel consumption with 1.2 Direct Injection Turbo, 96kW/130hp, six-speed manual transmission and Start/Stop according to NEDC1: urban 6.1 l/100 km, extra-urban 4.9-4.8 l/100 km, combined 5.3-5.2 l/100 km, 121-120 g/km CO2; fuel consumption according to WLTP2: combined 7.1-6.5 l/100 km, 161-147 g/km CO2) available from €29,200 (RRP incl. VAT in Germany). The anniversary model variant not only has assistance systems such as Cruise Control with intelligent speed limiter, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Hill Start Assist, Rear View Camera and Park Pilot for front and rear as standard on board. Numerous comfort features also ensure a relaxed ride. These include the multi-adjustable comfort driver and passenger seats as well as multi-stage seat heating for the front seats, heatable leather steering wheel and Solar Protect heat protection glazing in the rear. With just a glance at the exterior, the door sills with OPEL lettering, 17-inch light-alloy wheels in 5 double-spoke design and the “120 Years” logo immediately identify the Grandland X anniversary model. Comfort can be increased even further with the optional ergonomic active front seats – also in leather and with seat ventilation – and seat heating for the two outer seats in the second row. Opel thus offers first-class seating comfort for all passengers.
Early comfort: “Lutzmann” with soft leather seat bench
At the end of the 19th century, people could not even dream of such technologically sophisticated seats – the focus then was on engine-power, comfort played a subordinate role. The cars still resembled carriages, as did the seats. For instance the Opel Patentmotorwagen “System Lutzmann” of 1899: not just the entire car, but also the seats with their bolt-upright position were reminiscent of a carriage. Of course, there were no possibilities to adjust the seats yet. So instead, Opel focused on another detail that was a big comfort plus at the time: the bench seat was already luxuriously upholstered with leather.
Thirty years later in 1929, the seat in the Opel 4/20 “Moonlight Roadster” was still a rigidly fixed bench. However, it was positioned considerably lower and allowed passengers to stretch their legs out in front of them, similar to today. In the four-door model and limousine the front seats could be folded down. The next development step quickly followed with the Opel 1.8 Litre: the front seats could now be adjusted longitudinally. Brochures at the time stated: “The adjustable front seats are like club chairs: deep and cosy, with comfortable backrests.” The 1.2 Litre Regent had another standout feature: “Wide, comfortable, inviting front and rear seats. The large boot is accessed by simply folding the rear backrest forward.” So comfort combined with practical benefits was already on the agenda in 1931.
“Car seats like this were already on quite a few wish lists”: Opel Kapitän, GT and Monza
From the early 1950s the seats of the Opel Olympia were fixed to a metal frame and also longitudinally adjustable. To facilitate entry for rear passengers, the front seat backrests could be folded forward. In 1956, the Opel Kapitän L took things a step further with extra seating comfort. “The occupant of each individually adjustable front seat can recline the backrest seamlessly all the way to a horizontal position, simply by pulling a lever and leaning back,” said the description. The so-called “relax” or “reclining” seat was born. “A slight pull is all it takes to ‘customise’ the seat position.” The rails the seats slid on were mounted on an incline. This meant that the height of the seat position changed according to the longitudinal adjustment. Already back then, the significance of seats for safety was highlighted: “Especially when cornering, you really feel how these seats have the right shape and how much support they provide. The result is a pleasant and secure driving feeling that you never want to miss again.”
In 1968 the Opel GT went into series production. This legendary model sparkled with its bold sporty styling – both exterior and interior. Passengers made themselves comfortable in seats with a sporty shape. Extended seat cushions and a significantly improved shoulder section showed the direction of development. From the late 1960s, Opel gradually equipped various models with optional headrests – such as the Kadett B, Rekord C, Commodore A and Olympia A. The next important development step came in 1978: in line with the credo “Comfort is a function of technology”“, Opel introduced the height-adjustable seat in various trim variants of the Monza A and Senator A. “To guarantee every driver – regardless of height or size – their optimum personal seat position and visibility, the driver’s seat can be seamlessly adjusted in terms of longitudinal position, backrest tilt (…) and in the Senator CD even seat height”, was the description of adjustment possibilities in the Opel brochure.
Flexibility redefined: Flex7 seating system in the Opel Zafira
In the 1990s, the seats in the Opel Omega B were electrically adjustable as an option. The reinforced rear seat backrests and side airbags made an important contribution to passive safety; elaborate crash tests with a payload were conducted for the first time. Depending on the trim version, all three rear seats came with three-point seatbelts and headrests.
Opel presented a global innovation in 1999 with the introduction of the Zafira compact van featuring its on-board Flex7 seating system. For the first time, a compact seven-seat people-carrier could be transformed, in no time at all, into a two-seat transporter with a large loading area – without having to remove the seats and cumbersomely store them outside the vehicle.
Thanks to a clever mechanism, both the individual seats in the third row could be folded down flush with the floor of the boot. Then the seat cushions and backrests of the second row could be folded down, pushed up against the first row seats and secured there. This transformed the family van for seven into a load-carrier with up to 1,700 litres of transport volume (VDA – German Automotive Industry Association – standard).
With this concept, Opel raised flexibility to the next level and continued further developing it up to the lounge seating system with transversally adjustable outer seats in the middle row in the Zafira Tourer.
Good for the back: AGR-certified ergonomic seats from 2003
Relaxed travelling not only increases the well-being and safety of passengers, it is also an important health factor. The “right” seat is not only comfortable, it also supports the occupant’s back. Opel has a pioneering role amongst volume manufacturers in this area.
The company was the first automaker to offer back-friendly seats in the mid-size class in 2003, with the first AGR seal of approval for the Opel Signum. The experts for healthy seating awarded the 18-way electrically adjustable, multi-contour driver‘s seat in the Opel Vectra/Opel Signum their seal of approval.
From this moment on, the ergonomically superior seats set off on their road to success.
In 2008, the standard comfort seats in the Opel Insignia offered generous adjustment setting ranges – 65 mm (electric) for height and 270 mm longitudinally – achieving absolute best marks here. The premium driver’s seat was AGR certified.
And in 2012 the Opel Meriva was the first series production car to receive the coveted AGR seal of approval for its overall ergonomic concept: FlexDoors with an opening angle of 84 degrees, FlexSpace system, AGR certified ergonomic seats and the FlexFix bicycle carrier.
Opel also made the especially back-friendly seats available in the compact class. For the first time, the AGR-certified premium ergonomic seats in the Astra generation introduced in 2015 were not just multi-adjustable in height, longitude and tilt (including side bolster adjustment) they were also optionally available with further comfort features such as massage, ventilation and memory function.
In addition to the current Astra and Insignia variants, drivers and front-seat passengers in the top Opel Grandland X SUV can also look forward to exemplary seating comfort.
But they are not alone. All three models also feature second-row seating comfort, as optional seat heating is available for both front and outer rear seats.
Performance sports seats developed by Opel for the Insignia GSi driving machine (fuel consumption Opel Insignia GSi with 2.0 BiTurbo Diesel and 154kW/210hp according to NEDC1: urban 9.6 l/100 km, extra-urban 5.6 l/100 km, combined 7.1 l/100 km, 187-186 g/km CO2; fuel consumption according to WLTP2: combined 7.8-7.4 l/100 km, 204-193 g/km CO2) currently represents the ultimate in sportiness and ergonomics. AGR-certified Opel performance sport seat combines outstanding lateral support with top long-distance comfort and offers all the comfort features from the Insignia model line. The integral seat in the GSi also comes with ventilation, heating, a massage function (driver’s seat) and adjustable side bolsters. These features are complemented by the high backrest with integrated headrest. The longitudinal position, height, cushion tilt and backrest angle of the seat that looks like a king cobra ready to strike can all be adjusted electrically. The air cushions of the four-way lumbar support along with the variable side bolsters are also activated electrically. Developed by Opel experts for healthy seating, the performance seat is unique in its combination of sporty lateral support and comfort features.
1] WLTP measurements converted to NEDC values for comparison
[2] WLTP combined figures (for information only, not to be confused with official NEDC values)
€24,600: Attractive starting price in Germany for Opel Vivaro Cargo
For every purpose: Opel Vivaro as Cargo, crew cab, Combi and chassis
Right sizing: Three lengths up to 5.30 metres, 1.90m in height for underground parking
Heavy duty: Payload rises to more than 1,400 kg, trailer capacity to 2,500 kg
Mobile office: Multimedia connectivity, sensor-controlled sliding doors
For all road conditions: IntelliGrip traction control and bad-road package
Performance plus frugality: Economical Euro 6d-TEMP-certified engines
New Opel Vivaro
Opel is now taking orders for the new Vivaro, with prices starting at €24,600 (all prices in Germany, excluding VAT). Deliveries to customers will begin this summer. Compared to the previous model, the third-generation Vivaro is available in three instead of two lengths (4.60, 4.95 and 5.30 metres), able to carry a 200-kilogramme higher payload (up to more than 1,400kg) and, with a trailer capacity of up to 2,500kg, tow half a tonne more. Also, most versions are only 1.90m high and can therefore enter underground parking. A wide range of assistance systems and advanced technologies are optionally available, including IntelliGrip traction control, a 180-degree rear-view camera and multimedia infotainment. Useful features such as sensor-controlled sliding doors and FlexCargo load-through provide additional functionality.
Opel Vivaro variants: Cargo, crew cab, Combi and platform chassis
New Opel Vivaro Cargo
Opel offers the new Vivaro in four base versions. The entry-level panel van is the Vivaro Cargo priced at €24,600. The 4.60m Small is powered by the Euro 6d-TEMP certified, 75kW/102hp 1.5-litre diesel with six-speed manual transmission (NEDC fuel consumption1: urban 5.6-5.4 l/100 km, extra-urban 4.9-4.7 l/100 km, combined 5.2-4.9 l/100 km, 135-130 g/km CO2; WLTP fuel consumption2: combined 7.4-6.3 l/100 km, 194-165 g/km CO2). Opel Vivaro Cargo S offers 4.6m3 of cargo volume, which can be increased to 5.1m3 via the optional FlexCargo load-through, so that objects up to 3.32m-long (instead of 2.16m-long) can be carried inside. As the backrest of the centre-seat with the FlexCargo option can be folded and used as a table, the van can also be converted into a mobile office. Load-length and cargo volume increase to 4.02m and 6.6m3 with the Opel Vivaro Large.
For a price starting at €27,550, customers can configure their new Opel Vivaro as a crew cab with two rows of seats for up to six people. From €28,500, Opel Vivaro as FlexSpace crew cab offers even more flexibility. In this version, the standard grid behind the second row is not fixed, instead it can be folded behind the front row, which further increases the utility of the vehicle. The floor of the cargo area is covered with wood and features an anti-slip surface with aluminium rails.
The third model variant, Opel Vivaro Combi (starting price €26,250) is the right choice for transporting passengers, offering up to nine seats (depending on equipment and seating configuration) – ideal for bringing workers to the building site or employees to the office.
In addition to the previously mentioned versions, the third-generation Vivaro is also available as a platform chassis, onto which numerous conversions (such as cooled containers, tippers and recovery vehicles) can be installed.
Top technologies: Assistance systems for comfort and safety
Opel has made the new Vivaro generation safer, more comfortable and more practical than ever. For the first time customers can order sensor-controlled sliding doors – all it takes to open the doors is a movement of the foot under the corresponding side of the vehicle.
The front camera and radar-controlled assistance systems include lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, intelligent cruise control and speed limiter, forward collision warning and emergency braking, blind-spot warning and park pilot front and rear.
For the first time the Vivaro features an optional head-up display that shows important information such as speed, various assistance system settings and navigation information in the driver’s field of vision. Another novelty is the 180-degree panorama rear-view camera that displays the view behind the Vivaro on the seven-inch colour touchscreen of the Multimedia Radio and Multimedia Navi pro infotainment systems. Both are compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Multimedia Navi Pro offers Europe-wide navigation with 3D map display.
Stability and safety on a variety of slippery surfaces – such as mud, sand or snow – is provided by the advanced IntelliGrip traction control system with five modes. Twenty-five millimetres of higher ground clearance and underbody protection are available with the additional work-site set-up. Opel will also offer the new Vivaro with all-wheel drive from Dangel as soon as the order books open.
Low friction six-speed manual gearboxes or a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission contribute to the high efficiency. Service intervals of up to 50,000 km help to further reduce running costs.
Already in 2020 the range of efficient powertrains will extend to include a purely battery electric version. Opel will thus begin the electrification of its LCV portfolio and the Vivaro will not only be ready for work in villages or urban outskirts, it also be able to cover the “last mile” in inner cities.
Economical and future-ready: Advanced powertrains
The Euro 6d-TEMP-certified engines range from 1.5 to 2.0 litres with power outputs from 75kW/102hp till 130kW/177hp (NEDC fuel consumption1: urban 6.5-5.0 l/100 km, extra urban 5.3-4.6 l/100 km, combined 5.8-4.7 l/100 km, 152-125 g/km CO2; WLTP fuel consumption2: combined 8.0-6.0 l/100 km, 211-158 g/km CO2). The engines in overview:
